Wayne National Forest Archers Fork ORV Trail

The Archers Fork ORV Trail cuts through 16 miles of Wayne National Forest’s most challenging terrain, where narrow ridgelines drop into creek bottoms through second-growth hardwood forest. The trail system winds past old strip mine sites and through Lamping Homestead Educational Center, with the gnarliest section being the descent into Archers Fork Creek where water crossings can turn muddy after spring rains. Steep climbs out of hollows will test your rig’s low-end torque, and fallen timber across the trail keeps things interesting year-round.

This is legitimate technical riding that’ll scratch your paint and test your skills — stock vehicles need not apply. You’ll want at least 33-inch tires, rock sliders, and a rear locker for the creek crossings and off-camber sections. Open year-round except during hunting seasons, but spring and fall offer the best conditions when the hardwoods show their colors. Bring recovery gear and expect to use it. The payoff is 16 miles of proper backwoods riding just two hours from Columbus.