Hidden below Pensacola Dam – out of sight and out of mind of the vast majority of people out on Grand Lake – is one of the best off-roading and rock-crawling destinations in the United States.
The GRDA-owned property below the dam, including the Rock Garden area below the spillways and several hills and trails on other properties located along the Grand River, has become a destination for those who love off-roading, jeeping, rock crawling…whatever you want to call it.
And GRDA is cool enough to provide direct, public access to this adult playground.
There are 5 State Parks in the immediate area with direct access to the off-roading fun, and they fill up just about every weekend from March through October.
When you roll into Disney it’s almost like taking a step back in time. There aren’t any full-service hotels or luxury accommodations.
It’s camping, cabins, and RV sites. Drive-in restaurants. A bait shop. A busy convenience store that serves as the community hub. And a few other merchants and retailers.
And it is world-class rock crawling and off-roading. It’s even home to one of the country’s largest informal riding gatherings, the Big Meat Run.
There are even maps with all the public trails in the area. These maps are available at Disney area businesses and only cost $5. Or, scroll down to the bottom of this page to check one out.
Below you will find some info on Disney businesses, and if you scroll down even further, you will find the Town of Disney ordinance on the use of off-road vehicles on city streets as well as the GRDA Rules and Regulations.
It remains something of a gray area and people do sometimes get tickets when they are on State Highway 28. So be aware.
Typically if you use common sense you won’t have any issues with the local police, but the Mayes County Sheriff and also the Highway Patrol will sometimes have a presence on the busier off-roading weekends.
Again…common sense and safety first and you shouldn’t have any problems.
Featured Businesses in Disney
Disney Island Palms
Contact: Raymond L Morey
Mooney’s Sunset Bar and Grill
Copperwood Lodge
Cedar Port Marina and Boat Sales
Mooney’s Sunset Hotel
Dam Hotel at Disney Island Outfitters
Disney Island Outfitters
Rocks and Docks Adventure Rentals
Here are rules for off-road vehicles in Disney…taken directly from the Town Ordinance. GrandLakeLiving.com is not responsible for any changes or interpretations of this ordinance!
Disney Oklahoma Off-Road Vehicle Rules
Town of Disney
ORDINANCE, 2009-1
TITLE 47 O.S. 11-116 [D][2] and [D][3] of the Oklahoma Statutes authorizes municipalities to regulate the operation of golf carts, utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles within the town.
ATV, GOLF CARTS, OFF-ROAD VEHICLE USE
Section 2 Section 15-701 operation of golf carts, utility vehicles, and all-terrain vehicles on town streets and alleys with the following restrictions:
- All operation on street and alley way of golf carts, utility vehicles, and all-terrain vehicles and off road vehicles even during non daylight hours necessary vehicle lighting and safety equipment.
- Golf carts, utility vehicles, and all-terrain vehicles may operation on State Highway only if making a perpendicular crossing of a state highway located within the boundaries of the town.
- Operators and passengers on all-terrain vehicles under the age of 18 are required to wear a crash helmet, proof of age will be required, helmet must comply with standards established by 49 C.F.R. Section 571.218
- The operator of all-terrain vehicle will not be allowed to carry a passenger unless that all-terrain vehicle has been specifically designed by the manufacturer to carry passengers in addition to the operator.
- Parents, legal guardian or owner of the all-terrain vehicle operated by a person under the age of 18 years of age who or should have known that the person operating the all-terrain vehicle is not in compliance shall be held accountable for payment of fines and court costs.
- Golf carts, utility vehicles and all-terrain vehicles shall be operated in a safe and reasonable manner consistent with public safety and in compliance with all other state and local applicable rules of the road and registration requirements.
- {5 mph}
The right to ride on the streets and alleys of the town is extended to the off-roaders and recreations by the citizens of the Town of Disney.
GRDA Regulations For Off-Road Vehicles
In order to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all, the Grand River Dam Authority has specific regulations pertaining to four-wheel, all-terrain, and off-road vehicles.
These regulations are enforced by GRDA officers on GRDA State properties.
Please keep these in mind, and you can stay up-to-date on all of the GRDA Lake Rules and Regulations HERE.
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