AutoMay 11, 2026No Comment

Off-Roading Enthusiast David Vepraskas on Georgia’s Growing Trail Riding Culture

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Throughout Georgia’s forests, hills, and farm country, off-roading has become a popular outdoor activity. Drivers of all-wheel-drive trucks, Jeeps, and ATVs spend weekends cruising on muddy tracks, rocky hills, and wooded trails that stretch through North Georgia and beyond. Enthusiasts say the activity combines adventure, mechanical skill, and community.

Off-roading enthusiast David Vepraskas from Lakemont says the appeal of the sport starts with the terrain itself.

“Georgia has a lot of trails for drivers,” he says. “Within a short distance, you can find forest paths, clay mud routes, and mountain trails. That variety keeps the sport exciting.”

Vepraskas has followed the growth of off-roading in the area for years. Rising interest represents a natural trend. More than 50 million Americans participate in off-road sports annually. Trail riding is the highest form of participation, with many drivers opting for wooded or mountain paths for leisure trips with friends and family.

Georgia’s geography has a big impact on its popularity. North Georgia offers rugged terrain near the Appalachian Mountains. Forest service roads and off-highway vehicle areas attract visitors from the Southeast who want to explore the area in different ways.

Groups of drivers travel together on weekends, camping near trail systems and sharing mechanical tips. Off-roading clubs have grown nationwide, with many communities forming online groups to plan rides and share trail information.

“A lot of people assume off-roading is only about the vehicle,” says Vepraskas. “In reality, the community side is equally as important. Drivers help each other on hard trails and share knowledge about equipment and safety.”

Family participation also contributes to the sport’s growth. Surveys say about 38% of off-road enthusiasts ride with family members under 18. Trail rides have become popular weekend excursions for parents and children.

Off-road vehicle sales reflect that trend. American manufacturers sell hundreds of thousands of ATVs and side-by-side utility vehicles each year. Recreational models have seen particularly strong demand as outdoor tourism and adventure sports gain attention.

The experience can vary depending on the location and vehicle type. Some drivers prefer scenic trail rides on forest roads, while others seek out mud pits that require careful driving.

“Skill matters a lot more than speed,” says Vepraskas. “Drivers need to understand the terrain, maintain their vehicles well, and respect the trails they use.”

Safety is an ongoing concern as participation increases. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says off-highway vehicles caused 94,700 emergency room visits nationwide in 2022. Many incidents involve inexperienced riders or people operating vehicles on paved roads rather than designated trails.

Georgia officials have also reported several serious accidents involving recreational vehicles in recent years. State investigators handled dozens of crashes involving ATVs and multipurpose off-road vehicles during the first half of 2025 alone, resulting in multiple fatalities and serious injuries.

Education and preparation will help lower those numbers. Experienced riders recommend helmets, protective gear, and driving only on vehicle-appropriate trails.

“Responsible off-roading protects both people and the environment,” says Vepraskas. “If riders stay on designated trails and follow safety rules, the sport can be enjoyed for decades.”

Tourism officials have also noticed the economic benefits of the activity. Towns near trail networks see increased business from visiting drivers who buy supplies, stay in local lodging, and explore nearby parks.

Interest from younger drivers is growing. Nearly half of Gen Z adults are curious about off-road driving, suggesting the sport could grow further in the coming years.

For Vepraskas, the appeal of off-roading is in the experience of exploring Georgia’s natural environment.

“Driving through the woods on a challenging trail gives people a connection to the outdoors that is hard to find anywhere else,” he says. “Georgia has some amazing places to experience that.”

With millions of Americans already involved in off-road recreation and Georgia offering diverse terrain for drivers, the state attracts enthusiasts who want to ride their vehicles in the region’s rugged scenery.