Off-road trails are used by drivers of off-road vehicles, which can be driven over rough, muddy and even rocky roads. The state of Kentucky offers a number of off-road trails for riders of any skill level. According to the Dirty Turtle Off-Road Club, their members "have wheeled all over . . . the U.S., and all [the members] agree Kentucky has some of the finest and meanest trails east of the Mississippi."
Dirty Turtle Off Road Club is comprised of 270 acres of off-roading territory outside of Bedford in northeastern Kentucky. The area offers trails for all skill levels. It was designed by off-road enthusiasts. In 2010, fees included a $5 park pass; $15 for each vehicle, including ATVs, side-by-sides, rail buggies; and a $5 charge for each passenger over the age of 12. Primitive camping is available for $5 a night. Rules include no alcohol, no hunting and no littering. All ATV and motocross riders must wear a DOT-approved helmet, while track riders are required to wear helmets, boots and chest protectors.
Dirty Turtle Off Road Club
93 Bucks Run Road
Bedford, KY 40006
dirtyturtleoffroad.com
The Harlan County Campground at Black Mountain Recreational Park in Harlan County, in southeastern Kentucky, features more than 6,000 miles of mountainous land, 200 miles of which are ATV and 4x4 trails. The trailhead is at Putney in the campgrounds, and all trails are rated and marked appropriately for difficulty level. The park is open all day, year-round. For any trail accidents, an air compressor, a welder and blow torches are available on-site. At the trail shop, you can find goggles, additional riding gear, ice, snacks, maps and permits, which are required to ride the trails at Black Mountain.
Putney Trailhead
8331 Highway 119
Putney, KY 40865
606-573-9009
harlancountycampground.com
Big Rock Off Road Park in northern Kentucky near Cincinnati has more than 2,000 miles of wooded off-road trails, according to its website. The park maintains a Facebook page that regularly provides updates about weather and track conditions. The trails are open to all size vehicles, from small ATVs and dirt bikes, up to large 4x4s, and all skill levels. The price of admission includes a Big Rock Park T-shirt and sticker. Riders under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver to ride if the youths are riding with other adults.
Big Rock Off Road Park
8157 Stonelick Road
Maysville, KY 41056
606-759-8204
bigrockoffroadpark.com
D&K is a family-oriented park in southeastern Kentucky with more than 1,550 acres of off-road trails. The park is open to any vehicle that has off-road capabilities with roll bars and seat belts. D&K Extreme Off-Road Park offers trails for rock crawlers, buggies and 4x4s. The park opened in 2003, and new trails are cut regularly. In 2010, the fee is $10 for entry. Gas and showers are available on-site. The camp offers primitive camping for tents, and two air-conditioned and heated cabins are also available.
D&K Extreme Off-Road Park
614 Hubbard Road
Manchester, KY 40962
606-598-2776
dandkoff-roadpark.com
