Bridle Trails close Monday, November 28, 2022 through Friday, March 31, 2023.

Bridle trails are very popular with visitors to Ohio’s state forests. That’s why it is important that the Division of Forestry manage these trails in a way that allows them to be sustained for the long term. The Division of Forestry has decided to continue a seasonal bridle trail closure that was implemented last year. This will help minimize traffic during the wettest months of the year in order to protect these trails. These trails will still be open for pedestrian traffic.

The date for the bridle trail closure for 2023 is November 28, 2022, to March 31, 2023. The trails will reopen for riding on April 1, 2023.

During the closure, trails can be more safely maintained by forest staff and organizations with approved volunteer agreements. Strong summer storms in 2022 had a major impact on some forests’ trails and those areas will receive attention during the closure.

During the closure, signage will be installed at campgrounds, trailheads, and day-use areas that will designate the trails as closed.

Trail rides can be requested during the closed season. The applicant will need to complete a Special Use Permit (SUP) application and submit it to the local forest manager at least 5 days prior to the event.

This seasonal schedule affects the following Ohio State Forests:

• BLUE ROCK
• BRUSH CREEK
• DEAN
• HARRISON
• HOCKING
• MOHICAN-MEMORIAL
• PERRY
• PIKE
• SCIOTO TRAIL
• SHAWNEE
• TAR HOLLOW
• ZALESKI