National Forests and Grasslands in Texas
The Sam Houston National Forest offers 85 miles of multiple-use trails designated and developed for hiking, biking, horses, and Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs). Offering a variety of unique riding conditions, the multiple-use trail in the Sam Houston is the only trail open to OHVs in the National Forests in Texas. The maximum width the motorized trails will accommodate is 50 inches.
To promote sustainable and safe trail use opportunities, trails are closed when conditions such as soil moisture could lead to trail damage. Before visiting, please call the Ranger's Office at 936-344-6205 or 888-361-6908 and select option 2 for trail status. The date recorded on the trail message report reflects the date the trail was opened or closed. The message will remain the same until the open/ closed status changes. Trail conditions change frequently.
Please call the Sam Houston National Forest number at 936-344-6205 or 888-361-6908 and select option 2 for the most recent trail status. This trail is managed for hiking, biking, horses and off-Highway vehicles (OHVs) that are 50 inches or less. All trails are two way and are only allowed on the designated Multiple-use Trail System.
If purchasing your Day Pass on-site, no printed copy of the pass will be available. Instead, your license plate number and pass stored on your device will be used to confirm compliance. Annual Passes must be carried on the trail by the passholder. This can be done by downloading the pass to your mobile device or printing in advance of your visit. Cell phone connectivity may be limited, so printing is encouraged.
A pass is required per person and covers the use of the Sam Houston Multiple-Use Trails. You must enter the names for each user and a license plate for each vehicle that will be at the trailhead. Passes can be downloaded to each users phones, and/or printed ahead of time and carried on the trail. You can enter separate emails for each user, or the purchaser can forward to an email or text the pass to each user.
This pass is valid until 11:59 PM of the date(s) listed on the pass, and only for the date(s) and rider/vehicle specified for this pass.
Passes are non-transferrable, non-refundable, not replaceable if lost or stolen, and are void if altered or reproduced.
A state driver's license must be available to show during a law enforcement compliance check if you are operating an OHV.
OHVs must have a current Texas OHV decal properly mounted on the vehicle. This decal can be purchased from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Service Center (CSC). The phone number is 512-389-8917.
Only street legal vehicles are allowed on Forest Service Roads.
OHVs must be equipped with a spark arrestor which emits 96 decibels of sound or less.
OHV operators must carry a valid ID, proof of day-use payment, and if riding an ATV, proof of ATV operator education course completion.
Riders must wear approved helmet and eye protection, and passengers are not allowed on an OHV unless it is specifically designed by the manufacturer for multiple riders.
OHVs operating after sunset and before sunrise must be equipped with working headlights and taillights.
Care should be taken in the woods during hunting season. Wear blaze orange.
Cell phone connectivity on the forest may be limited, plan ahead.