Changes to Off Roading Permits in Tennessee

Edited to Update June 23, 2025 

WBIR Channel 10 News reported this over the weekend.  

TWRA Withdraws License Fee Increase Proposal

  The proposed licensure fee increases described in my blog article below will now NOT be taking place July 1, 2025.  It doesn't mean they won't get it passed at some point in the future, but for now our Tennessee legislators have called them down.

They felt it was an undue burden on taxpayers.   I am leaving the article up, but with this updated info instead of removing it.   Let me remind you that while some of our TWRA officers are great and do a fine job, some are untrustworthy and will do as little or as much as they can get by with.

Region 3 has been sued twice at least by citizens for the doings of certain person or persons within the TWRA. They aren't all trustworthy and hard working. Some are shady, power mad, and greedy.  

Changes Coming to Off Roading Permits in Tennessee

   Beginning July1, 2025 a change will come into effect regarding permit requirements to go four wheeling, mountain biking, or horse back riding in ALL of Tennessee's Wildlife Management Areas. 

The North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area will require a separate permit at the cost of $150 per year for Tennessee residents.   Non residents will pay $300 per year for this permit. These are one permit per machine. 

     All other WMA's will require residents to purchase a High Impact Use Permit at a cost of $94 yearly.

Non resident permit costs are to be announced.    If you have a hunting/fishing license it will be honored up until July 1, 2025.  If you have already purchased a high impact permit that will be good as is for one year from the date of purchase.  Also one permit per machine. 

  

  These fees will be increased each year for residents and non residents alike.    

You will encounter check points periodically to ensure compliance.   The game wardens who manage these areas will also be cracking down on alcohol consumption while four wheeling.   It is illegal to drink and drive. Period. That includes four wheeling on an ATV/UTV and driving.  This is not a new thing and is illegal nation wide so it is not a surprise.  

Below:  our friend Rick's Kawasaki side by side 

   

    Below: Kenny by our Polaris RZR 1000 

WMA's we ride are as follows:

 Royal Blue WMA (North Cumberland)

Alpine WMA

Big Bottom WMA

 South Cherokee WMA

Catoosa WMA

Ed Carter WMA

Pickett WMA

Standing Stone 

Prentice Cooper

Skinner Mountain

 

  The fees raised by these permits will be used to maintain the trails.   The number of users has exploded in the past four or five years.  With the increased usage has come serious erosion.  We have already seen a decrease in the number of riders from the prohibitions on alcohol.  The increase in fees has also reduced the number of riders.   This means  less erosion and hopefully less problems with litter as well.

      The use of these lands for four wheeling or other than hunting is a privilege.  Not a right.

It is up to the TWRA whether this is allowed to continue.  I will update this article as the fee schedules are announced.