North Carolina OHV Trail System
North Carolina’s national forests offer four trail systems for riding off-highway vehicles (OHVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), 4-wheel-drives (4WDs), and trail bikes. These trail systems have signed routes marked with symbols showing what types of vehicles are allowed on the trails. Choose trails that are designated for the type of vehicle you’re driving and stay on signed routes. Do not drive off designated trails or create new trails or shortcuts. Most areas have maps that show trail difficulty so you can select a trail that matches your skill level.
Please follow these enforced forest regulations for treading lightly on the land:
- ATV and motorcycle operators must wear DOT-approved helmets and eye protection.
- Children under 8 may not operate ATV, UTV, or motocycles. Children under 12 may not operate any ATV, UTV 70cc or larger. Children under 15 may not operate any off-highway vehicle. Children under 16 must be under the continuous visual supervision of an adult over 18 when operating any ATV, UTV, motorcycle, or off-highway vehicle.
- No passengers are allowed on ATVs, unless vehicles are deigned to carry passengers.
- Unlicensed vehicles are not allowed on designated Forest Service roads or in developed campgrounds
- Spark arresters, mufflers, and brakes are required, as well as working headlights and tail lights for night riding.
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on all trail systems or in recreation areas.
- Travel only on OHV designated routes. Cross-country travel is prohibited.
