You Can Rent A Side-By-Side And Explore 250 Miles Of Trails At Kentucky’s Largest Off-Road Park
Wild horses roam the hills at this off-road park, and you might spot them from a rented side-by-side. Elk and cattle share the mountaintops too.
That alone made me sit up straight.
The park covers more than 50,000 acres of old coal mining land in the Appalachian Mountains. It holds over 250 miles of trails, and that number keeps growing.
You don’t even need your own machine. Rental outfits hand you the keys, plus helmets and goggles, for guided tours or self-guided rides.
I admire how simple that makes a first trip.
I believe this corner of Kentucky deserves way more attention. A father and son turned scarred mine land into a playground for riders of every skill level.
So how many trails could you cover in one weekend? Probably not nearly enough.
A Father And Son Turned Old Mine Land Into Something Wild
Big dreams sometimes grow on rough ground. Leatherwood Off-Road opened in April 2023, founded by Terry Roberts and his son on former coal mining land in eastern Kentucky.
Their goal went beyond fun weekends. They wanted off-road tourism to help bring new life to the local economy.
That mission gives every ride a little extra meaning. When you buy a trail permit, grab snacks, or book a cabin, you’re supporting a mountain community finding a fresh path forward.
The scale is hard to wrap your head around. The park stretches across more than 50,000 acres, which makes it the largest off-road destination in Kentucky.
Fifty thousand acres is a lot of hills. You could ride for days and still find corners you haven’t seen.
The park also sits on land with a working past. Old mining areas often leave wide, open ridgetops behind, and those spaces now hold sweeping trail views.
I like that history isn’t hidden here. It’s simply part of the scenery you drive through.
So when you roll out from the trailhead, remember the story behind it. A family looked at worn-out land and saw miles of adventure waiting.
Finding the park is part of the adventure. The address is 11802 State Hwy 699, Slemp, Kentucky, deep in the Appalachian Mountains.
No Machine At Home? Grab The Keys To A Rental
Owning a side-by-side is pricey. Luckily, you can skip that whole headache at Leatherwood Off-Road.
Rental options include Leatherwood Off Rhodes Rentals and Leatherwood Adventures. Both offer side-by-sides for guided tours and self-guided excursions.
Helmets and goggles come included with rentals. That’s one less thing to forget in the garage.
Guided tours make sense for first-timers. Someone who knows the routes can point you toward great views without the stress of navigating.
Self-guided rides suit folks who want to set their own pace. You pick the turns, the stops, and how muddy things get.
A little planning helps a lot. Book ahead, especially for busy weekends and event dates, so you’re not stuck watching others drive off.
Remember that every rider needs a park permit. Your rental doesn’t replace that, so sort it out before you head up the hill.
Honestly, renting might be the smartest way to test the hobby. You get the full mountain experience without a trailer, a payment plan, or a spouse asking questions about the new toy.
Over 250 Miles Of Trails, And They Keep Adding More
Two hundred fifty miles is roughly the drive from Louisville to Nashville and back. Now stack that much dirt into one mountain park.
Leatherwood Off-Road offers more than 250 miles of trails, and some counts put it closer to 280. Expansion keeps going, so that figure may climb again.
Variety is the real treat. Easy, stock-friendly routes sit alongside technical trails packed with rocks, mud, and steep elevation changes.
Beginners can cruise and soak in the scenery. Experienced drivers can chase double black diamond routes that test both machine and nerve.
The terrain welcomes plenty of vehicle types. Side-by-sides, ATVs, dirt bikes, Jeeps, 4x4s, and full-size rigs all have a place here.
One smart move is downloading a trail map before you arrive. Cell service can be spotty in these mountains, so offline maps save a lot of guessing.
Also, plan for fuel. Gas stations aren’t right next door, so fill up before heading in.
Don’t expect to see everything in one trip. With this many miles, a return visit feels less like a choice and more like homework.
Keep Your Eyes Peeled For Wild Horses And Elk
Horses, roaming free, right beside the trail. That’s a real possibility in this part of Kentucky.
Free-roaming horses live in the mountains around Leatherwood Off-Road. Trail 101 is a route many riders connect with horse sightings.
Elk also live in this region of eastern Kentucky. Spotting one from your seat feels like a bonus prize nobody promised you.
Of course, wildlife keeps its own schedule. No guarantees, so treat any sighting as a lucky break rather than a scheduled show.
Give animals plenty of space when you do find them. Slow down, kill nothing but your engine noise if you stop, and let them wander on their terms.
Keep snacks in the vehicle too. Feeding wild animals causes problems, even when those big eyes look hopeful.
Cameras are a must on these rides. Phones work fine, though a zoom lens helps for animals on distant ridges.
Kids especially love this part of the trip. Seeing horses running loose across a mountaintop beats any petting zoo, and it gives everyone a story for the drive home.
Your Bed Options Range From Tents To Full Houses
Sleeping in the dirt isn’t for everybody. Thankfully, Leatherwood Off-Road offers choices for every comfort level.
Primitive and self-contained camping spots sit near the trailhead. Tents and RVs both fit, so you can roll out of bed and onto the trail.
Need power and water? Full-hookup Wildcat RV Sites handle that nicely.
Then come the cozier picks. Wildcat Cabins offer a solid roof and a real bed after long hours of bouncing over rocks.
Bigger groups can look at houses like Mill’s House and Creekside 1 and 2. They feature full kitchens, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and heating and air.
These houses sit a short drive from the main park facilities. That works well for families who want trail access plus a quiet evening.
A full kitchen also saves money. You can cook breakfast, pack lunches, and skip hunting for restaurants in the mountains.
My advice is simple. Match your lodging to your crew, then book early, because a warm shower beats a cold sleeping bag after a muddy day.
The Bathhouse Might Become Your Favorite Building
Mud has a way of finding every inch of you. After a day on the trails, a good shower feels like luxury.
Leatherwood Off-Road has an on-site bathhouse near the camp store. It holds four private, lockable restroom and shower suites.
Each suite comes with a flush toilet and a vanity sink. Climate control keeps things comfortable whether it’s a sticky summer night or a chilly spring morning.
Private suites matter more than you might expect. Families with kids, couples, and anyone who values a door that locks will appreciate the setup.
Bring your own towel and toiletries, just to be safe. Flip-flops are always a smart camping move too.
The bathhouse also makes primitive camping much easier. You get the outdoor feel without giving up basic comforts.
Timing helps when campgrounds fill up. Heading over a little early or late can mean less waiting around.
It’s not the flashiest part of the trip. Still, I can’t imagine anyone complaining about a clean, warm shower after scraping Kentucky clay off their elbows.
Forgot The Ice? The General Store Has Your Back
Every trip has that moment. Someone realizes the cooler is warm, the firewood is missing, or a glove went rogue.
Leatherwood Off-Road keeps a general store on site for exactly that problem. It stocks snacks, drinks, gear, firewood, and ice.
That convenience matters in a remote mountain area. Driving back to town for one bag of ice can eat up good riding time.
The park also offers free wireless internet. In a region where phone signal comes and goes, that’s a welcome perk.
Use it to check weather, download trail maps, or let family know you’re still alive and grinning. Just don’t count on signal once you’re deep on the trails.
A quick store stop before heading out is a smart habit. Grab water, a few snacks, and anything you might need far from camp.
Packing basics from home still helps. A tire repair kit, extra layers, and a first aid kit can save a ride.
Think of the store as your safety net. It won’t replace preparation, but it sure makes forgetful mornings less painful.
Mark Your Calendar For Christmas Lights On Four Wheels
Holiday lights look different from a side-by-side. Leatherwood Off-Road hosts a Christmas Light Ride, and that idea alone is pure fun.
Events pop up throughout the year here. The calendar has included a Spring Kickoff Ride, Ultra4 Nationals, and that festive light ride.
Spring Kickoff marks the start of riding season. It’s a great excuse to dust off your gear and meet fellow trail fans.
Ultra4 Nationals brings serious competition. Watching skilled drivers push rigs through rough terrain shows just how tough these mountains can be.
Events can also bring big crowds. Lodging may book up fast, so plan your stay well ahead.
Check the park’s event schedule before you go. Dates and details can change from year to year.
Event weekends feel livelier than an ordinary ride. You get the trails plus a sense of community gathered in one spot.
For families, the Christmas ride could become a holiday tradition. Bundle up, string some lights, and swap the usual neighborhood drive for a mountain trail glowing in the dark.
Know The Rules Before You Hit The Throttle
Rules keep the fun rolling. Leatherwood Off-Road keeps its safety guidelines clear and simple.
Every rider needs a permit, no exceptions. Riders under 18 must wear helmets, and alcohol isn’t allowed on the trails.
Helmets are smart for adults too. Rocks, branches, and sudden bumps don’t care how experienced you are.
Google lists the park as open 24 hours. Even so, confirm check-in details before making a late arrival.
Communication can be tricky out here. Phone signal is limited, so agree on meeting points and stick together as a group.
Download maps ahead of time and note your trail numbers. Markers help, but a backup plan never hurts.
Kentucky has plenty of scenic drives, but few can match a mountain trail from an open seat. Follow the rules, respect the land, and you’ll have a ride worth bragging about long after the mud washes off.
