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| Home > Iowa > Nicholson-Ford |
Nicholson-Ford OHV Park
Friday, May 17, 2024
| Other Names | Iowa River, Linn Creek, Marshall County, Marshalltown OHV Park |
| Last Known Status | Variable Schedule (Depends on daily conditions. Check website for current conditions.) |
This offroad park features 120 acres of tight woods and river bottom trails, small hills and dry creek beds to explore. The property has a large and flat staging area with a vault toilet and signage marking the trails.
The trails are open year-round but can get very muddy during and after wet weather, and may take a few days to dry out. There is no fee to ride however vehicles must display a current Iowa DNR sticker.
The park is only open for day use but camping can be found at nearby Union Grove State Park or at Tama County OHV Park.
***ANNOUNCEMENTS***
Park Updates
The Nicholson-Ford OHV Park open/closure status is determined based on soil moisture, therefore the status will change throughout the year (day to day) depending on weather conditions. For current updates check the website before heading out.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | Iowa DNR Sticker |
| Dates Open | Daily dawn to dusk | |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | Unknown | |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | Yes (62 inches) | has entrance gate or posts |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
 ATVs | Permitted | |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | (maximum width 62 inches) |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Prohibited | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Prohibited | |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | |
| MX Helmet Required | Yes | helmets required for all riders, operators and passengers |
 Camping | Prohibited | |
 Campfires | ||
| Night Riding | Unknown | |
| Rule Enforcement | ||
| Comment | three-wheelers prohibited | |
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 120 acres | |
| Miles Of Trail | 20 | |
| Climate Type | Forest | |
| Elevation | 860 to 880 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Not Rated, Heavily Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  Mostly | |
| Hard Pack |  Little | |
| Sand | Little | |
| Mud | Mostly | |
| Dust | Little | |
| Rocks | Little | |
| Trees |  All | |
| Steep Hills |  Few | |
| Water Crossings |  Many | |
| Small Jumps | Few | |
| Large Jumps |  None | |
| Berms |  Some | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track | Some | |
| Roads | None | |
| Shade | Many | |
| Hazards | Few | (hazards assumed marked but use caution) |
 Novice | Some | |
 Amateur | Mostly | |
 Expert | Little |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | County Land |
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 1-5 Miles (SW) | Casey's General Store (641) 753-9947 |
| Diesel | 1-5 Miles (SW) | Casey's General Store (641) 753-9947 |
 Water | 1-5 Miles (SE) | Shady Oaks Campground (641) 752-2946 |
 RV Hookup | 1-5 Miles (SE) | Shady Oaks Campground (641) 752-2946 |
 RV Disposal | 1-5 Miles (SE) | Shady Oaks Campground (641) 752-2946 |
| Campground | 5-20 Miles (NE) | Union Grove State Park (641) 473-2556 |
 Conv Store | 1-5 Miles (SE) | Shady Oaks Campground (641) 752-2946 |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | (None) |
RATINGS
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | Full Day |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Marshalltown, IA | ||
| Address | E. Marion Street, Marshalltown, IA 50158 | ||
| From: Marshalltown, IA
1) Take US-30 to Exit 186 2) Turn north off the exit ramp onto 18th Avenue, continue 3.8 miles 3) Turn right (east) onto Marion Street, continue .25 miles 4) Staging area is on the left (north). |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | Nicholson Ford OHV Park www.iowadnr.gov |
| Contact Info | Iowa DNR (515) 281-5918 www.iowadnr.gov |
| Comment | OHV Permit Info |
Nicholson-Ford Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 6/15/2015 (Thanks!)
Nicholson-Ford Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 5/30/2013 (Nice shot. Thanks!)
Nicholson-Ford Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 2/22/2015 (Thanks!)
Nicholson-Ford Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 3/19/2015 (Thanks!)
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS