As the summer recreation season approaches, National Park Service
officials at Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR) wants to remind the public
about the rules and regulations regarding off-road travel and the use of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) in the park. While no
vehicles are permitted off designated roads, ATVs are the most common vehicles to illegally drive off roads.
Riding ATVs is popular with many people, and ATVs can be both useful and fun,
but ONSR is not the place. Companies that manufacture these vehicles market them as being 'all terrain' implying it is okay
to ride them virtually anywhere. These vehicles can damage our natural and cultural resources. Operation along streams and
rivers can cause erosion and pollution to our aquatic systems, and the noise may disturb other visitors within the Riverways.
If one has a county permit and abides by Missouri State motor vehicle
regulations, he/she may ride ATVs for recreational purposes on park roads open
to motorized vehicles. ATVs are prohibited off of established roads, on any closed road, on any paved road, on any service
road, on power line rights of way, on any campground roads, on any gravel bars, or in the river (unless at an approved river
crossing and then only to cross and continue on).
Rangers warn that there are areas within the park that have
unauthorized trails starting to develop. If the trail does not look like a
maintained road that a full-sized pickup could drive on, then that trail is closed
to ATVs. If you are in doubt, please contact the park before riding on questionable roads.
There are over 200 miles of roads within the ONSR boundaries that are open to
motorized vehicles and ATVs. A lot of these established roads are in the backcountry and offer excellent opportunities for
ATV riding.
ATV operators must have the appropriate county permit and must abide by the Missouri
State motor vehicle regulations. Operators are reminded that they must have a valid driver's license; the ATV must be registered
with the State and must have a valid county permit. No ATV operator may carry a passenger unless that machine is specifically
designed by the manufacturer to carry a passenger. Every ATV must be equipped with an adequate muffler and approved spark
arrestor, a slow-moving triangular emblem on the back of the machine, a safety flag extending at least seven feet above the
ground, and a lighted headlamp and tail lamp. It is the responsibility of the operator to know the laws and regulations that
apply to their activity. Also note that 'utility vehicles' (MULES, Rangers, Gators) are not considered ATVs under Missouri
State Law and are not permitted within the boundaries of the Riverways.
While ONSR is not a place for off-road vehicle recreation, there are
places on public land that provide ATV trails and routes. There are also some
private lands open for off-road vehicle (ORV) recreation. Be sure and get permission from the landowner before traveling off-road
on private land. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources permits ORV use at Finger Lakes State Park in Boone County and
at St. Joe State Park in St. Francois County. The U.S. Forest Service permits ORV use at Chadwick Motorcycle and ATV Use Area
in Christian County and at Sutton Bluff Motorcycle and ATV Use Area in Reynolds County. Rules and regulations for ORV use
differ for each area so contact the respective office for more information.
If you would like more information or have questions about ORV use at ONSR, contact
the Chief Ranger at 573-323-4236. For information about the park you can visit with a Ranger in the park, call the park headquarters
at 573-323-4236, send an e-mail to ozar_superintendent@nps.gov, or visit the park Web site at www.nps.gov/ozar.
-NPS-
Experience Your America
The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people
so that all may experience our heritage.
For more information contact:
Patty Dorris Superintendent's Secretary Ozark National Scenic Riverways
National Park Service
PHONE
573-323-4236, ext. 225 FAX 573-323-8010
