FR 257

Trail Overview

This trail runs through the Osceola National Forest (NF) and Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The trail is open to public access year-round unless otherwise posted. The trail is open to registered highway legal motor vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, recreational off-highway vehicles (side-by-sides), and unlicensed or unregistered motorcycles. Vehicle access is only permitted on named and numbered trails. County and State roads/right of ways may prohibit or limit access to only highway legal vehicles. Additionally, some of the NF and WMA main internal trails may have limited or restricted vehicle access based on vehicle type. The USDA Forest Service has published a free online "Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), Osceola National Forest" that reflects and identifies these trails on the map key. This is an excellent secondary resource to have when exploring trails that have yet to be reviewed and rated by trail guides. There are no off-road vehicle (ORV) permits required, making Osceola NF the only NF in the state that does not require an ORV permit. Access to trails are year round, unless otherwise posted. The trailhead is located off the paved portion of FR 235 (17 Mile Camp Road). The trail is an out-and-back trail that intersects with several other internal spur trails. The southwest section leads to a hiking trailhead and scenic pond. This portion of the trail is only one vehicle wide. It is compacted rock and dirt, with some potholes, wheel ruts, and washes. Most 2WD or low-clearance vehicles can safely travel this section. The trail east of FR 235 is heavily rutted, with potholes, off-camber, whoops, obstacles (rocks, downed trees, mudholes, sand, soft dirt, etc.), making it more challenging for 2WD or low clearance vehicles. The trail to the east varies in width from 2 vehicle wide to single vehicle wide. The trail ends at the boundary of the National Forest, then begins a county-maintained dirt road that only highway-legal vehicles may use. The boundary is marked with signage and red banding/blazing on tree trunks. Beyond those points, only street-legal vehicles are allowed. The Department of Forestry (DNF) cautions on their website and published maps that the designation of a road or trail should not be interpreted as the trail is passable, actively maintained, or safe for travel. Seasonal weather may rapidly change the trail conditions. Following rains or storms, water crossings 12 inches or more are possible. Also, following rains or storms, areas of washes or fallen debris up to 18 inches or more are likely. Trail conditions can deteriorate rapidly and may limit access to only high-clearance 4WD. Following storms or rain events, trails may become impassable. Maintenance of trails is limited due to limited available resources. Following storms or seasonal weather events, the trails may go unmaintained.

Photos of FR 257

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Difficulty

Unimproved, uneven, rutted dirt/rock road with potential for loose debris (e.g., rock, tree branches, washes, etc.). Water crossings less than 12 inches, areas of loose sand or sandy washes, potential for mudholes or obstacles up to 12 inches. Road has ledges and steep grades. Road is mainly single vehicle wide with areas to pass. The trail varies in width. Following storms or seasonal weather events, the trails may go unmaintained.

Technical Rating

FR 257 can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike