Off-Road Parks in North Carolina

Confirm current requirements with the state agency before your trip. Rules and fees change every season.

• OHV Trail Pass/Permit

  For riding on designated public OHV trails within national forests, a specific trail pass or permit is required. These are typically purchased for a daily, seasonal, or annual period. Verify the current pass requirements and purchase locations with the specific national forest or park you plan to visit.

  USDA Forest Service

• Safety Equipment Requirements

  Under North Carolina's ATV Safety Act, riders under 18 must wear a DOT-approved safety helmet and eye protection when operating an ATV off-road; on public streets, highways, or public vehicular areas, all riders regardless of age must wear both. Specific requirements for safety gear may vary slightly between public lands and private parks, so always confirm with the operating entity.

• Age Restrictions for OHV Operators

  North Carolina law stipulates age restrictions for operating OHVs on public lands or roads. Generally, operators under 16 years old must be supervised by an adult and may be restricted to certain types of vehicles or areas. Private parks often have their own specific age and supervision policies; verify directly with the park.

• Vehicle Sound and Spark Arrestor

  All off-road vehicles must be equipped with a U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arrestor when operating on national forest land to prevent wildfires. Exhaust systems must also meet noise emission standards, typically not exceeding 96 decibels for off-highway motorcycles and 99 decibels for ATVs/UTVs.

1. 01

   Research Designated Riding Areas

   Pick the park or national forest trail system that fits your machine and your skill level. Official websites and the land management agencies themselves are the reliable sources for access, hours, and amenities.

2. 02

   Understand State and Local Regulations

   Learn North Carolina's OHV rules before you load up: trail passes, required safety gear, spark arrestors. Then check the specific park or forest you're visiting, since each layers on its own requirements.

3. 03

   Prepare Your Vehicle and Gear

   Go over the ATV, UTV, dirt bike, or truck before the trip, and confirm the spark arrestor is fitted and working. Helmets, eye protection, and a first-aid kit ride along every time.

4. 04

   Plan Your Route and Check Conditions

   Study the trail map and be honest about route difficulty. Then check current conditions (weather, mud, snow, fire restrictions), because a trail that was open last month may not be open today.

5. 05

   Ride Responsibly and Respect the Environment

   Stay on marked trails, pack out what you bring, and give other trail users and wildlife room. Keep your speed reasonable. Trail access in this state survives on riders who treat it like something worth keeping.