How difficult is White Sulphur OHV Trail?

White Sulphur OHV Trail is rated easy.

When is the best time to visit White Sulphur OHV Trail?

The best months are May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov. Avoid Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.

Do you need a permit for White Sulphur OHV Trail?

Yes — a permit is required. It is managed by U.S. Forest Service — check the agency listing for current requirements and fees.

Guides/OHV areas/Kentucky

OHV areadifficulty: easy

White Sulphur OHV Trail

RegionKentuckyAgencyU.S. Forest ServiceLast verified—

Ryne Salyer, Louisville District USACE — Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)

Area vitals4 facts

Technical difficulty

Easy

Vehicle

Off-highway vehicles (ATVs, UTVs, and trail motorcycles) with a valid Daniel Boone National Forest OHV recreation pass. No specific vehicle-class restriction is published.

Best months

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Permit

Required

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White Sulphur OHV Trail is a 17-mile system of connecting gravel and dirt loops in the Cumberland Ranger District of Daniel Boone National Forest, in the hills above Cave Run Lake in northeastern Kentucky. The route runs mostly along ridgetops with moderate grade changes, and sections are hardened with gravel to control erosion.

The U.S. Forest Service rates the system for novice to intermediate riders and requires an OHV recreation pass, sold daily or annually. Motorized use runs May through November; the corridor reverts to hiker-only access the rest of the year.

Hazards

Read before you go

The Forest Service's trail page does not list specific hazards for this system. Riders should expect the ridge-and-hollow terrain typical of the Cumberland Plateau: graded climbs and descents, loose gravel on hardened sections, and creek crossings that can rise fast after rain. Cell coverage in this part of Daniel Boone National Forest is not documented by the agency; let someone know your planned route and return time before riding.

Area map

OHV area

Coordinates 38.09320, -83.58250

Current conditions

Live weather

Area facts

5 fields

Agency	U.S. Forest Service
Nearest town	Morehead, Kentucky
Website	www.fs.usda.gov/r08/danielboone/recreation/trails/white-sulphur-ohv-trail
Closed	Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Coordinates	38.09320, -83.58250

Getting there

Directions

The Cumberland Ranger District office is at 2375 KY 801 South, Morehead, Kentucky 40351, and staff there can point riders to current trailhead access. The trail system connects with several Forest Service roads in the White Sulphur area, west of Cave Run Lake. The Forest Service's trail page does not publish turn-by-turn driving directions to the White Sulphur Trailhead; call the ranger district at 606-784-6428 or check the forest's interactive map before a first visit.

Photos

8 photos

Photos · 8

Field notes

Getting Oriented

White Sulphur OHV Trail sits in the Cumberland Ranger District of Daniel Boone National Forest, in the hills above Cave Run Lake in northeastern Kentucky. Morehead is the nearest town and home to the Cumberland Ranger District office. The system connects with several Forest Service roads in the White Sulphur area, and the White Sulphur Trailhead is the primary access point.

Trail Overview

The system totals about 17 miles of connecting loops rated for novice to intermediate riders. Tread follows ridgetops with moderate grade changes, and sections are hardened with gravel to control erosion and limit impact on the watershed. The Forest Service classifies the route as a standard terra trail: dirt and gravel underfoot, not pavement or boardwalk.

OHV use is seasonal. The trail is open to motorized traffic May 1 through November 30. It reverts to hiker-only access between December 1 and April 30.

Points of Interest

Cave Run Lake, an 8,270-acre reservoir the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed in 1973, borders the recreation area and draws boaters and anglers between rides.
The Cumberland Ranger District office in Morehead issues OHV passes and can confirm current trail conditions or closures before a visit.

Where to Camp

White Sulphur Horse Camp sits in the same area as the trailhead but is reserved for equestrian camping; OHV riders can't stay there. Riders looking for a site near the trail can use Clear Creek Campground or Zilpo Campground, both inside Daniel Boone National Forest on the Cave Run Lake shoreline.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

Carry proof of an OHV recreation pass. A sticker displayed on the vehicle or a wristband or confirmation number satisfies the requirement. Daily passes run $15; annual passes run $60, with a 50% discount for riders under 16 who show proof of ATV safety training.
Check the seasonal window before loading up. The trail closes to OHV traffic December 1 and reopens May 1; hikers use the corridor in between.
Call the Cumberland Ranger District at 606-784-6428 (Monday-Friday, 8-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-4:30 p.m.) to confirm conditions or closures ahead of a first visit.
Fuel up in Morehead. Services thin out once you're on Forest Service roads near the trailhead.

Fuel and Water

The trail page doesn't list a specific last-fuel distance. Morehead, the nearest town and home to the ranger district office, has fuel, groceries, and other services. Once on Forest Service roads near the White Sulphur trailhead area, there are no fuel or water services; fill up in Morehead before heading in.

Nearby

Cave Run Lake borders the trail system, with Forest Service campgrounds, boat ramps, and a marina around the shoreline. Morehead, home to the Cumberland Ranger District office, is the closest town for fuel, groceries, and other services.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is White Sulphur OHV Trail?: White Sulphur OHV Trail is rated easy.
What kind of vehicle do you need for White Sulphur OHV Trail?: Off-highway vehicles (ATVs, UTVs, and trail motorcycles) with a valid Daniel Boone National Forest OHV recreation pass. No specific vehicle-class restriction is published.
When is the best time to visit White Sulphur OHV Trail?: The best months are May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov. Avoid Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Do you need a permit for White Sulphur OHV Trail?: Yes — a permit is required. It is managed by U.S. Forest Service — check the agency listing for current requirements and fees.