On Jan. 29, 2026, the Commissioners of Knox County, Ohio, voted unanimously to uphold Bat Nest Rd's unmaintained status and keep the road open to the public.  

Working in conjunction with Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR), the AMA took action to protect this popular dual-sport/adventure route from potential closure. Access to Bat Nest Road and its unmaintained status had been under threat, due to the actions of an adjacent landowner who had petitioned the county to reapportion the road to his private ownership. The road appears on maps dating back to the late 1800s, and since it became unmaintained, use by the OHV community has helped keep it open and accessible for the public to enjoy. 

As of a Jan. 13 public hearing regarding Bat Nest Road, Knox County officials received hundreds of emails from concerned motorcyclists and other recreational groups from all corners of the country. More than 20 individuals attended the hearing, including AMA Grassroots Manager Bob Davis, who spoke in favor of keeping Bat Nest Road open for public use. 

Thank you to BDR and the AMA members who took action by sending advocacy messages in support of keeping Bat Nest Road open and unmaintained. Your overwhelming support played an important role in preserving public access to this popular riding destination for years to come. Click the link on this page to send a thank-you message to the Knox County Commissioners for their work and decision. 

The AMA remains committed to preserving riding areas for motorcyclists across the country. To learn more about the AMA’s government relations efforts, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/rights/.