Off Highway Vehicles (OHV)

Riding OHVs (off-highway vehicles) is a popular activity on the national forests and grasslands. OHVs include dirt bikes, motorcycles, ATVs, and side-by-sides.

Federal regulations require the operator of an OHV to follow these rules when on National Forest land:

Operate OHV’s only on areas, roads and trails designated as open to OHVs. The MVUM (motor vehicle use map) for the forest or grassland shows the roads, trails, and areas open for vehicle use by type of vehicle and time of year.
Operator and vehicle must meet all applicable state vehicle/operator requirements when on roads open to large vehicles.
Vehicle must be equipped with state approved muffler and/or spark arrester.
Recreational riding within developed campgrounds is prohibited. OHV’s may only be used to enter and leave campgrounds.
Operating a vehicle in a manner which damages the land, wildlife, or vegetation is prohibited.

OHV Road Riding

The Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands allow OHVs on most of their roads.

Not all roads and trails are created equally when it comes to riding. Some roads are for cars, trucks, and motorcycles ("highway legal"), but not off-highway vehicles. Some trails are designated for off-highway vehicles, some not. Know where you are going and understand what is allowed on the road or trail before you go.

Stay on open forest roads

Drive only on roads or trails designated for motorized use. Cross-country travel is prohibited unless in a designated area. Obtain a Motor Vehicle Use Map for specific information on your forest.
- Comply with signs.
- Don't drive around barriers.
- Leave gates as you found them.
- No vehicles are allowed in wilderness areas.

Protect the environment

Minimize erosion by staying on trails and not cutting switchbacks.
Avoid wet, muddy areas as they are more susceptible to erosion. Meadows, lake shores, stream banks and vegetation are easily damaged.
Teach new riders trail etiquette—lead by example.
Don’t litter. Pack out more than your share.

Ride safely, stay in control

The forest is for everyone. Be considerate of hikers and equestrians.
Yield right-of-way to other trail users. Horses spook when they see an unfamiliar object, especially one which moves quickly and quietly.
Control your speed at all times and approach turns in anticipation of someone around the bend. Reckless riding and high downhill speeds are not appropriate.

OHV Trail Riding

The Bessey and Pine Ridge Ranger Districts are the two places that have true OHV motorized trails (as opposed to sharing the road with highway-legal vehicles. Both districts allow vehicles 64-inches wide or less on the trails; this accommodates most UTVs / side-by-sides.

Ride responsibly

Many trails are open to multiple types of motorized vehicles and may also be open to non-motorized users: hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. Respect the rights of all trail users enjoying our public lands. When riding a motorized vehicle, always yield to those riding horses. Shut off your engine, remove your helmet and talk to the rider and horse in a friendly, relaxed manner.
Trails are open both directions, so take care to slow down at blind curves.

Ride ethically

As you ride, always stay on designated Forest roads and trails. Go over, not around, obstacles to avoid widening the trails. Never ride cross-country, as it is illegal on all National Forests except in designated areas.
Leave others with a good impression of your sport.

OHV Open Area Riding

A designated motorized area is one where cross-country driving is allowed. Two of the more popular areas are Railroad Buttes (Buffalo Gap National Grasslands) and the Hill Climb (Nebraska National Forest - Halsey/Bessey).

OHV Camping

Developed campgrounds

Follow rules about how many vehicles are allowed per campsite.
Avoid parking vehicles on the grass in campsites.
Do not joy ride in campgrounds or in your campsite.
You may have to trailer your OHV from the campground to the OHV trailhead. Not all roads are open to OHVs.

Dispersed camping