Mohican State Forest ATV Trail System
Ohio's gnarliest legal trail system
The Mohican ATV Trail System sprawls across 4,525 acres of Ohio’s most challenging public off-road terrain, where sandstone ridges drop into muddy creek bottoms and rocky climbs separate weekend warriors from serious riders. The 25-mile network includes the notorious Devil’s Backbone ridge section and multiple crossings of the Clear Fork Mohican River, with trail markers every quarter-mile to keep you oriented through dense hardwood forest that swallows GPS signals whole.
Rated moderate to difficult, these trails demand high-clearance 4WD with skid plates and recovery gear—spring mud holes will swallow stock trucks whole. Open year-round but prime season runs May through October when creek levels drop and the trail surface firms up. No permits required, just a $5 daily parking fee. Dispersed camping available at nearby Mohican State Park. You’ll earn every mile through Ohio’s most technical legal wheeling, with enough variety to challenge any rig.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 25 mi / 40.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1240 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Loudonville, Ohio |
| Land manager | Ohio Department of Natural Resources |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | ohiodnr.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner run this trail, or do I need a built rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD handles most of it fine, but skid plates are non-negotiable given the rocky climbs and creek bed crossings. Lift and lockers help on the tighter technical sections but aren't required for a capable stocker.
When does the trail close for the season, and is it rideable after heavy rain?
The system is generally open May through October, though ODNR can close sections after significant rainfall to prevent erosion damage. Check with the Mohican State Forest office before heading out after any major storm — creek crossings can rise fast.
Do I need a permit or is there an entry fee to run the ATV trail system?
Ohio requires a valid ATV registration sticker on any machine running the trails — no separate day permit is needed. There's no entry fee to access the trail system itself, but if you're camping on-site, expect standard ODNR campsite fees.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what actually makes it technical?
The steeper creek drainage climbs are where rigs get sorted out — loose shale over slick clay with no clean line and tight tree spacing on either side. It's not a rock-crawler's paradise, but the combination of off-camber terrain, rutted climbs, and muddy creek exits will punish under-prepared vehicles.
How far is the nearest gas station, and is there any cell service if something goes wrong out there?
Loudonville is your last reliable fuel stop, roughly 10 miles from the trailhead — fill up before you go. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent through most of the 4,525-acre forest, so download offline maps and don't count on calling for help mid-trail.
Trail track
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