The Most Unrivaled Off-Road Trails in Plain States of the US Right Now!

Written by dave.abbett in Travel,Unrivaled Trails Of The U.S.

Unrivaled Off-Road Trails in Plain States of the US

Overlanding offers an immense respite from our everyday lives with the perfect blend of off-roading and car camping. These provide endless opportunities for recreation, adventure, and solitude. Whether you are searching for a hearty multi-week expedition or a weekend excursion, the plain states in the United States offer premier off-roading trails. The region covers several states such as North and South Dakota, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. This guide looks at the off-road trails in each of these states.

Off-Road Trails in North Dakota

North Dakota is categorically known as The Peace Garden State and is famous for its endless landscapes and lush nature. Despite appearing in this list of plain states, North Dakota also encompasses lakes, valleys, and hills. There are several off-road trails one can enjoy here, especially the Kimball Bottoms OHV area. However, as you head out to these Overlanding destinations, always check the regulations and trail conditions to be sure. And always make sure that you are prepared. Check out our article here.

Roughrider OHV Trail

This is one of the finest off-road trails in North Dakota. It encompasses old railroad tracks that are now OHV tracks. The trail is for everyone, including the intermediate off-roaders and novices. It is a 16.5-mile trail beginning from Fort Rice Campground to the Little Heart Bottoms. The track is around 30 miles to the south of Mandan on Highway 1806. You can also catch striking views of the glorious Missouri River.

This trail is full of surface dirt and gravel with several water crossings. You can also expect moderate slopes on this track. There are some regulations to drive or ride on this trail, so make sure you check them out.

Kimball Bottoms OHV Area

Kimball Bottoms OHV Area offers off-roaders over 400 acres of trails. Overlanding parties can explore this area and even the two islands nearby when water levels go down. However, before exploring the islands, ensure you check the weather condition. Here, other exciting activities one can engage in include swimming, boating, and fishing.

The vehicles must have a spark arresting silencer to drive or ride here. Off-roaders love Kimball, especially during the wet season.

Off-Road Trails in South Dakota

The black hills in South Dakota offer off-roading the best areas for Overlanding. There are many trails and tracks bearing the fact that South Dakota is the least densely populated state in the US. Below are some of the trails that also have fun amenities and attractions.

Antelope Springs Trailhead

Found in the Black Hills National Forest is this spellbinding trailhead with great trails for off-roaders. Antelope Springs Trailhead is located near Redbank Campground and offers alluring views to the users. The trail is ideal for beginners since a large percentage is almost flat. Prepare to be rewarded with striking views in different locations, trees of varied foliage, and deep lakes in the South Dakota state.

Bluebird Trailhead

Hidden away in the Black Hills, Bluebird is one of the favorite gems in South Dakota. The trailhead traverses via a unique limestone canyon surrounding Senator, Pringle, and Custer cities. Locals recommend heading south or east upon getting to the end to catch picturesque views of the McClure Dam, Ward Reservoir, and other impressive sites.

Black Hills National Forest

Black Hills National Forest requires special recognition for off-roading. There are lots of trails to marvel at here and enjoy the serenity of nature. Campgrounds are on-site, meaning you can prolong your stay here to enjoy the scenic views of the forest. Trails in this forest encompass flat sections, hills, open meadows, and forested terrain.

Red Lake

Around Red Lake, you can expect about 20 miles of trails. The trails are open to the public between May 15 and December 15. Red Lake is family-friendly, meaning you can have ample time here with your family. The area makes one of the excellent places to have a great time with your off-road vehicle in South Dakota.

Off-Road Trails in Nebraska

The Cornhusker State is widely known for its magnificent grasslands, rolling plains, and forested valleys. All these make the ideal recipe for an off-road enthusiast. Sandhills cover the state with diverse rock formations and towering dunes. Nebraska has varied terrain and incredible scenery to enjoy Overlanding.

The best places to explore include the Nebraska National Forest and the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest. These breathtaking areas will reward you with miles of trails filled with marshes, grasslands, and lakes.

Bessey OHV Trail System

Despite Nebraska having exciting terrain, there are only a few trails open for public use. Most of the tracks in the state are privately owned and will require membership or amenity fees before you can access them.

However, the Bessey trail system has several public trails off-roaders can enjoy. The tracks are around 36 miles to enjoy the grasslands and the forest views. The terrain is quite sandy, and riders can expect sharp curves on the trails. Accessing this trail is easy to start at the Bessey Recreation Complex or the Scenic Road.

Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest

The forest is quite extensive as it extends to over 116,000 acres. There is a lot to expect from this forest, including excellent grasslands and pine forests. Some of the unique trees you can find here include eastern junipers, Scots pines, and the ponderosa. There are also lots of wildlife one can spot here, such as hawks, wild turkeys, foxes, deers, pheasants, and coyotes.

The off-road trails are open for any motorized off-road vehicle, even though there are limitations based on the size of the vehicle. If you are an off-roader that loves touring pristine destinations to bond with nature, then this forest should be your next destination.

Off-Road Trails in Kansas

The sunflower state offers off-roaders the ideal trails to enjoy beautiful moments with their ‘babies.’ Below are some of the thrilling off-road trails you can enjoy in Kansas state.

Kansas Rocks Recreational Park

Around a one-hour drive to the south of Kansas City, you will come across the Kansas Rocks Recreational Park outside Mapleton. The park is open from April all the way to October for all kinds of rigs. This park is private, so you will have to pay some entrance fee to enjoy the trails available here.

Found here are lots of water crossings, rock crawling, and miles of beautiful trails to conquer. There are off-roading classes where you can learn recovery techniques, essential vehicle modifications, and off-road driving skills for beginners.

Tuttle Creek ORV Area

If you are looking for off-roading trails near Topeka, this is the place. It is a tiny park with around ten miles of trails, but you can be sure the tracks could last you the entire day. This area has challenging hill climbs and steep rock climbs, which is why the experienced off-roaders love it here.

If you want to push your off-road vehicle to the limit, then this is it since you will come across technical trails. Tuttle creek encompasses an extended staging and parking area, so you do not have to worry about your RV. Know that this area is surrounded by private land, so as you enjoy off-roading, check whether you are still in the park to avoid trespassing. The other thing you should know about this place is that there are no amenities or camping facilities. Bring along anything you may need during your visit.

Off-Road Trails in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is among the plain states in the US where off-roaders can enjoy driving and riding on the less-traveled roads. Here are the exciting trails to discover in Oklahoma.

Disneyland (Oklahoma)

Off-roaders can marvel at Disney land just one hour to the northeast of Tulsa. Of course, the name relates to cartoon mice that you may know, but Disney town has no relation to this. Disney is a tiny town built on an island and accessible via the Pensacola Dam. The town has a population of about 300 people, which is why almost the entire island is used for off-roading. Wheelers can marvel at rock crawling itineraries and miles of trails found on this island. The island also offers camping options to the off-roaders that would wish to spend more time here.

Sundog Trails

If you love exploring and venturing into new lands with your overland vehicle, then the sundog trails in Oklahoma are the place to be. The tracks are just one hour from the city and have everything for all skill levels. It is just next to the Canadian River, which means you will enjoy breathtaking views of the river as it winds down the valleys.

It is private property which means you will have to pay the entrance fee. A majority of the trails are sandy and ideal even for beginners. The park incorporates camping options so you can more time here.

Kiamichi Trail

If you have visited Oklahoma for off-roading, you probably know the K-Trail. This trail covers about 80 miles and traverses through the Ouachita National Forest. Even though local landowners privatize 40 miles, Overlanding parties can still thrive at the remaining 40 miles of this thrilling trail.

Enjoy the adventure itinerary full of rock crawling and muddy bogs for extreme fun. There are also camping amenities around so you could spend more time exploring the beautiful Oklahoma state.

Final Thoughts

Off-roading can never be fun if you do not explore new places in the plains states of the US. Discover these unbelievable trails in the region and have memorable moments with other off-roaders.

Check Out Our “Unrivaled Trails” Series

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