Regulations and restrictions for UTV use on National Forest Land

Chattahoochee/Oconee National Forest officials remind visitors to prepare in advance when riding a UTV on park property. 

They advise to always obtain a map (motor vehicle use map) of your destination and determine which areas are open to UTVs, saying, “By practicing responsible outdoor recreation, we can keep our favorite areas open to the public. By treating land access with respect, we can help keep our favorite trails, parks and forests open, healthy and beautiful. So get out and enjoy yourself with us responsibly!”

The U.S. Forest Service reviews and updates road and trail designations every year. Forest Service Roads are identified by number on Motor Vehicle Use Maps, available on the national forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/conf/maps-pubs. 

Forest Service Roads are only open to registered vehicles and mopeds in accordance with state law (O.C.G.A. 40-2-20, O.C.G.A. 40-28). All other vehicles including “motorized carts”, “low speed vehicles”, “multi-purpose Off Highway Vehicles” and “all-terrain vehicles” are prohibited (O.C.G.A. 40-1-1.33.1). 

Compliance with these rules is the responsibility of the user. Georgia House Bill 121 does not allow MPOHVs, low-speed vehicles, and motorized carts to be driven on Forest Service Roads on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, and Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 40-6-362) restricts operation of multipurpose off-highway vehicles to highways that are part of a county road system. 

To be legal for use on Forest Service Roads, vehicles must be licensed under State law for general operation on ALL public roads within the State. Forest Service roads are not considered county roads. Compliance with these rules is the responsibility of the user. 

Park officials warn that Irresponsible behavior causes trail or public land closures, and ask that all riders respect all signs and barriers. Travel only on routes designated open for UTVs. Understand the MVUM map before you ride. Riding UTVs off trail or around trails damages resources. Use a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) and know which routes are designated as open to off highway vehicles.

More responsible riding tips are available at  https://treadlightly.org/learn/recreation-tips/utvohving/.