Maumee State Forest Sand Ridge Trail

This trail follows the old shoreline of glacial Lake Warren, where massive sand deposits create Ohio’s most northwesterly dune system. The route winds through Maumee State Forest’s 3,068 acres of rare oak savanna and wet prairie, with deep sand sections that’ll have you airing down and learning what your rig can handle. The main challenge comes at Devil’s Hole, a steep-walled sand bowl that’s claimed more than a few stock vehicles trying to power through instead of picking proper lines.

Moderate difficulty requires high-clearance 4WD and sand driving experience – street tires will leave you digging. Best tackled in dry conditions from late spring through fall when the sand firms up. No permits needed, but dispersed camping is limited to designated areas. The payoff is experiencing Ohio’s rarest ecosystem, where you’ll spot everything from wild lupine to sandhill cranes in country that feels more like Michigan’s UP than the Buckeye State.