The U.S. Forest Service’s Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio recently announced the opening of more than 100 miles of designated motorized trails, the largest trail system of its kind in Ohio.
To celebrate the occasion, the Wayne National Forest and the Pickerington, Ohio-based American Motorcyclist Association (AMA)/All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA) renewed a five-year agreement to promote safe and legal use of off-highway vehicles.
“Really the message is to act responsibly, to ride safe and ride responsibly with respect for the environment. Stay on the trail,” said Rob Dingman, President and CEO of AMA/ATVA.
The agreement was signed recently in the Dorr Run Off-highway Vehicle Trail Area north of Nelsonville, near Haydenville in Hocking County. Shortly after the signing, Dingman and other members of AMA/ATVA were among the first to ride the Wayne National Forest trails for the season.
Motorized trail riding continues to be one the most popular recreation activities on the Wayne National Forest. In 2013, The Forest sold more than 7,500 trail permits; a large majority of permits sold were to motorized trail riders. Based on 2013 trail permits sales, it is estimated that the Wayne’s motorized trail system receives 20,000 to 30,000 visits annually from motorized trail use.
In addition to motorized trails, the Wayne National Forest also opened 78 miles of horseback and 94 miles of mountain bike trails. Trail permits are required and are available online or at several participating vendors. More than 92 miles of designated hiking trails are also available without a permit.
The Forest has also opened its developed recreation areas such as campgrounds and picnic areas.
For more information, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/wayne . Follow the Wayne National Forest on Twitter: @waynenationalfs.
