Seasonal Closure Dates Set for Ohio Bridle Trails & APV Areas
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(Pike County) – Bridle trails on most of Ohio’s state forests and all-purpose vehicle (APV) areas at Pike, Richland Furnace, and Perry state forests will close for the winter season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry. Bridle trails will close on Monday, November 27, 2023, and APV areas will close on Monday, December 11, 2023.
State forest APV areas remain open during regular deer gun season to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to have greater access to the state forests with APV trails.
State forest bridle trails (except at Maumee State Forest) will close on Monday, November 27, 2023, and will reopen for riding on Monday, April 1, 2024.
“Ohioans and visitors enjoy recreating on bridle trails and APV areas. Due to their popularity, it is important that the Division of Forestry manages these areas so they can continue to be used long into the future,” ODNR Division of Forestry Assistant Chief Dave Lane said. “We have seasonal closures to minimize traffic and the associated impact during this time of the year.”
During this seasonal closure period, forest staff and organizations with approved volunteer agreements can more safely maintain trails. Signage will be installed at parking areas and trailheads, designating the trails as closed.
Bridle trails will reopen for riding on Monday, April 1, 2024, and APV areas will reopen on Friday, April 5, 2024. Bridle trail rides can be requested during the closed season by completing a Special Use Permit (SUP) application and submitting it to the local forest manager at least five days prior to the event.
State forest APV areas (except at Maumee State Forest) will close on Monday, December 11, 2023, and will reopen on Friday, April 5, 2024.
Maumee State Forest’s bridle trails and APV areas are not affected by the seasonal closures and will remain open year-round. The seasonal closures have been proposed in annual state forest work plans and have received public input.
