Ohio ATV Trail Mileage by Forest
Ohio’s ATV mileage is spread across several separate trail systems, so “how many miles are there?” depends on which forest you mean—and which routes are open when you arrive. This guide compares commonly cited mileage for Ohio’s major riding areas, explains why totals can be confusing, and shows how to plan a ride without mistaking a map’s full network for open, rideable trail.
Ohio ATV trail mileage at a glance
Ohio riding opportunities are divided between state forests and Wayne National Forest. The mileage figures below describe individual systems, not one connected statewide trail network. They are useful for choosing a destination, but check the managing agency’s current map and closure notices before you travel: maintenance, weather, and temporary restrictions can affect what is available on a particular day.
| Riding area | Commonly cited trail mileage | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Monday Creek, Wayne National Forest | About 75 miles | The largest of the three commonly referenced Wayne systems |
| Hanging Rock, Wayne National Forest | About 26 miles | A southern Ohio system near the Ohio River region |
| Pine Creek, Wayne National Forest | About 20 miles | A separate system in the Ironton District |
| Maumee State Forest | About 8 miles | A smaller riding area in northwestern Ohio |
| Perry State Forest | About 16 miles | A shorter system in southeastern Ohio |
| Pike State Forest | About 20 miles | A southern Ohio option with a different feel from the Wayne systems |
| Richland Furnace State Forest | Check the current map | Confirm the open route mileage before making it your main destination |
These numbers are best treated as planning estimates, not a guarantee that every listed mile will be open or suitable for every machine. A trail network’s published mileage may include connected segments, loops, and routes with different conditions. A closure can also change the practical amount of riding available without changing the familiar headline figure.
For an overview of which state forests offer riding, start with [Ohio's Four State Forest APV Areas]. Wayne National Forest is a separate destination with its own systems and rules; [Wayne National Forest's Three Ohio Systems] helps distinguish those areas from Ohio’s state forest trail networks.
The biggest mileage options
Monday Creek is the standout choice if your priority is a long day or the possibility of exploring a larger network. Its commonly cited figure is about 75 miles, but that does not mean you should expect to ride every mile in one outing. Your actual distance depends on the routes you choose, trail conditions, closures, your group’s pace, and how much time you want to spend stopped for breaks or navigation.
The larger figure can be appealing, especially if you are towing a long distance and want more than a short loop. Still, it is worth planning a realistic route before unloading. A group with new riders, children, or a machine that needs frequent stops may cover less ground than a group of experienced riders who are comfortable navigating an unfamiliar trail system.
Hanging Rock and Pine Creek offer smaller but still meaningful options. With approximately 26 miles at Hanging Rock and 20 at Pine Creek, either can suit a day when you want a defined riding area rather than a sprawling mileage target. The number on the map is only one part of the decision: terrain, access points, weather, and the kind of ride your group enjoys matter just as much.
Smaller state forest systems
Maumee, Perry, and Pike have less mileage than Monday Creek, but “shorter” does not automatically mean “not worth the trip.” A smaller network can be a good fit for a modest outing, a first visit, or a group that prefers to ride at an unhurried pace. Maumee is commonly listed at about 8 miles, Perry at about 16, and Pike at about 20.
These systems are not interchangeable. They are in different parts of Ohio, and the time it takes to reach them may matter more than the mileage difference once you are on the trail. A rider near Toledo, for example, may find Maumee more practical than a longer drive to southern Ohio. Someone traveling from the Athens or Ironton area may weigh the Wayne systems differently.
For the state forest destinations, consult [Ohio's Perry State Forest Trails] and [Ohio's Pike State Forest Trails] alongside the managing agency’s maps. For a closer look at the northwestern option, [Maumee State Forest's 8 Miles] is a useful starting point. Use those pages to narrow your choices, then confirm current access details before leaving home.
What the mileage figures do and do not tell you
A trail-mileage number sounds simple, but it can describe different things. It might refer to a whole trail network, a set of connected routes, or the total of several segments. It may not tell you how much riding is available from one parking area, whether a loop is complete, or whether a portion is temporarily closed.
That distinction explains why two riders can describe the same destination differently. One may say they rode “about 20 miles” because they completed a particular route. Another may refer to the full system’s commonly cited mileage. Both statements can be reasonable while answering different questions.
A system’s total is not a promised day’s ride
Think of the listed mileage as the size of the riding opportunity, not a route itinerary. If a system is described as having 75 miles, that does not mean a rider can simply follow one continuous 75-mile loop. The network may branch, require backtracking, or offer multiple segments that are better approached from different points.
For a practical example, imagine arriving late in the morning with a mixed group. You may spend time unloading, checking helmets and registration, reviewing the map, and helping less experienced riders get comfortable. A shorter planned loop may leave everyone happier than setting out to cover the biggest possible distance and then rushing to get back before the end of the day.
The same is true when weather has affected the ground. Rain can turn some surfaces slick, create deep ruts, or make a route less comfortable for a stock machine. A group may choose to shorten the ride even when the full network is open. Mileage is a starting point for planning; it is not a measure of difficulty, trail quality, or guaranteed riding time.
Open mileage can change
Trail access can be affected by maintenance, damage, land-management work, and temporary closures. A number printed in a guide or repeated in a trail description may remain familiar even when a specific segment is unavailable. That is why checking the latest agency information matters more than relying on an old screenshot or a forum post from a previous season.
Before loading, check the trail system’s official map and any posted notices from the land manager. Look for information about closed sections, access points, riding seasons, and restrictions that apply to your machine. [Ohio Trail Conditions Before You Ride] and [Ohio Trail Maps From ODNR] can help you build a pre-ride checking routine rather than relying on a single mileage figure.
If you use a navigation app such as onX Offroad, treat it as a planning aid, not a substitute for agency rules or closure notices. Compare the route view with the official map, and make sure everyone in the group knows how to identify a closed trail on the ground. A route visible on a digital map is not, by itself, confirmation that riding there is permitted that day.
Choosing an Ohio riding area by trip length
A good destination is one that fits the time you have, the group you are bringing, and the machine you plan to ride. It is easy to focus on the biggest mileage number, especially when you have driven a long way. But a shorter system near your lodging, or one that better suits your group’s ability, can make for a more relaxed day.
For a long day of riding
If your goal is to have the most room to explore, Monday Creek is the clearest mileage choice among the commonly cited Ohio systems. Its approximate 75-mile figure gives you more options than a small network, but you should still decide where to start and what distance is realistic. Plan a route with a clear return point, and leave room for breaks, navigation checks, and unexpected changes.
The three Wayne systems—Monday Creek, Hanging Rock, and Pine Creek—are separate riding areas, not one continuous trail where you can freely move between all three. Choosing Monday Creek does not mean you can casually ride over to Hanging Rock or Pine Creek during the same outing. Treat each as its own destination and check the relevant access information before planning a multi-day trip.
For an overnight or weekend visit, think beyond total mileage. Consider where you will park the trailer, how far you are from fuel and food, whether your lodging is convenient to the trailhead, and how your group will handle changing weather. You may prefer a system with fewer miles if it makes the trip simpler and leaves more time to ride comfortably.
For a shorter outing or a first visit
A smaller network can make it easier to plan a manageable first ride. Maumee’s approximate 8 miles, for instance, may suit someone looking for a more compact outing, while Perry and Pike offer more mileage without matching Monday Creek’s scale. The right choice depends on your starting point and whether your group wants a brief ride or several hours on the trails.
A first visit is also a good time to avoid overplanning. Pick a reasonable route, agree on a turnaround time, and make sure every rider understands the trail markers and group plan. If someone in your party is still learning, a calmer pace and a shorter route can be more enjoyable than trying to maximize every available mile.
Machine fit matters, too. Some Ohio state forest riding areas have a width limit, so check the requirements for the specific destination before towing a side-by-side or a wide accessory-equipped machine. [Ohio's 62-Inch State Forest Width Limit] is worth reviewing if your vehicle is close to the limit. A trail system’s mileage will not help if your machine does not meet its access rules.
How to plan around mileage before you ride
Once you have chosen a destination, turn the mileage figure into a practical plan. Start with the official trail map, identify the parking or staging area, and look for a route that suits your group’s experience. Then confirm that the route is open and that your vehicle and riders meet the rules for that land.
Build a route that fits your group
Choose a route based on the least experienced rider, not the fastest person in the group. If one rider is new, has a smaller machine, or is bringing a youth rider, make the first section short enough to check that everyone is comfortable. You can extend the outing if conditions and confidence allow.
Agree on simple group habits before setting off. Decide who leads, who rides at the back, and what everyone should do if the group gets separated. At trail junctions, stop where the group can safely gather and confirm the next turn. These small decisions prevent a ride from becoming stressful when the trail branches or someone needs a break.
Keep a backup plan. If a segment is closed, muddy, crowded, or unsuitable for your group, know what you will do instead. A second route or a shorter turnaround point can save the day. If you use onX Offroad to view possible routes, compare what you see with current agency information and the signs posted at the trailhead.
Check access details as well as distance
Before departure, confirm the riding season, current closures, permitted vehicle types, and any width or equipment restrictions that apply. Also check whether riders need a plate, pass, or other documentation for the destination. Rules can differ between a state forest and Wayne National Forest, so do not assume that a requirement at one place automatically applies at another.
At the trailhead, read the posted notices before unloading or riding. A notice board may include a closure or instruction that was not part of the map you used at home. If a trail is marked closed, do not treat the mileage listed online as permission to use it. Follow the posted direction and select an open route.
Finally, leave enough time to finish before your group is tired or daylight is fading. The best ride is not necessarily the one with the largest odometer reading. A well-chosen 8-, 16-, or 20-mile outing can be a better day than an ambitious route that leaves riders rushed, uncomfortable, or unsure where they are.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
