I was reading through some topics and I had a few questions:

1. Can you ride at all on the East side of the highway? ( by the lake)

2. I know you have to purchase a permit, but do you have to stay on the roads, or can you get off on trails in the WMA?

3. If you can get off road, are the trails challenging, like over in Arkansas around Albert's Pike, or are they just gentle terrain?

4. What are the fines like ? (some guys I know want to just take their chances, I would like to talk them out of it)


Thanks to all.

 

I've never ridden around Broken Bow, but I've put in quite a few miles riding out of Clayton Lake State Park on 271. I ride on the east side of 271 just south of the park. You start out on logging roads, but there are a lot of trails leading off of them that are a blast to ride.
The trails snake around the mountains and it can be easy to get disoriented, so a good gps should be taken so you can at least keep a perspective of where you are in relation to 271.
The permit for a state resident is $16 bucks a year...out of state residents, I don't know, but you can always buy a one or three day permit to see if you like it. I've never been stopped by a ranger, but I've been told the fine is about $155 bucks.

I know this is not much help for the Broken Bow area, but I'm sure the riding around Clayton Lake is comparable. Plus, the campgrounds and the park is one of the prettiest and best kept in the state.

Hope this helps a little bit.

Ride safe!

XMARINE

 

Broadhead:

I will answer your questions as best I can. I am getting my info from the Ranger Himself. One day my uncle and I were riding (unknowingly illegal) and when we trailered up we flagged the Ranger down to ask him about the riding area. Here is the information he gave us.

1. Can you ride at all on the East side of the highway? YES you can. However it is only one road and it is no where near the lake. You are not to ride ANYWHERE near the lake. I would advise riding West of the highway as there is only one road on the East side and it is not that spectaular of a ride.

2. In BOTH the WMA and the Federal areas you are only permitted to ride on ROADS, side trails that are not wide enough to take a "family car" down are off limits. The Ranger told us that he uses the family car width to mean a wide road. He said this DID NOT apply to two ruts where a wider road used to be. That type of trail would be off limits.

3. You are not permitted off the roads so really this question is kind of moot but I will tell you that the logging roads (which are the only thing you are authorized to ride on) are Not challenging and do not have much grade on them.

4. As for the fines I am not certain but I know that fines are NOT the thing you have to worry about. It is my understanding that you may be subject to having your quad impounded. Not that is not to say that is the case in all instances but I am sure that it does happen. Two weeks ago at another riding area I saw an OHP officer impound two quads (as well he should) because there were kids less than 15 riding them on a blacktop highway (with a speed limit of 65 and a good amount of traffic). Fines are probably pretty steep.

One other thing to advise you (as I would not have know if the Ranger had not pointed it out). IF YOU SEE A PILE OF DIRT 2-3 FEET IN HEIGHT...THIS IS NOT TO RIDE ON OR AROUND. If a road has a pile of dirt in the middle or across one road in a fork or intersection that means that you are not to ride past that point. I wanted to tell you that because I know that I would have mistaken it as being a pile of dirt there for construction or to be graded or something but NOT as a keep out sign...but that is how they block trails now days.

In summary, I will say this (and I am not trying to get under anyone's skin). IN GENERAL, I am not a fan of law enforcement by any means (particularly municipal police forces) normally I feel that cops are more of a hindrance than a help but I realize they are a necessary evil. To make a long story short I am not a fan of law enforcement

BUT, the Ranger that we spoke with was nothing but courteous, professional, eager to assist us and answered all kinds of questions about where to ride, when to ride etc. He never once checked our permits (I guess he figured we would not waive him over if we didnt have them) He even told me how to get to a great fishing spot. This Ranger was with the Oklahoma Dept. of Wildlife Conservation and he was very amicable. So if you see the Ranger jsut treat him okay and he will be more than good to you. And the ranger I spoke to DOES watch this board.

Bob "Hope I could be of Help" Bobman

 

Well, thanks for the info. Doesn't look like we'll be going to Broken Bow. I realize that there are many, many miles of logging roads, but to me that's a little dull. I prefer some steeper terrain. I agree that they have to protect the forest. I do appreciate the info though.