Seasonal APV areas to open April 1

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the spring weather at one of the state’s designated All-Purpose Vehicle (APV) areas, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The APV areas are located on four state forest properties—Maumee in northwest Ohio, Pike in south-central, Richland Furnace in the southeastern part of the state and Perry in east-central.

Pike, Richland Furnace and Perry state forests will open their APV areas on Saturday, April 1, for APV trail use, and they will close in the fall following the last day of regular deer-gun season. Riders should know that the Pike State Forest APV Area opens April 1-2, then will be closed through April 9 to allow for the Thunder in the Hills Turkey Hunt for disabled hunters, before reopening the morning of Monday, April 10.

The APV area at Maumee State Forest is open year-round, and snowmobile use is allowed when conditions permit. The APV areas are maintained by the ODNR Division of Forestry.

Funds from each APV registration are deposited into the State Recreational Vehicle Fund and are used by the ODNR Division of Forestry for projects that directly support the state’s APV areas. Recent and upcoming improvements include:

• The ODNR Division of Forestry has completed 3.5 miles of new trail, developed an obstacle course and a rider skills development area as well as improved the parking lot at the Pike State Forest APV Area. New trails are currently planned for the recently acquired 144-acres adjacent to the Pike State Forest APV Area.
• Perry State Forest’s APV trail improvement continues on a recently acquired 140-acre property, purchased in 2015. In addition to this work, six new picnic tables on concrete pads were added.
• A new shelter house has been completed at the Maumee State Forest APV area, and a new ¾-mile single-track trail was developed.

Trail users must have a valid APV registration obtained through the BMV. Riders must wear the required safety gear, which includes helmets, gloves and eye protection. A recent rule change now allows APVs, including utility vehicles (UTVs), up to 62″ in width as long as valid title and registration have been acquired through the BMV. People should know there is a requirement for an out-of-state registration for visitors from states without similar registration laws. Additionally, there are new requirements for a spark arrestor and a muffler to be compliant with industry-standard sound limitations.

The ODNR Division of Forestry works to promote the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit forestry.ohiodnr.gov. 

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.