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September 7, 2005
OFF-ROAD TRAIL TO EXPAND AT PIKE STATE FOREST
State acquires more than 31 acres of rolling hills in Pike County for trail expansion
\COLUMBUS, OH - The popular All-Purpose Vehicle (APV) trail area at Pike State Forest in Pike County is expanding thanks to the recent acquisition of 31.45 acres of rolling forest hills adjacent to the existing trails. The land was purchased by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for $62,940 using money from the State Recreational Vehicle Fund.
“APV riding is one of the fastest growing forms of motorized recreation in the country and our forests have been a popular destination for riders in Ohio,” said John Dorka, chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. “The expanded APV area at Pike State Forest will further strengthen Ohio’s trail system.”
The state’s recently released trails plan, “Trails for Ohioans,” noted that there is a growing need for more APV riding areas in Ohio. In addition to Pike State Forest, Maumee, Richland Furnace and Perry state forests, as well as the Wayne National Forest provide public APV riding areas in Ohio. Combined, these areas offer APV enthusiasts more than 100 miles of trails to enjoy.
The APV area at Pike State Forest, located off of State Route 124, currently features 15 miles of winding trails through hollows and ridge tops. The trail, open to motorcycles and off road all-terrain vehicles, provides a challenging ride and breathtaking views and scenery. Development of the new trails will begin next year. Parking, latrines, and a novice riding area are also provided in the APV area. The site is open from April 1 through November 30.
The State Recreational Vehicle Fund is supported by registration fees for All-Purpose Vehicles, snowmobiles and off-highway motorcycles. The fund is used by ODNR to provide and maintain trails and riding areas for recreational vehicles in state parks and forests.
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