You can't ride ATVs in Hocking Hills State Park — it's a hiking-only area. But Wayne National Forest, which surrounds the Hocking Hills region to the east and south, operates designated Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) areas with trails purpose-built for ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes.

Monday Creek OHV Area

The Monday Creek OHV area in Wayne National Forest is the primary riding destination near Hocking Hills. Located in the Athens Ranger District, about 30–45 minutes from most Hocking Hills cabin locations, it offers approximately 75 miles of OHV trails through reclaimed mining land and forest terrain.

The trails range from easy fire roads to challenging single-track. Terrain includes hills, creek crossings, mud sections, and rocky stretches. The area is open year-round, but fall is one of the best seasons for riding — cooler temperatures, fall color in the forest, and drier conditions than spring (when mud can be severe).

Requirements

All OHVs must display a valid Wayne National Forest OHV permit, available at local vendors or online through the USDA Forest Service. Ohio law requires an OHV license plate from the Ohio BMV for any vehicle operated on public land. Riders under 18 must wear helmets. Riding is restricted to designated trails — off-trail riding is prohibited and can result in fines.

Vehicles must have a working spark arrester (fire prevention) and meet noise limits. Check the Wayne National Forest website or Athens Ranger District office for current trail conditions and any closures.

Rental Options

If you don't have your own machine, a few outfitters in the region rent ATVs and UTVs with delivery to the trailhead or your cabin. Availability is limited and varies by season — book well in advance, especially for fall weekends. Ask your cabin provider for local recommendations, as the rental market changes frequently.

Other Riding Areas

The Pike State Forest ATV area and Hanging Rock OHV area are additional options within 1–2 hours of Hocking Hills. These tend to be less crowded than Monday Creek. Each has its own permit and rule structure — check before you go.

Riding and Cabin Trip Combo

An OHV trip pairs well with a Hocking Hills cabin weekend. Ride in the morning, hit a trail or waterfall in the afternoon, fire pit and hot tub in the evening. Some cabin properties in the Hocking Hills area are ATV-friendly and allow you to park or trailer your machine on-site. Confirm with the property owner before booking if you're bringing equipment.