Mark Twain National Forest

ATV/UTV and Motorcycles

Information and Regulations on the following Motorized Vehicles and related topics:

1. ATV
2. UTV
3. Motorcycle
4. Motorized Trails and Maps
5. Tread Lightly
6. Safety

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

Definition of an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV). A type of off-highway vehicle that travels on three or more low-pressure tires; has handle-bar steering; is less than or equal to 50 inches in width; and has a seat designed to be straddled by the operator (FSM 2353.05).

Missouri Revised Statutes Chap. 301 Sec 301.010 (1) "All-terrain vehicle", any motorized vehicle manufactured and used exclusively for off-highway use which is fifty inches or less in width, with an unladen dry weight of one thousand pounds or less, traveling on three, four or more low pressure tires, with a seat designed to be straddled by the operator, or with a seat designed to carry more than one person, and handlebars for steering control;

Where you can ride an ATV:

County Roads and Forest Service Roads

In counties that issue or sell permits to ride ATVs, you can ride within that County on County roads and Forest Service roads that are shown as on “Open to Highway Legal Vehicles” on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). These maps can be viewed at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/marktwain/maps/products/.

All ATVs on County and Forest Service roads must abide by Missouri State motor vehicle regulations (Mo. Revised Statutes 300.348, 301.010, 304.013, 307.198, & 301.705 http://www.moga.mo.gov/STATUTES/STATUTES.HTM ). These regulations are summarized below:

1. ATVs may NOT be operated on state highways. In some counties, WITH a county permit, ATVs may be operated on their county roads.
2. The vehicle operator must have a valid driver's license. Riders under 16 with a learner’s permit must be supervised by an adult.
3. A person under 18 years of age must wear an approved motorcycle helmet.
4. ALL ATVs in Missouri must be registered with a state registration decal attached to the right front fork or frame.
5. No operator of an ATV is allowed to carry passengers unless ATV was designed by the manufacturer to carry passengers.
6. ATVs cannot be operated within any stream or river, except at designated stream crossings.
7. Every ATV must be equipped with:
   1. An adequate muffler system and a Forest Service approved spark arrester.
   2. A good operating brake system.
   3. A slow moving equipment emblem mounted on the rear of the ATV at least two feet above the roadway.
   4. A safety flag attached to the rear of the vehicle extending at least seven feet above the ground.
   5. Lighted headlamp and tail lamp.

NOTE: Not all Counties in Missouri issue or sell permits for ATVs. On Forest Service roads with in counties that do not issue or sell permits for ATVs, ATVs are prohibited.

Forest Service Motorized Trails

You may also ride on designated ATV trails at Chadwick Motorcycle and ATV Use Area in Christian County, and Sutton Bluff Motorcycle and ATV Use Area in Reynolds County if you have a Forest Service permit. These trails are shown on Forest Service’s Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) as “Special Vehicle Designation”. This map can be viewed at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/marktwain/maps/products/

Daily permits are $7, and annual permits are $45 in 2009. For information on where and how to purchase the motorized trail permits for Chadwick and Sutton Bluff Motorcycle and ATV Use Areas, click here.

Summarized rules for riding ATVs at Chadwick and Sutton Bluff Motorcycle and ATV Use Areas:

• The ATV must meet the definition of an ATV.
• You can only ride on marked trails (as shown on MVUM).
• ATV’s are not permitted off of designated  trails, no cross-country travel.
• Your ATV must not be over 50 inches in width.
• Your ATV will need to be equipped with a working muffler and spark arrester.
• The ATV must have operable brakes.
• Permits are valid at both Chadwick and Sutton Bluff Motorcycle and ATV Use Areas

NOTE: Utility All-Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) are prohibited at these trails.

ATV Regulations A printable Brochure of ATV rules and regulations is also available.

For Trail Conditions visit the current conditions page.

Return to the Top

Utility All-Terrain Vehicles (UTVs)

Definition:

Utility All-Terrain Vehicle (UTV) as defined by Missouri Revised Statutes Chap. 301 Sec 301.010 ("Utility vehicle", any motorized vehicle manufactured and used exclusively for off-highway use which is sixty-three inches or less in width, with an unladen dry weight of one thousand eight hundred fifty pounds or less, traveling on four or six wheels, to be used primarily for landscaping, lawn care, or maintenance purposes; http://www.senate.mo.gov/08info/pdf-bill/tat/SB930.pdf page 28.

Where you can ride an UTV:

County Roads and Forest Service Roads

In counties that issue or sell permits to ride UTVs, you can ride within that County, on County roads and on Forest Service roads that are shown as “Open to Highway Legal Vehicles” on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). These maps can be viewed at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/marktwain/maps/products/. 
All UTVs on County and Forest Service roads must abide by Missouri State motor vehicle regulations (Mo. Revised Statutes 300.348, 301.010, 301.032, 304.013, 307.198, & 301.705 http://www.moga.mo.gov/STATUTES/STATUTES.HTM and http://www.senate.mo.gov/08info/pdf-bill/tat/SB930.pdf page 57 thru 59). These regulations are summarized below:

1. UTVs may NOT be operated on state highways. In some counties, WITH a county permit, UTVs may be operated on county roads.
2. The vehicle operator must have a valid driver's license.
3. No operator of an UTV is allowed to carry passengers unless UTV was designed by the manufacturer to carry passengers.
4. UTVs cannot be operated within any stream or river, except at designated stream crossings.
5. Vehicle shall be operated at speeds of less than forty-five miles per hour.

NOTE: Not all Counties in Missouri issue or sell permits for UTVs.  On Forest Service roads with in counties that do not issue or sell permits for UTVs, UTVs are prohibited.

Forest Service Motorized Trails:

UTVs are NOT permitted on the motorized trails at Chadwick and Sutton Bluff Motorcycle and ATV Use Areas.

Return to the Top

Motorcycles

Definition:

Motorcycle a motor vehicle operated on two wheels

Where you can ride a motorcycle:

County Roads and Forest Service Roads

All motorcycles must abide by Missouri State Motor Vehicle regulations to operate on public roadways.

Forest Service Motorized Trails

You can ride motorcycles and Non-Street Legal motorcycles at Chadwick Motorcycle and ATV Use Area in Christian County, and Sutton Bluff Motorcycle and ATV Use Area in Reynolds County.  These Motorcycle/ATV Use Areas and trails are depicted on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) as “Special Vehicle Designation”. This map can be viewed and down-loaded at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/marktwain/maps/products. You must purchase a Forest Service permit to ride your motorcycle on these trails and Use Areas. Daily permits sell for $7, annual permits are $45 in 2009. For information on Forest Service permits and sales click here. 
Summarized rules for riding motorcycles at Chadwick and Sutton Bluff Motorcycle and ATV Use Areas:

• Riders under the age of 18 must wear approved motorcycle helmets.
• You can only ride on marked trails (as shown on MVUM).
• Motorized vehicles used on trails must not be over 50 inches in width, and are limited to motorcycles and ATVs.
• Working muffler and spark arrester required.
• Operable brakes required.
• Motorcycles are not permitted off of designated  trails, no cross-country travel.
• Permits are valid at both Chadwick and Sutton Bluff Motorcycle and ATV Use Areas

PLEASE TREAD LIGHTLY

• Travel only where motorized vehicles are permitted.
• Respect the rights of hikers, campers, and others to enjoy their activities undisturbed.
• Educate yourself by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies, complying with signs and barriers, and asking owner's permission to cross private property.
• Avoid streams, lake shores, meadows, muddy roads and trails, steep hillsides, wildlife and livestock.
• Drive responsibly to protect the environment and preserve opportunities to enjoy your vehicle on wild lands.

SAFETY FIRST!

You are encouraged to take and use the following equipment every time you use your ATV, UTV, and motorcycle: gloves and a helmet, eye protection, rain gear or cold weather equipment, maps, first aid kit, flashlight, and a fire extinguisher. It is also a good idea to take plenty of drinking water and snacks to last you for a hike in case you have to walk out after a breakdown. Remember, you can ride farther in one hour than you can walk in a day. Even if you're only planning a short ride, bring along some tools, a small tire pump, patch kit, tow strap, etc. A simple tool may be all you need to keep from walking.

• Forest Service motorized trails are shared by ATVs, motorcycles and mountain bikers. Please use caution and courtesy when encountering another user.
• When operating your ATV or UTV on County and Forest Service roads, keep in mind, you will be sharing the roadway with other motor vehicles (logging trucks), bicycles, horse back riders and hikers.
• County Roads and Forest Service Roads take priority over all motorized trail traffic, look before crossing at all cross roads and trails.

Enjoy your ride!

Return to the Top

ATV & Motorcycle Use Areas:

• Chadwick *3 80 miles
• Sutton Bluff *2 23 miles

Individual trails vary greatly in length and difficulty. Maps and brochures for the Chadwick Area are available at the Ava Ranger District Office, maps and brochures for the Sutton Bluff Area are available at the Salem Ranger District Office.

For Information on other trails available for Hiking/Mountain Bike/Horse visit the Hiking Page.

Map 

Key

• =ATV
• = Motorcycle
• = Bike