The National Forest Service has a jewel of a ride called the De Soto National Forest.
There are some basics for riding your ATV in the De Soto National Forest. There are over 68 miles of designated ATV trails available for your ATV riding pleasure. They do ask that you wear your DOT approved helmet at all times. At the time of this writing there is no fee and no permit required to ride on these ATV trails. However they do require that you have a spark arrestor and noise muffler installed prior to riding.
Since 1993, ATVs are not allowed to drive on any roads shared by licensed motorized vehicle traffic. Be aware of this regulation and don't go on any Forest Service Roads where regular traffic is located. You are also prohibited from riding your ATV in the areas of campsites.
You are welcome to ride your ATV through the forest but they do ask that you stay on the designated trails and do not go "trailblazing" on your ATV, this erodes and damages the forest and that is against the Forest Service regulations and will end your fun day of ATVing if you get caught doing that as they can and most likely will issue a fine. Best bet: be responsible and don't do it.
The Forest Service asks that you adhere to the missives set for by Treadlightly along with if you bring it in, pack it out with you and stay on the designated trails to help preserve this beautiful forest land for future generations to ride their ATVs on.
