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ATV Riding in Kentucky

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Rev your engines and get ready for an adrenaline-pumping ATV riding in Kentucky! Before that, make sure to read this recreational ATV riding guide to get you informed. 

Kentucky is easily one of the best places for ATV riding in the US, thanks to the great variety of terrain and gorgeous scenery. Aside from being known for horse racing and Bourbon, it’s also a great playground for off-road enthusiasts. Learn all about the ATV riding scene in the Bluegrass State. 

ATV Riding in Kentucky
ATV Riding in Kentucky

If you’re thinking about traveling to Kentucky for ATV riding and need something to guide you, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we offer you this guide to ATV riding in Kentucky! 

Does Kentucky Have ATV Trails?

With rolling hills, glacial features and scenic mountains, the Bluegrass state of Kentucky is definitely a paradise for ATV riders of all skill levels. Stretching from Illinois in the West to West Virginia in the East, there are plenty of ATV trails in Kentucky that are waiting to be explored. 

Places you can ride ATVs in Tennessee:

  • Public Lands and National Forests such as the Daniel Boone National Forest OHV trail systems.
  • Private Guided ATV Tours
  • Private ATV Parks
  • ATV trails systems
  • ATV campgrounds

Aside from the National forests which offer miles and miles of trails, you’ll find the best ATV parks in the Eastern region of the state. And along the border of Kentucky and Tennessee, there is the Land Between the Lakes which has 170,000 acres of land set aside for recreation.

Read our guide to the Best ATV Trails in Kentucky for our pick of the top places for Kentucky ATV Riding. 

ATV Trails in Kentucky
ATV Trails in Kentucky

Are UTVs street legal in Kentucky?

Generally, ATVs and UTVs are not street legal in Kentucky. 

It cannot be operated on any public highway, roadway or the right-of-way of any public highway or roadway.

Do You Have To Register ATVs in Kentucky?

There are no registration requirements in the state of Kentucky. They cannot be made street legal and therefore don’t need to be registered. However, it is required by the law that all ATVs purchased after July 1, 2010, must be titled with the state. 

To know more about Kentucky ATV laws you can visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission site.

Kentucky ATV Trail Maps

Most trail systems will provide you with a trail map when you arrive at your riding location. However, if you are a regular ATV rider and want a great ATV trail map navigation system, we recommend the onX off-road App membership.

You can also view Daniel Boone National Forest OHV trail maps under each section of trails to experience more than 150 miles of ATV riding adventures.

Can you ATV in the Daniel Boone National Forest?

Yes. The forest encompasses 21 counties of Southeast Kentucky, with over 700,000 acres of land set aside for recreation and preservation. It is further divided into four distinct ranger districts.

atv trails in Kentucky
ATV Riding in Kentucky

A fee pass is required for each motorized vehicle using the two designated OHV trail systems: The Redbird Crest and White Sulphur OHV Trail. 

ATV Rentals in Kentucky

Can your rent an ATV in Kentucky?

Yes! Here are a few spots if you need to rent an ATV while visiting Kentucky.

Fun ATV Riding Clothes

While protective gear is essential on the trail, it’s ok to look cute and share your wilder riding side with the world. I’m a big fan of ball caps and love this adorable “ATV hair, Don’t Care” hat from Sew Vivid Design on Etsy. Be sure to Check out all this cute ATV apparel.

Download Your FREE ATV Pre Ride Inspections Checklist!

Recommended ATV Riding Resources

MORE RELATED RESOURCES

Looking for more adrenaline-pumping ATV riding destinations? Check out our guide on ATV Riding in Virginia!

And if you’re looking to try a different kind of off-roading adventure, here is an great idea— Pink Jeep Tours from Hobbies On A Budget.

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