Riding

Have A Good Time at the Kentuck OHV Trail System in Alabama

The Kentuck OHV Trail system in the Talladega National Forest near Mumford, Ala., offers fun for the whole family with its four loops that total 23 miles.

The trails weave through the woods and are considered easy to moderate. The U.S. Forest Service says some of the trails have easy sections with gentle grades, sweeping turns and smooth surfaces with few obstacles.

If you’re looking for more of a challenge, there are some more difficult trails that feature steeper grades, tight turns, sections of rough terrain, rocks and logs. All trails are two-way.

The riding season is April 1 through Dec. 31. Wearing “hunter orange” is recommended during hunting season: October 15 through January 31. All riders must wear helmets.

Camping is allowed anywhere along the trails but a camping permit is required during hunting season. There are hotels and restaurants in the town of Oxford, which is about 5 miles away.

The U.S. Forest Service charges a recreation fee of $5 per operator per day to ride the Kentuck OHV Trails that is paid at the entrance gate.

Licensed OHVs are allowed on all national forest roads that are open for public travel. Operators must be licensed and conform to all state laws. Unlicensed OHVs are only allowed on designated trails.

The Kentuck OHV Trail system is 61 miles east of Birmingham, Ala., on I-20. Take the Oxford exit (No. 185) and go south on Highway 21 for 2.7 miles. Turn left onto Buckhorn Road, which will dead end at McIntosh Road. Go left on McIntosh for a mile to Kentuck Road, turn right on Kentuck for an additional 1.5 miles, take one last turn right on FR 643 and it will take you to the parking area.

The Talladega Ranger District is at 1001 North St. (Highway 21 North), Talladega, AL 35160. Telephone: (256) 369-5882. Website: fs.usda.gov/detail/alabama/about-forest/districts/?cid=fsbdev3_002555.

For more information, go to fs.usda.gov/recarea/alabama/recarea/?recid=30127.