Off-Road Trails: Oklahoma

Oklahoma is home to the National Cowboy hall of fame, boasts the wild turkey as the state bird and mistletoe as the state flower, so you know you will find plenty of free-range off-road riding here. The incredibly large expanse of off-road adventure awaits anyone wanting to travel to the central US. Oklahoma is also home to the western portion of the Ouachita National Forest. These 1.8 million acres of national forest land is open to all those who will respect and preserve it. The trails in the forest are designated for specific traffic and some may share with hikers, so being alert as well as respectful is key.

Something that off-road enthusiasts may need to take note of is that riding locations here can be very far from any other civilization or amenities. Proper precautions should be taken when riding these areas. Things like extra lunch and water as well as tire plugs or a tow strap should be considered here. Some areas do not have any cell service at all and remember the weather can change in an instant as well. Campgrounds are available for guests and there are some RV sites with basic to full amenities.

The terrain here varies from hard pack trails and mud to the occasional rocky hill climb or descent. Many creek crossing areas are protected and staying on trail is a must.

• Distance 100 Miles
• Skill Level All
• Trailhead Ogden, OK

Choctaw Ranger District

The Choctaw Ranger District is a year-round segment of the Ouachita National forest and it is located in the far east central Oklahoma on the Arkansas border. There are 363,000 acres to find your next adventure and with a variety of camping locations you can make a fun filled weekend or even a family vacation of riding. Everything from the fishing opportunities in Broken Bow lake to the wildlife that roams the Red slough you will have more than enough eye-catching wilderness to explore. The OHV trails are suited for all ages and exploring mountain ranges like Chancellor Mountain or slipping down into the Red Bank hollow make for awesome experiences to share with friends and family.

• Distance 100s of Miles
• Skill Level All
• Trailhead Broken Bow, OK

Broken Bow

Just a few hours south of the Choctaw Ranger district you will find another adventure filled location known as Broken Bow. This culmination of trail systems makes up another part of the Ouachita National Forest. With the Broken Bow Reservoir right in the center, there are many different riding and family vacation activities to be found. With the Cedar Mountains to the west and the mountain range to the east you know this terrain will be very different around every turn. You can come into the Broken Bow district through the towns of Bethel to the northwest, Smithville due north or the town to which the district is named for, Broken Bow, due south of the National forest. There are plenty of towns surrounding the district and finding amenities should not be an issue on either end.

• Distance 400 miles
• Skill Level Intermediate
• Trailhead Cameron, Oklahoma

Big Fox Run ORV Park

Big Fox Run is a privately owned ORV park that is open to all types of vehicles. It has over 400 miles of trails that wind through every type of terrain Oklahoma has to offer. There are also numerous mud pits, hill climbs, and deep water. There is even a lake where you can bring your boat and/or Jet Ski. There is a tricky, yet fun obstacle course that will challenge any rider’s skill set, making it a must-do part of any trip here.

• Distance 50 miles+
• Skill Level Any
• Trailhead UNity, Oregon

Blue Mountain

The Blue Mountain trail is 50 miles long with several short side loops. It is the only ATV trail in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and there are three campgrounds that offer direct trail access, making it a great adventure trip. The trail is mostly wooded with several bridge crossings and the trail itself is hard-packed with little dust. The trail runs along a river with some excellent fishing opportunities, too. USFS regulations apply and you need a trail permit.