The Corps of Engineers administers two popular and challenging off-road vehicle areas.
Spillway Cycle Area
The Spillway Cycle Area adjoins the spillway just below the east end of Tuttle Creek Dam, with access from Dyer Road. The park is open from 9 a.m. to sunset year-round.
The Cycle Area comprises 35 acres of open and wooded terrain adjacent to the spillway. Several miles of trails range from novice-level stretches to expert hill climbs. Picnic tables, a vault toilet, and a loading ramp adjoin the entrance parking lot.
The area is open to bicycles and to all 2-, 3-, and 4-wheeled motorized vehicles with a wheelbase under 66 inches. This measurement is taken from the center of each axle. Dune buggies, four-wheel drive vehicles, and other machines with a wheel base greater than 66 inches are welcome to use the Tuttle Creek ORV Area near Randolph.
The cycle area map identifies the boundaries where authorized vehicles may be operated. These boundaries have been established to help ensure users’ safety. Do not cross Dyer Road, the black topped road on the east side of the cycle area. Likewise, do not enter the spillway canyon on the west side of the park. Fences have been erected to assist you in determining these boundaries. Please observe them.
Cars and trucks are restricted to the paved entrance road and parking area. All motorized vehicles must be effectively muffled. Help minimize trail proliferation, compaction and erosion by remaining on established trails, and avoid riding when the trails are muddy. Always tread lightly.
All operators and riders must wear DoT-approved helmets. Since alcohol and off-roading are a dangerous mix, alcohol is prohibited in this park. Violations of these safety measures may result in fines or loss of riding privileges.
Tuttle Creek ORV Area
The Tuttle Creek ORV Area is located 2 miles southeast of Randolph, Kansas with access from Gardiner Road, then 1 1/2 miles east on Secrest Road. This 310-acre park is open to all motorized and non-motorized vehicles. Miles of trails with steep climbs, sharp turns, and rugged terrain await the off-road enthusiast.
Picnic tables, a vault toilet, and a loading ramp adjoin the entrance parking lot and staging area.
The Corps has established a few basic rules to help ensure that all users will enjoy a safe visit.
- Use only existing trails. Do not break new trails or expand existing trails.
- The entire shoreline is closed to vehicles.
- Respect private property by keeping out of it. The area map (link below) identifies the boundaries where vehicles may be operated. The boundary line is delineated with yellow posts and identification signs. If you encounter these signs, or a barbed wire fence or rock wall, you are approaching private property. Do not proceed any further.
- This is a day-use only recreation area. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. No camping or overnight parking is permitted. The nearest campground is Fancy Creek State Park, four road miles north.
- Open fires are not allowed. An illegal campfire escaped in 1994, scorching hundreds of acres of public and private property.
- All off-road vehicles must have effective mufflers.
- To prevent conflicts, hunting and firearms are prohibited in all of the Corps recreation areas, including the ORV Area. However, the public lands outside of the parks are open to hunting.
- We urge you to tread lightly; please refrain from using the area when the ground is soft and muddy. Riding on wet trails greatly hastens their erosion and eventual demise. Also, do not ride up and down the creek beds. They are not trails.
- DoT-approved helmets are required for operators and riders of all bikes, ATVs, and open vehicles without roll bars. Since alcohol and off-roading are a dangerous mix, alcohol is prohibited in this park. Violations of these safety measures may result in fines or loss of riding privileges.
Tuttle Creek ORV Area Map