When you’re looking for a new place to take your machine off-roading, Ohio is probably one of the last places on your mind. You probably think of football and chili. But it honestly has a lot to offer.
You can find everything from wooded Appalachian hills to rocky climbs to mud depending on the area. You can even find some sandy areas. Once you get away from the cities, you’ll find some seriously fun places to put your ATV or UTV to work.
So, where should you ride first? We picked six of the best ATV and UTV trails in Ohio to help you decide.
Please Note: “UTV-friendly” does not mean every UTV will fit. Public trails in Ohio usually have 50- or 62- inch width restrictions. Park details and prices reflect what was current as of September 2026.
Renegade Ridge gives you more than 1,500 acres to explore in eastern Ohio. There are wooded trails, hills, mud, rocks, and more technical areas, so there’s enough variety to keep just about anyone entertained. It’s also one of the better places on our list if you have a full-size UTV that won’t fit on narrower public trails.
When you’re dealing with mud, hills, and other technical terrain, a winch should definitely be something you have on you. It gives you a way to recover your machine when you get buried or help your buddy out when they inevitably decide they can make it through something they absolutely cannot.
Monday Creek is part of Wayne National Forest and it gives you a huge variety of southern Ohio terrain. You can spend your ride cruising wooded sections, climbing hills, pushing through clay and rocks, and exploring land shaped by the area’s mining history. You can ride easier areas or ride rougher climbs and rutted sections when you want more of a challenge.
Rocks, roots, ruts, and washouts aren’t exactly friendly to the bottom of your machine. A skid plate adds protection underneath your rig so your frame, floorboard, and driveline aren’t taking every hit directly.
Perry State Forest isn’t the place to go if your idea of trail riding is a relaxing cruise through the woods. Its former mining terrain gives you steep hills, uneven ground, loose dirt, whoops, and slick clay. Throw some rain into the mix and things can get interesting fast.
That kind of terrain can leave you wishing you had another inch or two underneath your suspension. Adding a lift kit can give your machine extra ground clearance to help you get through deep ruts and uneven sections without catching your suspension on every obstacle.
Pike State Forest gives you a smaller trail system that’s great when you want to spend a day riding without committing to a massive trail network. You can expect wooded hills, roots, hardpack, mud, and plenty of elevation changes. Most of it is manageable for less experienced riders, but rain can make things a lot more challenging, so be cautious.
When you have terrain that’s constantly changing, a good set of tires can go a long way. A versatile tread gives you traction across hardpack, loose dirt, roots, and mud better than tires that don’t match your riding style.
Maumee gives you a completely different kind of ride than the steep hills you’ll find farther south. Its shorter trail system runs through mostly flat, sandy terrain with wooded sections and very little elevation change. That makes it a good place for newer riders, families, or anyone who just wants an easier day behind the wheel.
Even an easy trail can wear you out when you’re constantly working the steering wheel. A power steering kit reduces steering effort and makes repeated turns through sandy terrain easier on your arms.
Richland Furnace packs plenty of southern Ohio terrain into a small riding area. There are wooded hills, rocks, exposed roots, mud, and tight turns. Conditions can get tougher after rain, so don’t assume a trail that was easy last weekend will ride the same way when you show up.
Those tight wooded sections can put the sides of your machine dangerously close to rocks and trees. Nerf bars help protect your body when the trail doesn’t give you much room for error.
Ohio gives you everything from beginner-friendly sandy trails to rocky hills and rough Appalachian terrain. Picking the right place to ride is only half the job. You also need a machine that’s ready for whatever the trail throws your way.
Before your next trip, make sure your machine is fully prepped and ready to go. Whether you need replacement parts or just want some performance enhancements, SuperATV has you covered.
Disclaimer: This article was written by an employee of SuperATV. The views, opinions, and recommendations expressed in this blog are the writer’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of SuperATV. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as safety advice or official technical guidance. Modifying vehicles and using aftermarket parts can impact performance and safety. Readers are responsible for ensuring proper installation, compatibility, and safe operation. SuperATV makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information and assumes no liability for any actions taken based on it.
