Dirt Bike Trails in Ohio

"Motorcycling for Dummies" author Bill Kresnak offers dirt bikers this advice: "To fit in, simply show up for a ride or join a club." Dirt bike riders are motorcyclists who ride the off-road trails on lightweight machines with strong, simple engines, knobby tires and tough, high-rebound suspensions. If you're interested in dirt bike riding and you're in or near Ohio, you'll find plenty of places to ride and make new friends.

  1. Crow Canyon Motocross Race Park

    • Crow Canyon Motocross Race Park is a privately owned 400-acre facility with two tracks and plenty of wooded areas. It's located a mile outside the town of Uhrichsville, Ohio, just off Country Highway 62. ATVs and motorcycles are equally welcome at the five miles of trails set at elevations of between 900 and 1100 feet. The tracks feature many intersections but only a few hazards, which are clearly marked. There's novice terrain and expert terrain, but the majority of trails are graded as amateur. As of early 2011, permits were not required and opening hours were Monday to Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Alcoholic drinks are prohibited on this property. Riders must be over 18 or accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parking iss free; all-day tickets were $15 per rider during the week, $20 for Saturday and Sunday, as of early 2011.

    New Vienna Motocross Park

    • New Vienna Motocross Park, also known as East Fork Little Miami, offers three groomed and watered private trails covering 6 miles with many intersections and marked hazards. The trails, including a new 5.8-mile loop, wooded areas and creek crossings, offers riders choices of expert, amateur and novice terrains. Although the park is primarily aimed at racers, riders of all experience levels will find challenges there. The facility is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, open Wednesdays to Fridays from noon to dark, Saturdays between 9:30 a.m. and dark, and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Park entry fees are $2 per person, $25 per day for riders who are nonmembers and $15.00 a day for members. No permits are required. This park is located 10 miles from the Paint Creek State Park and Wilderness Area and just over 2 miles from the Fallsville Wilderness Area.

    Bear Creek Resort Ranch KOA

    • Bear Creek Resort Ranch KOA, also known as Bear Creek Amphitheater, offers 26 miles of trails in a forest environment located a mile east of the Bear Creek Resort. Trail features include a 250-foot hill-climb, creek crossings and marked hazards. As of early 2011, opening hours were Saturdays and Sundays between 8 a.m. and dusk. Weekday access is allowed by reservation only for groups of three or more riders. Daily fees are $15 per adult rider; children between 8 to 10 years pay $10 a day. All bikes must arrive on trailers.