Off-Highway Vehicles

• Overview
  & Background
• Trail
  Maps
• Recreation
  Matrix
• Rules and
  Regulations

Overview and Background

On The Right Trail

The Apalachicola National Forest is a unique and productive forest that is actively managed to restore and conserve native environments, while also providing compatible recreation opportunities. For unlicensed motorized vehicles, the Apalachicola National Forest provides ATV and Motorcycle trails. The ATV trails are marked by yellow fiberglass posts and ATV and motorcycle symbols. Use is for ATVs, motorcycles, and utility vehicles. The Motorcycle only trails are marked with white fiberglass posts and a motorcycle symbol. Both types of trails have sections on roads that allow both licensed and unlicensed vehicles. These mixed use roads are shown on the map and identified by road number and jeep symbol. All roads and trails have two-way traffic.Please drive carefully.
 

Motor Vehicle Use Maps

Complete MVUM Map Booklet
Apalachicola (pdf 7.2 mb)

ATV TRAIL SYSTEM (YELLOW) - 56 miles

Vinzant OHV Trailhead

Directions - From Tallahassee (Capital Circle West), take SR 20 west approximately 13 miles. Turn left on FR 342. Trailhead is on the left, just north of SR 267. The entrance to the trailhead has been hardened and is normally passable even with standing water. The trail itself is prone to flooding. Check depth before entering water on trails.

North Oak OHV Trailhead

Directions - From Tallahassee (Capital Circle West), take SR 20 west approximately 6 miles. Turn left on FR325. Trailhead is on the left. The surface is loose sand.

MOTORCYCLE TRAIL SYSTEM (WHITE) - 57 miles

Lost Lake OHV Trailhead (no ATVs or utility vehicles)

Directions - From Tallahassee, take Springhill Road south approximately 3 miles. Turn right into the entrance road. Turn right and follow the loop around to the Motorcycle parking area and trail entrance. This area is also popular for horse riders. Please be considerate of other users.

SILVER LAKE RECREATION AREA

Trailhead for ATVs and Motorcycles and Safety Training Site

Directions - Silver Lake Trailhead - Fee Area

From Tallahassee (Capital Circle West), take SR 20 west approximately 3 miles. Turn left on CR 260 (at the sign for Silver Lake). Follow the road to the end of the pavement. Turn left into Silver Lake Recreation Area. Pay $3 entry fee at self service fee station. Turn right to the OHV parking area, training site, and connecting trail. OHVs may be ridden from the OHV parking area to the connecting trail. Please do not ride OHVs in the day use area. No alcoholic beverages are allowed at Silver Lake.

Hours: 8am to 8pm (daylight savings - summer) and 8am to 6pm (winter)

RIDING RESTRICTIONS

OHVs must stay on the designated trails. All cross-country (off road, off trail) travel by any motorized vehicle, including OHVs, is prohibited. No mudding or destruction of resources is allowed. Except on mixed use roads (see map), all numbered roads are closed to unlicensed OHVs. It is not legal to cut donuts in roads or to ride road cut banks and fill slopes. It is not legal for riders to make their own trails. Night riding is not allowed. Riding double is not allowed unless the vehicle is designed for more than one passenger (such as a utility vehicle). Trails may only be accessed from designated trailheads.

SAFETY

Riders should wear appropriate safety gear, carry a first aid kit, and ride with caution. All trails have two way traffic. Blind turns, hikers, down trees, other riders, and horses and bicycles should be anticipated. Trails are not designed for fast riding. It is unlawful to operate an OHV under the influence of drugs or alcohol or in such a manner that endangers the safety of others.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT, TITLE, AND FEES

Forest Service approved spark arrestors are required on all National Forest lands. For tires, users are encouraged to keep tread depth to a maximum of 1 inch. This helps prevent soil displacement and reduces trail maintenance costs.

The state of Florida requires young riders (6-15 years old) to attend an ATV or Motorcycle safety course, have adult supervision on the trails, and wear appropriate safety gear: approved safety helmet, eye protection, and over the ankle boots. For more information visit www.Floridaohv.org.

The state of Florida requires ATVs to be titled to allow determination of ownership. Riders are required to possess a copy of a Florida OHV registration and identification while riding. Out of state riders without a Florida OHV title are required to possess proof of vehicle ownership.

A Forest Service pass is required to ride on the OHV trails. The 3 day passes may be purchased (self service) at the trailheads. Annual trail passes are available at your local Forest Service office and at the Silver Lake Recreation Area entrance station. Camping and day use facilities in the developed recreation areas may have their own (separate) fees.

Fees: $75 per operator per year; $10 per operator for 3 days

TREAD LIGHTLY!

Off road vehicles can easily damage soils, plants, and wildlife. Plant life is plentiful, but fragile. Plants help stabilize the soil, provide needed nutrients, retain moisture, and provide food and shelter for all forms of wildlife. Please remember the forest is their home. For more information, visit www.treadlightly.org. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

For information on riding opportunities throughout the state of Florida visit www.floridaohv.org

For current trail conditions, call toll free OHV hotline: 1-866-607-2016.

For questions or suggestions, call 850-926-3561.

For Emergencies, call 911.

APALACHICOLA NATIONAL FOREST