All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) or Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) riders aren’t always welcome where they wander. These parks In Kentucky, however, are specifically designed for ATV riders and offer opportunities to ride and enjoy the scenery and challenges of varied terrain. Many families make an ATV riding trip their annual vacation, camping out in parks that welcome them.
Kentucky offers ATV riders scenic vistas from mountain ridges, challenging rides through forested, rocky terrain and twisting trails through forests. At the following locations, families can camp, spot wildlife, fish, hike and swim. Nearby towns cater to the ATV crowds, and shopping and souvenir hunting are encouraged. Be sure to check the links for each particular location for regulations, restrictions and fees.
Big Rock ATV and Dirtbike Park in Maysville, Kentucky
Big Rock is located 50 miles from Cincinnati on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River. A privately owned, family-friendly environment, Big Rock allows dirt bikes and ATVs only, no jeeps, trucks or buggies. Big Rock features ATV riding opportunities for all skill levels, one trail running along bluffs overlooking the Ohio River. Free primitive camping, restrooms and showers are available, along with limited electrical hookups. A four-bunk cabin can be reserved for $30 per night. Big Rock is convenient to several motels and gas stations, and a WalMart, as well as 11 ATV dealers.
Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Park, Harlan County, Kentucky
Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Park is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest. The nearby “off-road rider-friendly” towns of Harlan and Evarts even let you ride your ATV down Main Street! Black Mountain offers terrain for every skill level and two trailheads. The Putney Trailhead offers free access on the north side of Black Mountain, and the Harlan County Campground and RV Park provides parking for $5. Other amenities include ATV rentals, RV sites and cabin rentals, primitive camping, showers and a Snack Shack. The Bailey’s Creek Trailhead on the south side of Black Mountain has free access and the City of Evarts provides free parking. Cabin rentals, RV sites, primitive camping and showers are available, as well as convenient shopping in Evarts.
Daniel Boone Trail in Hyden, Kentucky
Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, the Daniel Boone Trail offers wonderful ATV, motorcycle and utility vehicle riding opportunities. The Willie Begley Memorial RV campground has 29 RV slots with bathrooms, showers, water, electric, and cable TV and sewer hookups are in the planning stages. If you’re not a camper, nearby Hazard, Kentucky, has offers hotels, restaurants and grocery stores. The over 100 miles of marked and rated trails run through ridges, hills and valley views, and you may even run into a bull elk.
Mountain Parkway Off-Road, Clay City, Kentucky
The Mountain Parkway Off-Road is located two hours from Louisville and Cincinnati, and an hour from Lexington. Mountain Parkway is a family-oriented OHV park, offering 2,000 miles of ATV and dirt bike trails for all levels, ranging from steep, rocky mountain trails to flat bottoms and mud, and also offers practice tracks. After a hard day “off road,” relax at the campgrounds and fish in the stocked lakes.
Turkey Bay OHV Area, Turkey Bay, Kentucky
Turkey Bay’s 2,500 acres encompass heavily wooded hills and valleys, but is a rocky area, not recommended for novices. Turkey Bay welcomes ATVs, motorcycles, 4x4s and dune buggies. There is plenty of primitive camping, with some sites on the shore of Kentucky Lake, and chemical toilets and drinking water are provided. An elk and bison natural prairie area is nearby, created by the U.S. Forest Service, and for $3, you can drive through this area. Four miles away in the town of Aurora you can stock up on supplies or got out to eat.
Sources: Big Rock ATV and Dirtbike Park in Maysville, Kentucky; Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Park; Daniel Boone Trail;Mountain Parkway Off-Road; Turkey Bay OHV Area;
For more information: All Terrain Vehicle Association; Ride Evarts, Harlan County; Daniel Boone National Forest
