Best ATV Trails in Florida

Just got your first ATV? Then you’re probably itching to find a good place to ride. Even if the area around your home is good for taking your quad out, it’s fun to explore new places and test out trails in your area. That’s why Interstate Cycles has provided some of our favorite riding trails in the state of Florida. Check them out for yourself and then stop by our location in Lake City to let us know how things went. We also serve Jacksonville and Gainesville.

Florida State Forest Rules for ATVs

First things first, there are some state laws you’ll need to be following if you’re interested in exploring Florida state parks. You must have an OHV permit, which you can purchase at the trailhead gatehouses or visitor centers of the forests. Your ATV must have a title to get this permit.

Your ATV also needs to be towed to the staging area, rather than ridden in parts of the park that are off-limits to ATVs. Follow all traffic signs and laws and you must limit your noise level to 96 decibels (ask your friendly neighborhood mechanic if you need a muffler). Finally, your four-wheeler will need a spark arrestor approved by the Forest Service.

Also keep in mind that these are the requirements for riding in a state park, like some of the ones we list below. Privately owned parks might have their own rules that you’ll want to be aware of before you hit the trail.

Florida’s ATV Trail Systems

While there are lots of great private riding parks, there are also lots of state parks that you can check out with some great riding trails. After all, your tax dollars are helping maintain them, so why not enjoy them?

Tate’s Hell State Forest Trails

West of our homebase in Lake City, you’ll find Tate’s Hell State Forest and all the riding trails that come with it. You’ll find an OHV trail system spanning over 150 miles with views of the world-famous cypress swamps, pine flatwoods, and blackwater rivers, as well as, of course, the wildlife that live there. You’ll also find basic camping amenities, specifically made for the OHV riders who go to the area. It’s also just off the Gulf of Mexico, so if you want to end the day with a little fun in the water, you’ll be just a thirty-minute drive away.

Clear Creek Riding Area at Blackwater River State Forest

You can also travel west of Jacksonville to reach Blackwater River State Forest, the state’s largest forest, and it’s here you’ll find the Clear Creek Riding Area. Here, the trails for ATVs are separate from the ones for motorcycles, so you won’t have to worry as much about what you’ll find around the corner. They’re color-coded, so make sure you can spot the trails you’re allowed to travel on. A central staging area makes trail access easy and you can stay the night at one of the forest’s campsites with full amenities.

Croom Motorcycle Area at Withlacoochee State Forest

Just south of Gainesville, you’ll find Withlacoochee State Forest and its 2600 acres of off-roading area. This area will give you lots of beautiful views and thrilling riding trails. When you need a break from the ATV, you’ll also be able to enjoy hiking, nature watching, canoeing, horseback riding, and more. You can either spend the night at one of their campgrounds, or get a day-use pass and head home in the evening.

These are some of our favorite Florida ATV trails, but we want to hear about some of yours as well! Stop by Interstate Cycles to chat with our friendly staff. We can also give you a tour of all the available ATVs for sale if you’re in the market for a new model. We welcome all patrons from Lake City, Jacksonville, and Gainesville.