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Off-Highway Vehicle Trail System
Welcome to the Tate’s Hell Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trail System. This trail system provides an opportunity to ride off- highway motorcycles (OHM) and all-terrain vehicles (ATV) on more that 150 miles of designated trails on existing forest roads. While riding on the trails, forest users can expect to see various ecosystems including cypress/titi swamps, blackwater rivers and pine flatwoods. Various species of wildlife can also be encountered ranging from wading birds to deer.
This OHV riding area was developed in 2005 in cooperation with Franklin County and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This is the first trail system developed under the T. Mark Schmidt Off-Highway Vehicle Safety and Recreation Act of 2002 which was designed to provide the public with more opportunities to ride off-highway vehicles on public lands.
The law defines an ATV as any motorized off-highway vehicle 50 inches or less in width, having a dry weight of 900 pounds or less, designed to travel on three or more low-pressure tires, having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control, and intended for use by a single operator with no passenger (unless designed by the manufacturer for a single passenger). An OHM is defined as any motor vehicle used off the roads or highways of this state that has a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and is designed to travel with not more than two wheels in contact with the ground, but excludes a tractor or a moped. ATVs and OHMs are the only unlicensed motor vehicles allowed in the designated OHV area.
Fees and Permits
Annual permits are required for each OHM and ATV operating in the designated OHV area in Tate’s Hell State Forest. The annual permits can be purchased at the Tate’s Hell State Forest office at 290 Airport Road, Carrabelle (see Tate's Hell OHV Trail System Map for location), between the hours of 8:00 am -12:00 pm and 12:30 pm - 4:00pm. Permits are also available for purchase at Withlacoochee State Forest. The cost of an OHV permit is $50.00. Permits are valid for an entire year (July 1st through June 30th) and are prorated for each quarter of the fiscal year (September, January and April). OHVs with valid Division of Forestry permits can be ridden at other Division of Forestry OHV riding areas. Permits can be purchased using cash, personal checks and Visa or MasterCard.
Any OHVs operating on public lands must be titled, as required under Ch. 317, F.S., through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. To secure an OHV permit an applicant must have proof of title. OHVs from out of state may be exempt from this requirement, provided the state of origin does not require titling and/or registration of OHVs.
The OHV permit must be visibly displayed and permanently attached to the left front area of each OHM and ATV. Persons operating OHMs and ATVs without a permit will be subject to expulsion and or fine.
Safety First
It is important that all riders think Safety First and abide by all rules. Unforeseen hazards can exist and trail conditions are subject to change. Riding safely within your abilities and following all rules will reduce the risk to yourself and others.
As an OHV rider on public lands you are responsible for knowing all rules and regulations that apply. When purchasing an OHV permit a complete listing of all rules and regulations will be provided. Rule compliance will help to assure this riding opportunity continues to exist.
Remember, Tate’s Hell riding area utilitizies forest roads which are open to vehicular traffic for other uses. All roads are open for two way traffic. Obey all road signs and use extreme caution when crossing bridges and approaching intersections.
OHV Area Rules
- OHV operators under the age of 16 are required to have direct adult (18 years or older) supervision.
- OHVs must be hauled or trailered to designated staging areas (see map for exact locations). OHVs must be ridden from the staging areas in low gear and only at walking speed.
- OHVs must remain on designated roads/trails. Any person found violating these rules is subject to fine, expulsion, revocation of permit, and/or impoundment of OHV.
- Unlicensed vehicles that do not meet the definition for ATVs or OHMs are prohibited.
- Hours of operation are 8am to one half hour before sunset. During hunting season only, licensed hunters with a valid permit may operate their OHVs from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset.
- All OHVs are required to have working exhaust systems and USDA (Forest Service) approved spark arrestors. Sound levels will be limited to 96 decibels in the A-scale [dB(A)].
- All riders must wear Florida Department of Transportation approved protective headgear designed for OHVs. All riders under the age of 16 must wear eye protection and boots, long pants, long sleeves, gloves. Eye protection is recommended for all participants.
- All roads have a maximum speed of 30 mph. No person shall drive any vehicle on managed lands at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under existing conditions or in such a manner that disregards the actual and potential hazards. OHVs are required to obey all traffic and information signs.
- If parking on the shoulder of the road, please be considerate of other riders and vehicle traffic by making sure they can pass your vehicle.
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited from all day use areas.
Contact Us:
Division of Forestry
Tate's Hell State Forest
290 Airport Road
Carrabelle, FL 32322
Telephone: 850/ 697-3734 or Email Tate's Hell State Forest
Fax : 850/ 697-2892
Please remember, if you pack it in, pack it out.
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