Any areas for young riders?

[Stevo]

I'm working on teaching my young son on the basics and he is not ready for big time trail action, so i was wondering if there was any areas not too far from un loading spots that are good for youngsters to practice in? Something like a small field with maybe some easy dirt roads we can go on without worrying about being run down by the 'faster' folks?
Thanks

[STAKK]

Thanks for your interest, You can trailer and unload at the parking/camping area on trail #3, from there 3 is fairly easy, with some mud holes, (you can go around these holes) from there trail #1( go left off of 3, not right) is an easy dirt/gravel trail with some smaller mudholes thrown in for good measure, #1 would be the perfect beginner trail, no huge hills, or technical area's....... also the parking area there on #3 is about 5 acres, so you can simply ride him around that area until he is comfortable enough to head out to #1...........Stakk

[Stevo]

Cool, thanks for the reply back. Hope to make it up soon.

[Jaybee]

Stevo -

Whenever I want to train my kids, refresh their riding skills, get them started on a new ATV or if they have a friend with an ATV going with us we head to Chuck Swan WMA.  Trails are easy with just enough interest like some shallow creek crossings to keep the kids thrilled.  While it's no great shakes for an experienced rider, it's perfect for training the youngsters.  It's out on hwy 33 on Norris lake - no fees to ride.

Nothing against Brimstone, as the mentioned areas will work well for training but you can easily find trails at Brinstone that will overpower a new kid on a small ATV.

[Marvin]

Just be careful at Chuck Swan. As he said its great scenery and good beginner riding with lots of deer to see but riding is closed on the main forest road. You can cross from one trail to the other but none on main road. You can still get to one end of the area to the other and with alot less dust and more scenery anyway. As usual a few bad apples spoiled it for people by making the main road a baja and a few being flown out in lifestar.

[Stevo]

Thanks for the info guys. I thought that Chuck Swan was run like RB WMA, where you had to have WMA usage permits and sportsman liscense before you could ride it. Or am I messed up about that?

[Marvin]

It is in the permit or hunting license. Just can't ride on the main road because of the few incidents. It is open year round to riding like RB just that during managed hunts (7 spring turkey and 5 deer hunts usually) no one but hunters with permits can be in there. The warden there is super nice and they have maps available and all road intersections are marked. Plenty of good easy riding and great scenery. The only difference is the main road rule and not in there during hunts. They have three nice campgrounds with great campsites but no utilities. Its good for seeing some deer and easy riding but its not a Brimstone by any means. Experienced riders would be bored in a hurry.

[Stevo]

once again, big thanks for the info.   i like the sound of that, nice quiet type riding. then i can move him p the the brimstone rides, with the added benefit of 'Daddy Time' on some of their big time trails.

[Marvin]

10-4 on that. If you have never been to Brimstone you will enjoy it tremendously. Like Stakk said there is some easy riding to get warmed up then anything you want.

[Bamagirl]

Do u have to pay for Chuck Swan just like u do for RB or Sundquist if u are out of state? Sure would like to have one of those permits to ride those all year....but they cost a fortune for us out of state folks.  :shock:

[Marvin]

Well I will verify with the area manager. He is a great guy and most likley he will never check you as long as you are obeying the rules. Which is off the main road, ride sensible, and stay off roads with no motorized vehicle signs. It certainly is no Brimstone but early morning and late evening rides you should see 20 to 100 deer. They have some picnic areas on the lake and take a fishing rod if you like to fish. I will let you know soon. I will see him here in the near future. I have to go get my camper up there.

[Bamagirl]

That sounds pretty cool about the deer! Spring will be here before we know it! I can hardly wait!  

[Jaybee]

There's no charge or permits needed at Chuck Swan, as long as you have a TDS sticker or equlivant.