David Lofty rides his ATV through Persimmon Branch on the Prentice Cooper Wildlife Management Area as Robert and Chester Moury look on.Off-road driving is an activity that many local residents and visitors to Chattanooga enjoy, and there are several areas available for a day on the trails.
As with mountain biking and other activities, it is important to confirm that off-road vehicles are allowed at various sites to avoid trouble with landowners or law enforcement. And proper safety equipment and common sense should be used at all times to avoid injury. The sites in this story are all open to off-roading.
PRENTICE COOPER
Prentice Cooper State Forest is about 10 miles from downtown Chattanooga in Marion County, Tenn., and offers lots of outdoor activities, including four-wheeling on roads in the forest. In addition to off-road driving, hunting (at designated times), target shooting, hiking, horseback riding and camping are allowed in the forest.
• Prentice Cooper includes 24,686 acres of land along the Tennessee River Gorge just downriver from downtown.
• There are more than 100 miles of dirt roads and trails to explore, ranging from easy to difficult.