ATVS and dirt bikes are welcome at designated areas across the state. Following is a list of these areas open to ATVs and dirt bikes, along with trail descriptions and other information.
Bessey Ranger District
Location: Nebraska National Forest, Bessey Ranger District near Halsey.
Landowners: The U.S. Forest Service.
Vehicles/trail uses allowed: Open to ATVs, dirtbikes, snowmobiles, jeeps, dune buggies, sand rails, trucks, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross country skiing at designated trails. Contact the U.S. Forest Service directly to receive trail routes that allow vehicles.
Days of operation: Open year round, with a few seasonal closures in certain areas. Contact the U.S. Forest Service directly to receive this information.
Cost: While there is no cost to use trails, there is a fee for the use of picnic tables, camping areas, restrooms, trail heads and parking areas. The annual pass is $15 and the daily use fee is $3.
Motorized trails description: This area has approximately 90,000 acres and has about 300 miles of roads, two-track jeep, trucks, sand rails and ATV trails. The Dismal Trail is 9 miles in length and is open to motorized users that are shorter than 4’2″ and allows snowmobilers. These areas are also open to equestrians, hikers and bikers. Jeeps, sand rails, ATVs and dirt bikes may use the hill climb area. All trails are sand.
Other activities: Camping, canoeing, swimming, auto tours, lookout tower, 4-H camp and hunting.
Other information: People who are using motorized vehicles on the trails are asked to remain on existing trails.
Pine Ridge Ranger District, Oglala National Grasslands
Location: Nebraska National Forest, Pine Ridge Ranger District, Oglala National Grasslands near Chadron.
Landowners: The U.S. Forest Service.
Vehicles/trail uses allowed: ATVs, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, jeeps, dune buggies, sand rails, trucks, hiking, biking, horseback riding and cross country skiing at designated trails. Contact the U.S. Forest Service directly to receive trail routes that allow vehicles.
Days of operation: Open year round, with the exception of seasonal closures in portions. Contact the U.S. Forest Service directly to receive information regarding hours of operation.
Cost: No cost
Motorized trails description: Various dirt roads and trails open to jeeps, trucks, sand rails, ATVs and dirt bikes. Motorized users are not allowed on bicycle trails.
Other facilities: Camping, auto tours and hunting.
Other information: People who are using motorized vehicles on the trails are asked to remain on existing trails.
McKelvie National Forest
Location: McKelvie National Forest near Valentine.
Landowners: The U.S. Forest Service
Vehicles/trail uses allowed: ATVs, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, jeeps, dune buggies, sand rails, trucks, hiking, biking, horseback riding and cross country skiing. Contact the U.S. Forest Service directly to receive trail routes that allow vehicles.
Days of operation: Open year round, with the exception of seasonal closures in portions. Contact the U.S. Forest Service directly to receive information regarding hours of operation.
Cost: No cost
Motorized trails description: Various roads and sand trails open to jeeps, trucks, sand rails, ATVs and dirt bikes.
Other activities: Camping, auto tours and hunting.
Other information: People who are using motorized vehicles on the trails are asked to remain on existing trails.
Flat Rock Riders OHV Park
Harlan County Reservoir OHV Area
Location: Harlan County Reservoir in Alma.
Landowners: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Vehicles/trail uses allowed: ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes as well as snowmobiles when there is at least six inches of snow.
Days of operation: Open year-round.
Cost: No cost.
Motorized trails description: 470 acres of dirt trails.
Other facilities: Restroom, camping, fishing, boating, hunting, trailhead and parking.
