Motorized Vehicle Use Rules and Regulations

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest manages motorized vehicle use under laws set by the State of Georgia. This means that anyone operating a motorized vehicle on a Forest Service road (including dirt/gravel roads) must follow all State vehicle laws and must have a valid driver's license. Roads open to highway legal vehicles must be licensed under State law for general operation on all public roads within the State. State law requires all vehicles and drivers to be licensed before operating on public roads.

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) that are not licensed for public road use must remain on designated trails marked specifically for OHV use. OHVs may not be operated in a manner that damages or unreasonably disturbs the land, wildlife, or vegetation. Violators of these restrictions are subject to fines of up to $5000 and/or up to six months in prison.

Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) maps indicate the National Forest System roads, National Forest System trails, and the areas on National Forest System lands in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest that are designated by regulation for motor vehicle use. These maps also note the types of vehicles that are allowed on each route or in each area as well as any seasonal restrictions that apply on those routes and in those areas. On the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, you can only ride on trails designated for the purpose of off-road motorized use. Some trails are restricted for a certain type of use such as only motorbikes or only four-wheel drive vehicles.

Road, trail, and area users must comply with the MVUM map as well as all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. Forest roads are only open to registered vehicles and mopeds in accordance with state law (O.C.G.A. 40-2-20, O.C.G.A. 40-2-8). All other vehicles including “motorized carts”, “low speed vehicles”, “multipurpose off-highway vehicles”, and “all-terrain vehicles” are prohibited. (O.C.G.A. 40-1-1, O.C.G.A. 40-6-362). Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 40-6-362) restricts operation of multipurpose off-highway vehicles to highways that are part of a county road system. Forest Service roads are not considered county roads.

Compliance with these rules is the responsibility of the user. These restrictions are set for safety reasons and to meet the special needs of each type of vehicle. Rules are necessary to make sure your riding adventure on the National Forest is fun, safe, and will continue to provide a quality riding experience.

Find maps and learn more at: www.fs.usda.gov/main/conf/maps-pubs.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Motorized Use on the National Forest

Where can I ride my ATV/OHV?

The operation of motorized vehicles such as motorcycles, ATVs or unlicensed OHVs are restricted to designated trails only on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Unless the trail is specifically designated for full-size vehicles, use of trails are restricted to vehicles less than 50 inches in width. Some trails are seasonally or intermittently closed to allow recovery from overuse. Sometimes trails are closed to protect them from damage when they are too wet or the effects of freezing and thawing soften the trail tread. Motorized trails close when conditions are wet to prevent trail damage and erosion into streams. Check the status of your favorite trail or Call Before You Haul.

Find more information about each trail at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/conf/ohv-trails.

Please note that Georgia House Bill 121 does not allow MPOHVs, low speed vehicles, and motorized carts to be driven on Forest Service Roads on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 40-6-362) restricts operation of multipurpose off-highway vehicles to highways that are part of a county road system. To be legal for use on Forest Service Roads, vehicles must be licensed under State law for general operation on ALL public roads within the State. Forest Service roads are not considered county roads.

Where can I obtain a permit to ride on ATV/OHV trails?

Some trails require you to pay a daily fee. Details are available at the fee stations near the trail head. While riding at fee sites, you must carry your permit with you. Buy an Annual OHV Pass at: Recreation Passes & Permits.

Permits are available online and at the nearest office. Visit at Recreation.gov where you can get your permit for ten popular OHV trails, and find more special outdoor places on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.

Annual Permits are valid for Houston Valley, Whissenhunt, Beasley Knob, Town Creek, Oakey Mountain, and Davenport OHV Trails. You may print the annual permit and display in your tow vehicle. You can also print an operator permit to carry with you on the trail or download it to your device.

*PLEASE NOTE: OHV permits are issued PER PERSON, versus other forest passes which are issued per vehicle. Each OPERATOR is required to have a permit in order to be in compliance. 

Where can I find OHV trail maps?

Print trail maps: https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/OHVMAPS. This map gallery contains trail maps, locator maps, and a state vicintiy map that shows the location of the OHV trail systems in the state.

The Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) map that officially designates roads and trails available for motorized travel on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest may also be viewed or printed. Copies may be available at nearest office.

Roads and trails may also be viewed on the Interactive Visitor Map website at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/InteractiveVisitorMap. A mobile app of this interactive visitor map is available for Apple and Google devices. 

The U.S. Forest Service reviews and updates road and trail designations every year. Forest Service Roads are identified by number on Motor Vehicle Use Maps, available on the national forest website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/conf/maps-pubs.
 

Is it safe to ride an OHV or ATV on the national forest?

Read about OHV safety, responsibility, and ethics here: Five Steps to Enjoy National Forests on Off-Highway Vehicles

Safe enjoyment of your OHV and hiking experience depends on every motor operator taking prudent precautions. Here are some safety tips:

• File a trip plan with family, friends or other responsible person and stick to it so someone will know where you are and who to contact should you fail to arrive home as planned.
• Boil or purify all water before drinking.
• Carry a first aid kit. Know how to treat minor injuries. Be aware of where the closest hospital is in case of serious injuries or snakebite.
• When riding your OHV, fend off twigs and flying rocks and mud. Wear boots, helmets, gloves and eye protection.
• Be in shape to take all the punishments a trail will offer. Be prepared to walk out in case of breakdown.
• Know how to make simple field repairs. Carry tools and spare parts.
• Travel in a group so help will be there if you need it.
• Don't race each other on trails and roads. There are unseen dangers such as logs, ditches and other vehicles. Adjust your speed to fit the situation.
• Carry a topographic map and compass or GPS unit. Know how to use them and study the terrain beforehand.
• Take a break from time to time to rest and check your vehicle's chain, tires and fuel level.
• Obey all rules posted at OHV trailheads.
• The forest may be your fun place but it is home to wildlife. Please respect their needs.
• Stay on the trail. Riding off the trail can destroy animal homes and kill vegetation that animals need for food.
• Some animals need to store water and energy in their bodies for hot summers or long winters. Chasing or scaring animals will force them to use up valuable reserves.
• Some trails have been damaged and badly eroded. They are now closed so the land can heal. Please help restore these sites by not riding on them. Avoid wet trails and wheel spinning.
• Keep your noise level down. Revving engines may frighten animals. Maintain your exhaust system. A properly packed muffler is as important to performance as it is to sound control.
• Noise does not equal horsepower. In fact, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council, not enough exhaust back-pressure can mean less power and can cause engine damage.
• Cross streams only at designated spots. Crossing elsewhere can stir up silt, and that's bad for fish.
• Always be courteous when you pass hikers, fishermen, hunters, campers, or horseback riders in the Forest. One little blip of the throttle can leave a shower of gravel, a cloud of dust and an enemy behind you.
• Carry a litter bag and pack out all trash. Learn to use no-trace camping techniques.
• Make sure your vehicle has an operating and effective spark-arresting device.
• Vehicle must not emit a noise greater than 86 decibels at 50 feet while traveling 35 miles per hour or less. When traveling over 35 miles per hour the noise level must not exceed 90 decibels at 50 feet.
• Conform to State laws and regulations regarding safety equipment for operating vehicles on public roads and highways.
• Operate licensed vehicles on forest roads safely and cautiously, respecting the rights of others.
• Operate licensed motor vehicles on a forest road only with a valid driver's license.
• Do not operate motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Do not shortcut switchbacks on roads or trails.
• Operate motor vehicles on designated OHV trails ONLY if of legal age to obtain a State drivers license or accompanied by a legally licensed driver.
• Make sure your vehicle has operable braking system.
• Do not create excessive smoke.
• Do not operate in a manner that damages or unreasonably disturbs the land, wildlife or vegetation.

What are the principals of Tread Lightly to protect the forest from motorized use impacts?

Do your part! Irresponsible behavior causes trail or public land closures. Respect all signs and barriers. Travel only on routes designated open for UTVs. Understand the MVUM map designating available motorized trails before you ride. Riding UTVs off trail or around trails damages resources. Use a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) and know which routes are designated as open to off highway vehicles. Find more responsible SxS tips here: https://treadlightly.org/learn/recreation-tips/utvohving/

Watch a short video below from our partners at Tread Lightly to discover a few of the basic principals of responsible motorized use:

May I ride a UTV on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest?

Yes, on specific motorized trails designated for that intended use. Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 40-6-362) restricts operation of multipurpose off-highway vehicles (MPOHV) to highways that are part of a county road system. Forest Service roads are not considered county roads. Compliance with these rules is the responsibility of the user.

Please note that Georgia House Bill 121 does not allow MPOHVs, low speed vehicles, and motorized carts to be driven on Forest Service Roads on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.  

 

How can I get involved to help care for motorized trails?

Volunteer trail maintenance activities both through individual as well as organized club participation are welcomed on these OHV trail systems. We invite you to contact us at the nearest office for additional information on how you or your club can help the U.S. Forest Service provide safe, fun, off-road riding.

If a motor vehicle is licensed, where can it be operated?

OHVs that are not licensed for ALL public roadways must remain on designated trails marked specifically for OHV use. Some trails are restricted for a certain type of use, such as only motorbikes or only four-wheel drive vehicles. These restrictions are set for safety reasons, to meet the special needs of each type of vehicle.

State law requires all vehicles and drivers to be licensed before operating on public roads. Therefore, unlicensed vehicles and drivers can only ride on designated OHV trails.

OHVs may not be operated in a manner that damages or unreasonably disturbs the land, wildlife, or vegetation. Violators of these restrictions are subject to fines of up to $5,000 and/or up to six months in prison.

The MVUM designates the National Forest System roads, National Forest System trails, and the areas on National Forest System lands in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest that are designated for motor vehicle use pursuant to 36 CFR 212.51. These maps also note the types of vehicles that are allowed on each route or in each area as well as any seasonal restrictions that apply on those routes and in those areas.

Designation of a road, trail, or area for motor vehicle use by a particular class of vehicle under 36 CFR 212.51 should not be interpreted as encouraging or inviting use, or to imply that the road, trail or area is passable, actively maintained, or safe for travel.

Why does the Forest Service regulate use of motor vehicles on the national forest?

Rules are necessary to make sure your riding adventure on the National Forest is fun, safe, and will continue to provide a quality riding experience. Please help by obeying these rules.

The clear identification of roads, trails, and areas for motor vehicle use on each National Forest enhances management of National Forest System lands; sustains natural resource values through more effective management of motor vehicle use; enhances opportunities for motorized recreation experiences on National Forest System lands; addresses needs for access to National Forest System lands; and preserves areas of opportunity on each National Forest for nonmotorized travel and experiences.

Learn more at: Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) Information and Frequently Asked Questions | US Forest Service (usda.gov)

Where can I find information about motorized roads and trails on other national forests?

Find a list of MVUMs for each national forest on the national website.

 

 

Return to this location for additional FAQs in the future. The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest appreciates the cooperation and support for these regulations and rules.

Updated January 8, 2024