Mountain Biking - national park rules?

I was wondering if anyone knew off the top of their head the national park rules regarding mountain biking. Obviously respect for the environment and posted signs are important, but are there written rules regarding what kind of trails mtb's are allowed on? Also, if anyone can add specific rules for washington and oregon. The Ginford Pinchot National forest has some of the most incredible scenery in the country, and I'd love to get out in the very middle of it.

National Park MTB (http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/biking/bike_trails.htm)

Check ot this site.

Slainte

I was wondering if anyone knew off the top of their head the national park rules regarding mountain biking.

well, in general, in the National Parks which are pretty much the most restricted and protected land type in the US, mountain biking is not allowed except on designated trails which is usually ONLY paved trails.

national scenic and recreation areas are the next level and they sometimes allow mountain biking (i actually haven't biked in many, so i'm not sure) although usually only on designated trails.

then, the majority of public land is national forest, state forest and national bureau of land management where mountain biking is usually allowed... this is land where a variety of uses are allowed such as hunting, logging, mountain biking, cattle grazing, etc... and regulations vary for each type of land based on resources, demand and politics. in general, mountain biking is usually allowed unless prohibited by signs. also, in many places such as Oregon and Washington and California, many places have a parking fee system to raise money for the park maintenance

the fees are usually "justified" because government funds continue to be cut and also many government agencies want to fund many "improvements" such as paving roads, installing bathrooms and guest centers and RV parking areas with electricity hookups. I personally am generally against most "improvements" in the nature/conservation areas and think it is better only to prevent erosion and maintain basic facilities (parking, signs, etc) and limit the developedment of the natural areas as much as possible -- i fear the day when you have to pay to use the "improved nature facilities"... and have no choice of less disturbed nature...

the web site dirtbikedude listed is national forest land and is good info...

The Disciples of Dirt are an Oregon based group, they may be able to help you with some of the specifics. Try contacting them here (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DisciplesOfDirt/)

I own some land next to the Ozark National Forest, where I am currently building a cabin. I asked the same question when I was negotiating for a road easemanet across the forest. They were somewhat vague in their answer, but as I was told; Wilderness areas are closed to anything except for foot traffic. Otherwise it is unclear and I am interested in what else is posted here. During deer season it seems that anything goes and I really can't see how a mountain bike can do more damage than a 4 wheeler or a Jeep...

Mike,

Building a road is a totally different thing than just using existing trails, whether on foot or horseback or mountain bike or even a 4-wheeler... building is heavily regulated/controlled in nagtional and state lands although (surprising to most) not disallowed as there are thousands of roads that are built for logging and mineral extraction every year as well as facilities built for grazing cattle. -- many are actually paid for with public funds :( -- but in almost all of these cases, the companies pay - either in direct fees or through political "contributions".

as to motor vehicles, the regulations vary greatly from state to state. For example, in Oregon, about half the state lands allow snowmobiles and 4-wheelers. on federal lands snowmobiles and other motorized vehicles are now allowed back into many areas that under Clinton were not allowed - such as Yellowstone NP - as Bush cancelled Clinton's "national roadless plan" mainly to support his logging and mineral extraction friends who donated lots of money to the Republican cause...

Originally posted by nathank
Mike,
... building is heavily regulated/controlled in nagtional and state lands although (surprising to most) not disallowed as there are thousands of roads that are built for logging and mineral extraction every year as well as facilities built for grazing cattle.

Yes, as I found out it is a long and tedious process to get a road easement. And mine was using mostly an existing road for access to my land. The point I wanted to make was that I would like to build a single track trail on forest land. There are very many miles of existing single track on national forests, but if you ask about them either they deny that they exist, or have no real answer for you. I suppose I could just go build a trail like others do, but I would rather go through the proper channels and do it right. Maybe someone else can chime in here with some answers...

Ok guys, thanks for the answers. I guess this one goes into the x-files for now, since they seem to give indirect answers I work for a phone company right now, I guess the forest service applies the same rule to mountain bikers as we do to ordinary subscribers: "Maybe if we ignore the customer for long enough, he'll stop asking." I'll check out your links though.