Engaging in an off-roading adventure is one of the best ways to explore a place’s natural landscapes and forests. And when it comes to off-roading, Ohio’s rugged hills and crackling creeks are hard to beat.
Whether you are looking for a family-friendly trail or a heart-pounding challenge, this post is your guide to the best places to go off-roading in Ohio. So fuel up your ATV, dirt bike, or 4×4 and get ready for exploration of the Buckeye State’s rugged terrains while testing your abilities to brave the environments.
A Quick Look At The 13 Best Places To Go Off-Roading in Ohio
The 13 Best Places To Go Off-Roading In Ohio
1. Bear Creek Ranch KOA
Open to ATVs and dirt bikes, the Bear Creek Ranch KOA promises 26 miles of pristine marked trails weaving their way through the 180-acre property’s woods, creeks, and 250-foot hill.
One of the best places to go off-roading in Ohio, this dirt biking paradise offers varied trails for riders of all experience levels, although children under eight are not permitted to operate their own vehicles.
While a great spot for a day trip near East Sparta, the Bear Creek Ranch KOA also promises an onsite campground just a mile from the riding trails. With full hookups, tent camping, cabin rentals, and free wifi throughout the property, this exciting destination makes for a great weekend getaway of off-roading adventures.
2. Renegade Ridge
Located just outside of Bloomingdale, Ohio, Renegade Ridge promises over 25 miles of trails and is one of the premier off-road parks in the state. While open throughout the year, the park operates on a limited schedule, often amounting to only a single weekend each month.
Most of the park’s off-roading trails are family-friendly, although there are areas that offer a higher degree of difficulty for those seeking a challenge, including a large mud pit and small mud areas.
3. Pike State Forest
One of the best places to go off-roading in Ohio for free, Pike State Forest is home to over 20 miles of ATV and dirt biking trails. While trails range in difficulty, most routes are relatively easy for all skill levels, offering a fun, laid-back day weaving through the park’s wooded ridges and hollows.
As a state-operated forest, ATVs must be registered within the state before engaging its off-roading trails.
4. Southington Offroad Park
Southington Offroad Park in Garrettsville is the perfect spot for great Jeep trails with fun yet challenging obstacles for varied skill levels. Boasting over 1,500 acres of property, this off-roading paradise is a great destination for a weekend getaway, ranging from its thrilling Jeep trails to its onsite campground.
Offering something for the whole family, the campground includes electric hookups, a modern bathhouse, playgrounds for kids, an onsite store, and a sand volleyball court perfect for a traditional camping trip.
5. Forbidden Zone Park
Open throughout the year, Forbidden Zone Park promises plenty of varied off-roading trails for several types of vehicles, including ATVs, Jeeps, trucks, and dirt bikes. Located in Hammondsville, this off-roading park’s scenic trails are perfect for a day trip or for a private party, with the park available to rent out for exclusive access for your group.
6. Perry State Forest
Another popular off-roading destination operated by the state, Perry State Forest is considered one of the most popular free ATV trails in Ohio, promising a varied mix of terrains across its 16 miles of trail.
While the forest consists mostly of wood trails, there are also regions of hills, ridges, hollows, and mud for an adrenaline-pumping ride through its various landscapes.
Additionally, there is no camping permitted on the property. However, the availability of picnic tables and vault toilets make it a great destination for a day trip to Blue Rock.
7. Monday Creek Trail System
Perhaps one of the most extensive places to go off-roading in Ohio, the Monday Creek OHV Trail System features over 145 miles of trails through the Ironton Ranger Districts of Wayne National Forest’s varied terrains, suitable for ATVS, dirt bikes, and UTVs.
Along with promising plenty of off-roading opportunities, the national forest also features plenty of hiking and horseback riding trails, along with some spectacular kayaking routes and camping sites, including developed campsites and dispersed camping areas.
8. Heiney Farm
Open to all vehicles ranging from Jeeps and trucks to ATVs and motorbikes, Heiney Farm is one of the best places to go off-roading in Ohio for group events. While the off-road park does organize the occasional open-access events, the facility is primarily reserved for private rentals.
Promising several miles of off-roading fun, the trails at Heiney Farm feature a challenge for all experience levels and include fun yet engaging obstacles, such as mud pits, steep climbs, and narrow ravines.
The farm also permits primitive camping for visitors who wish to stay overnight on the property.
9. Maumee State Forest
Another great state forest with 8 miles of off-roading trails, the Maumee State Forest covers an expansive 3,332 acres of Fulton, Henry, and Lucas Counties. Along with being a great place to go off-roading in Ohio, the forest also promises plenty of hiking and bird-watching opportunities.
Open throughout the year, Maumee State Forest’s All-Purpose Vehicle Area permits the use of snowmobiles, motorcycles, dirt bikes, and mountain bikes.
10. Tecumseh Trails
Located on a 1000+ acre private property near Hemlock, Tecumseh Trails is one of the best places to go off-roading in Ohio, promising plenty of hills, valleys, mud pits, and streams. With trails catering to all experience levels, the park welcomes riders of all abilities to take advantage of its ATV, UTV, and motorcycle paths.
Camping is permitted, but the property does not offer any onsite amenities or hookups.
11. Sandusky Valley Riders
First opened in 1928, Sandusky Valley Riders has been one of the best places to go off-roading in Ohio for nearly a century. Boasting over 40 acres, this off-roading park features sections of trail that weave their way along the riverfront, across crackling creeks, and through various obstacle terrains.
The property also features a clubhouse and a 1.3-mile motocross track and is open year-round.
12. Pine Creek Trail System
Another great off-roading trail in Ohio’s Wayne National Forest, the OHV Pine Creek Trail System, features approximately 20 miles of off-roading trails open to off-road vehicles, hikers, and mountain bikes.
As a state-run forest, off-road vehicles require a permit to make use of the trails.
13. Haspin Acres
The final off-roading destination featured on this list isn’t actually in Ohio. However, it is just over an hour’s drive from Cincinnati, making it a convenient spot for an off-roading day trip from The Buckeye State.
Located in Laurel, IN, Haspin Acres features beautiful riding trails weaving their way through 750 acres of wooded hills, complete with river crossings, hill climbs, and much more.
Along with varied trails for all skill levels, Haspin Acres offers a motocross track, a 300-foot-long loose dirt drag strip, and a challenging Jeep trail known as the Devil’s Backbone.
