The Beacon
The only public all-terrain vehicle trails to be found in Northwest Ohio are at Maumee State Forest in the Swanton, Ohio area.
It can be difficult to find public trails in Ohio that allow riders and their all-terrain vehicles, all-season vehicles, mini-bikes and trail bikes. In Northwest Ohio, Maumee State Forest is not only open year-round, but offers eight miles of public all-purpose vehicle APV trails.
Maumee State Forest is comprised of 3,332 acres in Fulton, Henry and Lucas counties near Swanton, Ohio. Also featured are a 2-mile self-guided hiking and interpretive trail called the “Stewardship Trail,” 66 miles of unmarked fire lanes for hiking, 8 miles of bridle trails, a tree improvement/research and chestnut tree area, and wet-sedge meadow.
Outdoor enthusiasts can now enjoy the spring weather at one of the Ohioâs 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 and Richland Furnace in southern Ohio, and Perry in east-central Ohio.
Pike, Richland Furnace, and Perry state forests open on April 1 for APV trail use. They will close in the fall after the last day of regular deer-gun season. 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.