Perry State Forest Sand Ridge Complex
Sand driving in Ohio's prairie remnants
Perry State Forest’s 8,000 acres hide Ohio’s most unusual off-road terrain — sandy soils left by ancient lake beds that create legitimate sand driving in the Buckeye State. The main trail system follows old logging roads through restored prairie and oak openings, with the highlight being the Sand Ridge Trail where loose sand can challenge even experienced drivers in the deeper sections near Burr Oak Creek.
Easy to moderate difficulty for most, but the sand sections demand momentum and proper tire pressure adjustments. Stock high-clearance vehicles handle most of it, though 4WD helps in the sandy stretches. Open year-round but best in dry conditions from May through September. No permits needed, primitive camping allowed in designated areas. It’s a unique slice of prairie habitat that feels nothing like typical Ohio forest trails.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Sand |
| Features | Camping, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | 4-5 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 980 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance |
| Nearest town | New Lexington, Ohio |
| Land manager | Ohio Department of Natural Resources |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| 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 handle the Sand Ridge Complex without any mods?
Yes. The trail is rated easy and requires nothing beyond a stock high-clearance vehicle. Airing down tires to 20-25 PSI is strongly advised on the sandy sections — it's the single biggest factor in not getting stuck.
When is the Sand Ridge Complex actually driveable, and does it close in winter?
Best window is May through September when the sand is stable and conditions are most predictable. Ohio DNR can close or restrict access after heavy rain or during wet seasons, so check with the district office before heading out in spring or fall.
Do you need a permit or pay a fee to run trails in Perry State Forest?
No permit required and no fee to enter Perry State Forest. Ohio DNR manages it as public land — just follow posted rules, stay on designated trails, and don't tear up the prairie remnants off-route.
What's the hardest part of this trail and what should I actually expect?
The loose sand sections are the main challenge — not technical in the rock-crawling sense, but soft sand can swallow a vehicle running street pressure fast. If you keep momentum, air down, and don't panic-brake, nothing here should seriously challenge a capable stock rig.
Is there anywhere to get water or fuel nearby, and how does dispersed camping work out here?
New Lexington is your last reliable stop for fuel and supplies — don't count on finding anything inside the forest. Dispersed camping is allowed within Perry State Forest; pack out everything you pack in, and don't expect cell service to bail you out once you're in the sand ridge network.
Trail track
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