U.S. Forest Service officials are calling on those who are planning to mountain bike or drive motorized vehicles in national forests this summer to avoid muddy roads.

In most areas of the White River National Forest, the season for driving motorized vehicles and mountain bikes kicks off May 21, according to a news release. Some Forest Service roads opened early this year due to dry conditions, but others may not open until June because of snow at higher elevations.

“Conditions vary, and not every road opening for the summer season on May 21 will be dry or passable, especially given the high number of trees that blew down over the winter and the recent moisture,” said Sam Massman, the national forest’s recreation program manager, in a statement. 

Off-road and off-trail travel is prohibited for all motorized and mechanized vehicles on the White River National Forest, according to the news release. It is the responsibility of visitors to know when and where they are allowed to drive or ride their vehicle.

In national forests, E-bikes are considered motorized vehicles and may only be ridden on roads and trails that are designated open to motorized vehicles, according to the news release. Bikes that are not e-bikes can be ridden on trails and roads where mechanized use is permitted.

“We’re asking visitors to please be patient while we work on clearing the downed trees and to avoid using muddy roads and trails until they have time to dry out and harden to minimize damage,” Massman said.
For maps of where mountain bikes and motorized vehicles are allowed, visit FS.USDA.gov/r02/whiteriver.