Finger Lakes ATV Trails

Once-barren mounds left behind by coal strip mining were replanted and transformed into Finger Lakes State Park in Missouri. It is one of two parks in the state catering to off-road enthusiasts. While St. Joe State Park has trails for both four-wheel drive and off-road vehicles, Finger Lakes provides 70 miles of trails designed specifically for ATVs less than 50 inches wide as well as dirt bikes.

The Main Trail

• Access the park's network of trails and riding areas from the 5.25-mile main trail. The trail connects the OHV staging area with the competitive motocross track, park office and campground. The main trail is well marked with signs to steer you to the park's points of interest, including picnic areas and the Finger Lakes where you can fish, canoe and scuba dive. The main trail is marked by blue blazes and is appropriate for all skill levels.

Trails and Riding Areas

• Nearly 65 miles of unmaintained trails and open areas wind through the park, crossing steep mounds measuring 20 to 30 feet high left from the coal mines . Exposed roots, ruts, fallen trees and muddy areas characterize the trails, offering natural obstacles and challenges to test your skill. The unmaintained trails have areas challenging to even highly experienced riders. Ride at your own risk and stay on trails within your ability level.

Just For Kids

• Kids younger than 12 years old with an 80 cc or less ATV can enjoy riding at a small youth riding area just north of the Motocross track. While kids must be directly supervised by an adult, it gives them an opportunity to hone their skills away from fast-moving, full-sized machines. The Finger Lakes youth riding area is closed on days when the adjacent motocross track is hosting competitions. Youth Area riders must obey all park rules, including wearing a helmet.

Riding Legally

• The park charges a small per-person fee to ride the ATV trails. Your ATV must be registered, and be equipped with a spark arrestor and muffler that keeps noise levels below 86 decibles. Your ATV must have an orange whip flag that is a minimum of 72 inches long with an orange banner that is 72 square inches -- 6 inches by 9 inches, for example. Riders must wear helmets and a licensed adult must directly supervise each rider 16 years old or younger.

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ATV Trails Around Mesquite, Nevada

Tucked against the Arizona Border just above Lake Mead, Mesquite lies in the Virgin River Valley just an hour's drive from Las Vegas. Sweeping views and wide open spaces combined with a mild climate make the city an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, and you can head out on a number of ATV trails right from town.

Ride Around Town

• Get the lay of the land from Flat Top Mesa where you can see for miles in every direction. Look out at the Virgin River slicing its way through town and at the seven local golf courses. Head up to the mesa on Thomas Edison Road just off Pioneer Boulevard for a fun climb through deep sand. On lower ground, enjoy viewing waterfowl and other wildlife on a dirt track running alongside the Virgin River on the south side of Mesquite.

Gold in the Hills

• Take a scenic and leisurely ride at Whitney Pockets 20 miles southwest of Mesquite. The dirt trails wind through canyons and dirt washes with topography suitable for novice riders. Visit petroglyphs or camp below rock arches and crags thrusting their way out of the desert floor. Don't miss Devil's Throat -- an enormous limestone sinkhole to the south -- or the abandoned mining town of Gold Butte. Ample parking and staging areas are available at Whitney Pockets. There are no services once you leave Mesquite, so bring plenty of water, fuel and snacks.

Down in the Valley

• Logandale Trails form the eastern boundary of the Valley of Fire 40 miles west of Mesquite. A central easy loop accesses sand-strewn side trails twisting through rocky spires. Enjoy deep sand at multiple sand play areas but don't forget to look to the rocky buttes to catch a glimpse of an occasional desert bighorn peering down from his lofty perch. The staging area has restrooms and is accessible by 2-wheel drive vehicles. Hazards are few, making Logandale Trails a family-friendly riding area.

Run for the Border

• Just across the Arizona border to the east, Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument provides extensive networks of dirt roads throughout its boundaries. Enter the park through Lime Kiln Canyon, Whitney Pockets or Gold Butte Road or head in directly from Mesquite along a dirt back road. The park has no facilities or supplies, so bring plenty of water and fuel. Red Pockets Mountain or Black Rock Mountain lie closest to Mesquite in the northwest area of the monument.

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