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Some of the best riding in Ohio sits on land that once gave up its coal to big machines. Today those scarred hills in Perry County are a playground for dirt bikes, ATVs and side-by-sides, and the gate never closes.
Riders call it a hill climber’s paradise, and the mud holes back that up. This guide covers where to park, what the trails are really like, who will love it, and the smart moves that keep a trip fun from start to finish.
A Trailhead Outside Somerset
Every big ride needs a starting line, and this one is a parking lot near a small Perry County town.
The Perry State Forest APV Area Trailhead Parking is listed at Somerset, OH 43783, United States. It serves as the jumping-off point for the forest’s all-purpose vehicle area.
APV is the state’s term for machines like ATVs, dirt bikes and side-by-sides. Riders unload here, gear up and head straight into the hills.
For families in Columbus, the trip east toward Somerset makes a reasonable day outing. Folks from Zanesville and the surrounding counties have an even shorter haul.
The lot is simple and functional. It exists for one reason, and that reason has knobby tires.
Once the trailer is parked, the real question becomes which trail to tackle first.
From Coal Ground to Riding Ground
Long before engines roared here for fun, they roared for work.
As the article title suggests, this land is tied to Ohio’s coal strip mining past. Strip mining reshaped hills across this part of the state, leaving steep slopes and uneven ground behind.
That reshaped terrain is a big part of why the riding feels so different from smoother trail systems. The hills are abrupt, the dips are deep and the ground rarely stays flat for long.
Perry County has a deep connection to coal country history. Small towns in the region grew alongside the mines, and that heritage still shapes the landscape.
Turning old mined land into a public riding area gives it a new purpose. Instead of sitting idle, the ground now draws riders from across Ohio.
There is something fitting about a place built by heavy machinery now hosting lighter, faster ones. The hills have simply changed customers.
Knowing the backstory makes every climb a little more interesting, especially once the size of the place sinks in.
Bigger Than It Looks
First-timers often underestimate this spot, and that is a happy mistake.
The trails cover far more ground than a quick glance at the parking area suggests. Experienced riders note that covering most of the system at least once can take two separate trips.
That kind of scale is great news for anyone hauling machines a long way. A single day will not exhaust the options, which means repeat visits stay fresh.
The title figure of roughly 1,800 acres gives a sense of the space. It is plenty of room to wander, explore and find new favorites.
Plan for a full day rather than a quick spin. Bring enough fuel and water to match the ambition.
The size also means riders can spread out. Even on a busy day, it rarely feels like everyone is stacked on one trail.
Of course, all that ground is not laid out in neat, labeled loops, which brings up the matter of finding the way.
Markers, Maps and Mystery Paths
Most of the main trails carry markings, but nobody should mistake them for a fully signed highway.
Riders describe the system as mostly well marked, though not foolproof. A large number of unofficial trails branch off the main routes, and many of them lack any signage.
Those side paths can be tempting. Some narrow quickly into single track and can leave a rider deep in the woods with no obvious way back.
Here is the practical takeaway. Ride with a buddy, keep track of turns and consider a GPS app with offline maps.
Letting someone at home know the plan is also smart. Cell coverage in rural hill country can be patchy.
For the curious, though, those hidden trails are part of the charm. Regulars mention the thrill of discovering paths they never knew existed.
The trick is balancing adventure with a plan to get back to the truck before dark.
The Hill Climbs Everyone Talks About
Ask riders what makes Perry special, and the answer usually points uphill.
The area has earned a reputation as one of the best spots for hill climbs in southern Ohio. Some call it a hill climber’s paradise, and the terrain makes a strong case.
Those steep slopes trace back to the land’s mining past. The result is a series of challenging climbs that test both machine and rider.
Beginners should start with smaller grades before attempting the big ones. Watching experienced riders first can help with picking lines.
Proper gear matters here more than anywhere. Helmets, boots, gloves and chest protection are worth every penny on these hills.
The payoff at the top can be more than bragging rights, too. Several high points open up to wide views across the forest.
Climbs get the glory, but the trails between them have their own personality, and it comes in brown.
Mud Season Is Every Season
Clean machines do not stay clean for long here.
The double track trails carry plenty of mud, which makes them a favorite for the ATV and side-by-side crowd. Mud holes are a regular feature rather than a rare surprise.
That is great news for riders who enjoy a sloppy challenge. It is less great for anyone hoping for fast, flowing trails.
Riders looking for smoother, more maintained routes with fewer mud holes often point toward Wayne National Forest or Pike State Forest instead. Perry fills a different niche.
Pack a change of clothes, some towels and a plan for washing gear afterward. A tarp for the truck bed can save the upholstery.
Mud also changes trail conditions quickly. A route that was easy last month may be a swamp after heavy rain.
Plenty of riders would not have it any other way. For them, the muddier the better.
Single Track for Two Wheels
Dirt bike riders get their own reward here, tucked away between the trees.
The area is praised for some of the best public bike single track in southern Ohio. These narrow, twisting paths suit motorcycles far better than wider machines.
The catch is that much of it takes effort to locate. Riders often say there is lots of single track, if you can find it.
That hide-and-seek quality keeps people coming back. Each visit can reveal a new section that was missed before.
Single track demands focus. Roots, rocks and tight turns can catch a rider off guard, so steady pacing helps.
Riding in a small group is a good idea on these paths. A partner can help if a bike gets stuck or a rider takes a spill.
Two-wheel fans who enjoy a little treasure hunting will feel right at home in these woods.
Freedom Beyond the Trail
Here is a rule that surprises many first-timers.
Off-trail riding is legal within the APV area boundaries. That sets Perry apart from many riding areas where straying from the marked path is off limits.
The open policy lets riders explore the terrain more freely. It is a big part of why the place feels like a true playground in the woods.
The key word is boundaries. Riders should know where the APV area ends and stay inside it.
Respecting those limits helps protect access for everyone. Many regulars hope the state keeps this land open to the off-road public for years to come.
Good habits go a long way. Packing out trash, avoiding damage where possible and riding courteously all help the cause.
Freedom like this is rare, and the best way to keep it is to treat it well.
Views Worth the Climb
Not every highlight here involves throttle.
Several vistas across the forest stand out as major rewards. Riders often call them a reason on their own to make the trip.
Many of these viewpoints sit at the top of the climbs. Reaching them takes effort, which makes the stop feel earned.
The scenery adds a calmer side to a high-energy day. It is a good moment to rest, drink some water and check the map.
Fall can be an especially appealing time to plan a ride. Changing leaves across the hills add color to the outlook, and cooler temperatures make long days easier.
Bringing a phone or small camera is a good call. These overlooks tend to end up as the favorite photos from the trip.
After soaking in the scenery, it is time to think about who this place truly suits.
Who Will Love It Most
Perry is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that honesty is refreshing.
Hill climbers, mud fans and dirt bikers who enjoy exploring will find plenty to like. Groups of friends seem to have an especially good time sharing the trails.
Families with experienced young riders can enjoy a day here too. Parents should match trails to skill levels and keep kids close on the tougher terrain.
Riders who want fast, groomed loops may prefer other Ohio options. Wayne National Forest and Pike State Forest are often suggested for that style.
The overall mood leans casual and adventurous. People come to play in the woods, get dirty and test their skills.
Repeat trips are common. Plenty of riders leave planning their next visit before the trailer is even loaded.
Fun aside, a few practical details make or break the day, starting with the clock.
Hours, Parking and Timing
Good news for early birds and late finishers alike.
The trailhead parking is listed as open 24 hours, every day of the week. That flexibility helps riders fit a trip around work and travel.
Parking space has been plentiful at times. One Friday afternoon in July, there was room to spare.
Weekends and holidays may bring more traffic, so arriving early is a sensible plan. Early starts also leave more daylight for exploring.
Even with round-the-clock access, riding in darkness on unfamiliar trails is risky. Daylight hours make navigation far easier.
Current fees, permits and registration rules can change. Checking with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources before the trip is the smart move.
Once timing is sorted, there is one more safety point that deserves attention back at the lot.
Protecting the Truck and Trailer
The trails get the attention, but the parking lot deserves some too.
At least one rider has reported vehicle vandalism when the area was nearly empty. It is a reminder that remote trailheads can leave equipment exposed.
Securing the truck, hitch and trailer is a simple step that can save a lot of trouble. Hitch locks, coupler locks and wheel locks are all worth considering.
Valuables should stay out of sight or go home. Locking doors and closing windows sounds basic, yet it matters.
Riding with a group can help, too. Arriving and leaving together means fewer vehicles sit alone.
None of this should scare anyone away. Most trips here wrap up with nothing more than muddy gear and big smiles.
A little preparation simply means the ride home starts as well as the ride did.
Worth the Haul to Perry County
So, is it worth the drive?
For riders who love steep hills, sticky mud and hidden single track, the answer leans strongly toward yes. The strong praise from riders backs that up, with many calling it among the best riding in Ohio.
The land’s journey from coal mining to recreation gives it a story that few riding areas can match. Those reshaped hills are exactly what makes the climbs so memorable.
It is not polished, and it does not pretend to be. Trails can be confusing, mud is guaranteed and the lot calls for caution.
Those quirks are part of what keeps local riders loyal. Perry rewards people who come prepared and ride with curiosity.
Load up the machines, lock up the trailer and point the truck toward Somerset. The hills of Perry County are waiting, mud and all.
