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USDA Forest Service
Daniel Boone
National Forest
1700 Bypass Road
Winchester, KY 40391

Phone: 859-745-3100
FAX: 859-744-1568

ATV/OHV Use

New! Motor Vehicle Use Maps online.

2009 Recreation Schedule and Fees (pdf).

There are currently about 150 miles of trails open to use by ATV's (3 & 4 wheelers) and motorcycles. Many of these trails are also open to horses, mountain bikes and hiking so caution and courtesy must be exercised. There are trails for such motorized use on most of our districts. Additional trails may be opened in the future, following analysis of potential environmental impacts and opportunities for public comment.

Your compliance with rules that protect the land and streams will help keep these trails open. Resource damage due to illegal use is documented and can negatively affect the process that determines if future trails are developed.

Kentucky law prohibits the consumption of alcohol in public places and prohibits open containers of alcohol.

TRAIL FEES:

At this time, all trails are free use except for the White Sulphur Trail on the Cumberland Ranger District and Redbird Crest Trail on Redbird Ranger District. A special recreation pass is required to use these trails.

The following types of permits are available:

• 1-DAY PERMIT - $7.00
  Valid until noon the day after purchase. Band must be worn on operator's wrist or attached to handle bar of ATV to be valid.
• 3-DAY PERMIT - $15.00
  Valid until noon the 4th day from purchase. Band must be worn on operator's wrist or attached to handle bar of ATV to be valid.
• ANNUAL PERMIT - $40.00
  Valid May 1 - Nov. 30. Sticker must be affixed to left rear of ATV to be valid.

In the past, most of the Daniel Boone National Forest was open to off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, including off-trail use. OHV's include both full size off-road vehicles, rail buggies, three and four wheeler ATV's and motorcycles. As the popularity of these recreational vehicles increased, so did their use on the Forest. However, because of increasing damage to soils, water, and certain sensitive plants and animals, we have implemented the following regulations.

Cromer Ridge is closed to motor vehicle use.

Please Ride Safely!

• Full sized off road vehicles, and rail buggies all of which are over 50 inches wide, are permitted on Forest Service roads open to the public. These vehicles must be street legal and properly licensed. Trail use is not permitted. 
• ATV's (e.g., 3 & 4 wheelers) and motorcycles must remain on trails designated for their use and their riders must comply with Kentucky motor vehicles laws, including use of helmets (KRS 189.515).
• Cross country travel, including hill climbs, by all types of motorized vehicles are not permitted.
• Learn more about OHV regulations by viewing forest OHV regulations and state (KRS) OHV regulations.

Cromer Ridge is now closed to ATV use.

Author: Recreation Staff
Last Updated: February 10, 2009