Houston Valley, just west of Dalton, is the largest Forest Service off-highway vehicle trail system in Georgia: 25 miles of motorbike and ATV trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest, from easy to difficult. It is built for dry riding, so it closes for several days after heavy rain.
- TrailsAbout 25 miles for motorbikes and ATVs
- SeasonApril 1 to Dec. 31 (closed Jan. to March)
- Fees$5 per operator per day, or $50 OHV annual pass
- Rain closuresCall 706-695-6736 ext. 2 before you go
Rules & Vehicles
Allowed
Motorbikes and all-terrain vehicles up to 50 inches wide. No pickups or four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Riders
Helmets are required for motorbike riders by state law. Unlicensed drivers may ride the designated trails only with a licensed adult, and must stay off public roads and open Forest Service roads.
Alcohol
Possessing or drinking alcohol is prohibited in the parking lot, on the trails and at related facilities.
Mountain bikes
Bikes may use the trails, but watch for two-way motorized traffic.
Permits & Passes
Buy a $5 one-day permit for each operator on the Recreation.gov app, online at Recreation.gov, or by calling 877-444-6777. The $50 OHV annual pass covers each operator for a year at the Forest Service’s six OHV areas in the region, and is sold at ranger district offices and on Recreation.gov.
At the Trailhead
Parking
35 paved spaces for tow vehicles, plus an ADA loading ramp.
Restrooms
A vault toilet with an ADA-accessible restroom. There is no drinking water, so bring your own.
Camping
Three primitive campsites at the trailhead, free and first come, first served.
Nearest town
Dalton, about 10 miles east, for food, fuel and supplies.
Trailhead SignCapehart Road
Motorbike TrailsEasy to difficult
ATV RidingUp to 50 inches wideDirections
From I-75, take Exit 336 (Dalton/Rocky Face) and go north on U.S. 41 for about 3 miles to Georgia 201. Turn left on Georgia 201, then take the second road on the right, Houston Valley Road. Continue through two intersections, go 1 mile past the second one and turn left on Capehart Road, which ends at the trailhead parking lot after 1 mile.
Contact
Conasauga Ranger District, 3941 Highway 76, Chatsworth, GA 30705. 706-695-6736; office hours Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. See all Georgia OHV trails, including the nearby Windy Gap trails.
Sources we checked
Facts in this guide were checked in September 2026 against the agencies and operators that run these places:
- USDA Forest Service: Houston Valley OHV Trails – trails, season, fees and facilities
- Recreation.gov: Chattahoochee-Oconee passes
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