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Purchase OHV permits | Registration and waiver form

Off-Highway Vehicle Trails

The new Sahara Woods Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Park offers nearly 30 miles of off-highway trails for your riding enjoyment. The site is conveniently located 5 miles west of Harrisburg, south of Illinois 13. The landscaped trails on the grounds of the reclaimed mine are near the scenic Sahara Lake and hunting area. The site features a newly built trail visitors center, restrooms, and paved parking.

Hours of operation

  • The site will be open Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, through Jan. 27, 2025.
  • Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Monday
  • Sahara Woods OHV trails will reopen May 2, 2025, and remain open through the last full weekend of January 2026.

Before you go

Visiting the Sahara Woods OHV trails is easy. Just follow these simple steps:

  1. Complete the registration and waiver form for each rider at the link at the top of this page. 
  2. Print the required forms and waivers.
  3. Purchase a permit for each off-highway vehicle at https://ExploreMoreIL.com, and be sure to print the receipt.
  4. Bring the completed registration, waiver, and receipt to the Sahara Woods OHV office.
  5. Wristbands will be issued to riders, and a sticker will be placed on each OHV at the office.
  6. Buckle up and enjoy the ride! 

Required to ride

All riders must complete a registration form and a waiver of liability prior to arrival at the site and present them at the time of check-in. The printable registration form and waiver of liability are available online to print and complete. 

Wristbands will be issued to each person upon submission of registration and waiver of liability to park office.

Permits must be purchased for each OHV to reserve a rider's spot for the day. Receipts for permit purchases must be printed and submitted to the Sahara Woods office at the time of check-in.

  • Stickers for an OHV will be issued upon submittal. Stickers must be attached to and visible on OHVs at all times and may not be transferred between vehicles.
  • Purchase OHV permits online at ExploreMoreIL.com

Parent/guardian signatures and valid driver's licenses are required for all riders younger than 17. Operators under the age of 16 must have a signed waiver from a parent or legal guardian and be under direct supervision of a person over the age of 18 with a valid driver's license.

Permit fees

Permits are available through an online payment system for the following fees:

  • One-day permit: $20 per vehicle
  • Four-day permit: $65 per vehicle

Credit card payments only. Convenience fees apply. Permits are nonrefundable for any reason, including but not limited to weather and dangerous conditions.

The Sahara Woods OHV trails are limited to 120 vehicles per day.

 

Vehicle requirements

Please note, this is not a complete list. For additional information, please see Administrative Rules.

  • Each OHV must be equipped with a roll-over protection system (ROPS) installed by the manufacturer.
  • Each OHV must be equipped with manufacturer seat belts or equivalent that are in good working order.
  • Approved safety helmets are required for all operators and passengers in designated riding areas unless the vehicle is equipped with a fully enclosed metal cab or roll bar protection and seatbelts.
  • Passengers on OHVs are required to wear seatbelts at all times and must keep feet and hands inside the vehicle while it's in motion.
  • For an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or off-highway motorcycle (OHM), the passenger must be seated behind the operator and have the ability to securely hold onto the passenger handles or operator.
  • Remember, all vehicles must be trailered to the park. 

Definitions

Sahara Woods OHV trails are designed for OHVs, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and/or off-highway motorcycles (OHMS) only as defined below:

"All-terrain vehicle" or "ATV" means any motorized off-highway device designed to travel primarily off-highway, 50 inches or less in width, having a manufacturer's dry weight of 1,500 pounds or less, traveling on three or more non-highway tires, designed with a seat or saddle for operator use, and handlebars or steering wheel for steering control, except equipment such as lawnmowers.

"Off-highway motorcycle" or "OHM" means any motorized device designed to travel primarily off-highway on two wheels, having a seat or saddle for the use of the operator, upon or by which any person, persons or property may be transported or drawn.

"Recreational off-highway vehicle" or "OHV" means any motorized off-highway device designed to travel primarily off-highway, 64 inches or less in width, having a manufacturer's dry weight of 2,000 pounds or less for gas-powered engines or 3,000 pounds or less for electric-powered engines, traveling on four or more non-highway tires, designed with a non-straddle seat and a steering wheel for steering control, except equipment such as lawnmower

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