How Much Land For A Private Track and Trails?

yamah177
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yamah177
Edited Date/Time 9/5/2022 1:47pm
Hey guys,

I've always wanted to buy some land, build my own natural terrain track and trails and eventually build a house on.

I'm in the suburbs in Alabama, but looking at land about an hour from me.

How much land do you think you'd need to not worry about noise complaints from neighbors, and to build enough trails to enjoy.

With a lot of dense forest around AL, it can really cover up the noise, but just curious what y'all think.

20 might not be enough, my mind is thinking 30-50 acres.
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Toddler125
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Toddler125 8/29/2022 6:44am
8/29/2022 6:44am
Our motorcycle club is 52 acres with some being bush and some being open land. We have a motocross track, 1/4 mile dirt track with a kids MX track on the inside of it, a grass track and some bush trails. It is a nice blend of stuff for a family oriented club and would be a good sized chunk of land if you just wanted a MX track and woods trails. We hold races so we have a pit area, club house, pavilion and a grand stands for the short track. Again, a lot of wasted space for a guy like you who is just looking for a private facility. Good luck in your search!
3
R VanKamp77
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R VanKamp77 8/29/2022 7:17am
8/29/2022 7:17am
yamah177 wrote:
Hey guys, I've always wanted to buy some land, build my own natural terrain track and trails and eventually build a house on. I'm in the...
Hey guys,

I've always wanted to buy some land, build my own natural terrain track and trails and eventually build a house on.

I'm in the suburbs in Alabama, but looking at land about an hour from me.

How much land do you think you'd need to not worry about noise complaints from neighbors, and to build enough trails to enjoy.

With a lot of dense forest around AL, it can really cover up the noise, but just curious what y'all think.

20 might not be enough, my mind is thinking 30-50 acres.
I am in the same boat. What I suggest: find some tracks or faclities you like, and use google maps to 'measure distance' of the length and width of the desired features, and now you have a square footage. Divide this square footage by 43560 and that will return you a number of acres. This should start you off. For example, McLarty MX has a track footprint of 300*900 which equates to 6.2 acres.

Here are some more examples. Good luck in your search.



~3 acres



10 acres
7
JazzyJJ
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JazzyJJ 8/29/2022 7:40am
8/29/2022 7:40am
Neighbors are the big wild card here. If you're going to have 10+ bikes on track with neighbors who will make a fuss, I'd want a few hundred yards of forest area in between at a minimum. If your neighbors are all farmers with large farmland plots then it doesn't matter as much and you'd just have to worry about dust.
6
JM825
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JM825 8/29/2022 8:21am
8/29/2022 8:21am
I currently have 11acres in AZ and it is plenty big enough to fit a track, but I am fortunate to where I don’t have any full time neighbors. If you have full time neighbors definitely look in the 50acre+ range and have the track situated somewhere in the middle. Noise is going to be more of an issue than anything else. Also depends on how often you’ll be riding the track and how many people. I’ve found that most neighbors are cool if it’s not an all the time thing. Like someone already mentioned find some land near large plots of farmland or near public use land since that’ll be one less neighbor to think about.
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731chopper
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731chopper 8/29/2022 8:49am
8/29/2022 8:49am Edited Date/Time 8/29/2022 9:32am
My dad and I looked for a property for my parents to build a weekend home on with some land for a motocross track just over a decade ago. We initially bought a 13 acre plot of land and that was big enough to have a track, a barn, a house and a pond. It was enough land to feel comfortable but certainly not enough to feel secluded from your neighbors. A lot of that comes down to how big your neighbors properties are and where their homes are located, though. We really only had one neighbor that was close enough to get to know and see all the time.

We’ve since expanded by buying the surrounding properties when available and now have about 70 acres. We have a few different spots we’ve built tracks in over the years, one of which was pretty gnarly in and out of trees and a big ravine. Obviously the more land, the more tracks and trails you can make but it also means more upkeep. What I tell people who have never had land is that Mother Nature is always trying to take back over. Just keeping up with the property is a lot of work, never mind keeping the track rideable after the rain ruts develop.

The land size is important but equally important is where the piece of land is in relation to your neighbors and also the types of bikes you’l be riding. The engine noise from four strokes carries so much differently than two strokes. One of our track locations is not far from the homesite of our neighbor and the wife over there hates if we ride a four stroke but can tolerate the two stroke.
7
R VanKamp77
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R VanKamp77 8/29/2022 9:25am
8/29/2022 9:25am
731chopper wrote:
My dad and I looked for a property for my parents to build a weekend home on with some land for a motocross track just over...
My dad and I looked for a property for my parents to build a weekend home on with some land for a motocross track just over a decade ago. We initially bought a 13 acre plot of land and that was big enough to have a track, a barn, a house and a pond. It was enough land to feel comfortable but certainly not enough to feel secluded from your neighbors. A lot of that comes down to how big your neighbors properties are and where their homes are located, though. We really only had one neighbor that was close enough to get to know and see all the time.

We’ve since expanded by buying the surrounding properties when available and now have about 70 acres. We have a few different spots we’ve built tracks in over the years, one of which was pretty gnarly in and out of trees and a big ravine. Obviously the more land, the more tracks and trails you can make but it also means more upkeep. What I tell people who have never had land is that Mother Nature is always trying to take back over. Just keeping up with the property is a lot of work, never mind keeping the track rideable after the rain ruts develop.

The land size is important but equally important is where the piece of land is in relation to your neighbors and also the types of bikes you’l be riding. The engine noise from four strokes carries so much differently than two strokes. One of our track locations is not far from the homesite of our neighbor and the wife over there hates if we ride a four stroke but can tolerate the two stroke.
So you tell the woman to kick rocks right?

But seriously, what right do neighbors have to be upset about your noise? I'm trying to learn what I can because it's an investment of a lifetime and I don't want to always fight people over things like noise. Who gets to say whether or not I ride my dirtbikes on my property? What rights do we have? Please help me understand this Smile
3
731chopper
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731chopper 8/29/2022 9:31am
8/29/2022 9:31am Edited Date/Time 8/29/2022 9:31am
R VanKamp77 wrote:
So you tell the woman to kick rocks right? But seriously, what right do neighbors have to be upset about your noise? I'm trying to learn...
So you tell the woman to kick rocks right?

But seriously, what right do neighbors have to be upset about your noise? I'm trying to learn what I can because it's an investment of a lifetime and I don't want to always fight people over things like noise. Who gets to say whether or not I ride my dirtbikes on my property? What rights do we have? Please help me understand this Smile
Different towns and/or counties can have sound ordinances where the sound at your property line can't be over a certain dB. But regardless of the laws, you'll have a much easier time getting along with your neighbors rather than fighting with them.
12
TannerMxer
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TannerMxer 8/29/2022 9:37am
8/29/2022 9:37am
yamah177 wrote:
Hey guys, I've always wanted to buy some land, build my own natural terrain track and trails and eventually build a house on. I'm in the...
Hey guys,

I've always wanted to buy some land, build my own natural terrain track and trails and eventually build a house on.

I'm in the suburbs in Alabama, but looking at land about an hour from me.

How much land do you think you'd need to not worry about noise complaints from neighbors, and to build enough trails to enjoy.

With a lot of dense forest around AL, it can really cover up the noise, but just curious what y'all think.

20 might not be enough, my mind is thinking 30-50 acres.
R VanKamp77 wrote:
I am in the same boat. What I suggest: find some tracks or faclities you like, and use google maps to 'measure distance' of the length...
I am in the same boat. What I suggest: find some tracks or faclities you like, and use google maps to 'measure distance' of the length and width of the desired features, and now you have a square footage. Divide this square footage by 43560 and that will return you a number of acres. This should start you off. For example, McLarty MX has a track footprint of 300*900 which equates to 6.2 acres.

Here are some more examples. Good luck in your search.



~3 acres



10 acres
This might be one of the best responses to an OP question in the history of vital.

:::slow clap:::
3
Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s 8/29/2022 9:53am
8/29/2022 9:53am Edited Date/Time 8/29/2022 9:54am
Out here you need 1000 acres because there WILL be someone trying to shut you down. You need to hide it and make sure no one ever knows it's there. Or, you need to be in an industrial zoned area (like my track is) where no one cares cause there's other noise/dust sources.

And like the Texas dude said, it's a shitload of work. 10:1 ratio of work hours to ride time if you are lucky. And bring $$$$. A real track needs a dozer, skid steer, tiller setup, and water. Lots of water.
8
R VanKamp77
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R VanKamp77 8/29/2022 10:07am
8/29/2022 10:07am Edited Date/Time 8/29/2022 10:15am
Hammer 663s wrote:
Out here you need 1000 acres because there WILL be someone trying to shut you down. You need to hide it and make sure no one...
Out here you need 1000 acres because there WILL be someone trying to shut you down. You need to hide it and make sure no one ever knows it's there. Or, you need to be in an industrial zoned area (like my track is) where no one cares cause there's other noise/dust sources.

And like the Texas dude said, it's a shitload of work. 10:1 ratio of work hours to ride time if you are lucky. And bring $$$$. A real track needs a dozer, skid steer, tiller setup, and water. Lots of water.
I think you’re being a little bit of a Debbie downer. Watch that vurb video of sexton on the front page (Farm Boy Blues). I think most guys want something like that to turn and practice technique on during the week. I don’t feel like you need all that to have a good time.

Some ski jumps, whoops, berms, and a double should suffice. I’m claiming you can have a great time with a 50hp tractor, disk, bucket, and rainwater if you have 6 acres or so.
4
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Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s 8/29/2022 10:23am
8/29/2022 10:23am
Hammer 663s wrote:
Out here you need 1000 acres because there WILL be someone trying to shut you down. You need to hide it and make sure no one...
Out here you need 1000 acres because there WILL be someone trying to shut you down. You need to hide it and make sure no one ever knows it's there. Or, you need to be in an industrial zoned area (like my track is) where no one cares cause there's other noise/dust sources.

And like the Texas dude said, it's a shitload of work. 10:1 ratio of work hours to ride time if you are lucky. And bring $$$$. A real track needs a dozer, skid steer, tiller setup, and water. Lots of water.
R VanKamp77 wrote:
I think you’re being a little bit of a Debbie downer. Watch that vurb video of sexton on the front page (Farm Boy Blues). I think...
I think you’re being a little bit of a Debbie downer. Watch that vurb video of sexton on the front page (Farm Boy Blues). I think most guys want something like that to turn and practice technique on during the week. I don’t feel like you need all that to have a good time.

Some ski jumps, whoops, berms, and a double should suffice. I’m claiming you can have a great time with a 50hp tractor, disk, bucket, and rainwater if you have 6 acres or so.
Yeah, maybe, but I'm on my 3rd private track now, so maybe it's just the voice of experience? I've had neighbors bitch, county code enforcement show up, cops (sometimes cause they ride too!), and people sneak onto it when I'm not home. I'm on tractor #4. I spend at least $2500 a year on rentals and repairs to gear, and something is ALWAYS broken. It's really tough to keep up with nature - she's either blowing out the track with water, or giving me none so it's concrete, and the weeds never stop trying to take back over. And this is on small tracks, under 10 acres, where a full prep is a solid 8-10 hours of tractor time. Then you blow it up in 3 hours of riding and you get to do it all over. The big one we have now is on 40 acres, and keeping it in good condition is a full-time job. If I ever win $1.3B in the lottery I will have a couple of guys to help me, plus work on my bikes, and all I will do is watch and ride. Smile




8
R VanKamp77
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R VanKamp77 8/29/2022 10:33am
8/29/2022 10:33am
Hammer 663s wrote:
Out here you need 1000 acres because there WILL be someone trying to shut you down. You need to hide it and make sure no one...
Out here you need 1000 acres because there WILL be someone trying to shut you down. You need to hide it and make sure no one ever knows it's there. Or, you need to be in an industrial zoned area (like my track is) where no one cares cause there's other noise/dust sources.

And like the Texas dude said, it's a shitload of work. 10:1 ratio of work hours to ride time if you are lucky. And bring $$$$. A real track needs a dozer, skid steer, tiller setup, and water. Lots of water.
R VanKamp77 wrote:
I think you’re being a little bit of a Debbie downer. Watch that vurb video of sexton on the front page (Farm Boy Blues). I think...
I think you’re being a little bit of a Debbie downer. Watch that vurb video of sexton on the front page (Farm Boy Blues). I think most guys want something like that to turn and practice technique on during the week. I don’t feel like you need all that to have a good time.

Some ski jumps, whoops, berms, and a double should suffice. I’m claiming you can have a great time with a 50hp tractor, disk, bucket, and rainwater if you have 6 acres or so.
Hammer 663s wrote:
Yeah, maybe, but I'm on my 3rd private track now, so maybe it's just the voice of experience? I've had neighbors bitch, county code enforcement show...
Yeah, maybe, but I'm on my 3rd private track now, so maybe it's just the voice of experience? I've had neighbors bitch, county code enforcement show up, cops (sometimes cause they ride too!), and people sneak onto it when I'm not home. I'm on tractor #4. I spend at least $2500 a year on rentals and repairs to gear, and something is ALWAYS broken. It's really tough to keep up with nature - she's either blowing out the track with water, or giving me none so it's concrete, and the weeds never stop trying to take back over. And this is on small tracks, under 10 acres, where a full prep is a solid 8-10 hours of tractor time. Then you blow it up in 3 hours of riding and you get to do it all over. The big one we have now is on 40 acres, and keeping it in good condition is a full-time job. If I ever win $1.3B in the lottery I will have a couple of guys to help me, plus work on my bikes, and all I will do is watch and ride. Smile




What an awesome place though, I actually really like the industrial zoned tracks too. Land is high, but it seems shut down proof. Easy access to supplies too- repair, dump truck loads, income (riders).

I was hoping you’d comment more about what I said as far as operating a 6’ wide track with small features. I don’t own a place so I’m honestly assuming. In your experience, is that realistic? Like I said, some ski jumps into rollers, couple berms, maybe natural elevation if it’s there, simple jumps. I really feel like you could drag the ripper followed by the disk and have a nice time without needing a dozer full time. I would also mix in sand and sawdust to keep it ‘pliable.’ I like fast flowy tracks. I don’t mind driving for big jumps. Plus I am also assuming I’d have some company and even a ride weekend. Less jumps = potentially less injury. Kid safe too.
1
yamah177
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yamah177 8/29/2022 10:41am
8/29/2022 10:41am
yamah177 wrote:
Hey guys, I've always wanted to buy some land, build my own natural terrain track and trails and eventually build a house on. I'm in the...
Hey guys,

I've always wanted to buy some land, build my own natural terrain track and trails and eventually build a house on.

I'm in the suburbs in Alabama, but looking at land about an hour from me.

How much land do you think you'd need to not worry about noise complaints from neighbors, and to build enough trails to enjoy.

With a lot of dense forest around AL, it can really cover up the noise, but just curious what y'all think.

20 might not be enough, my mind is thinking 30-50 acres.
R VanKamp77 wrote:
I am in the same boat. What I suggest: find some tracks or faclities you like, and use google maps to 'measure distance' of the length...
I am in the same boat. What I suggest: find some tracks or faclities you like, and use google maps to 'measure distance' of the length and width of the desired features, and now you have a square footage. Divide this square footage by 43560 and that will return you a number of acres. This should start you off. For example, McLarty MX has a track footprint of 300*900 which equates to 6.2 acres.

Here are some more examples. Good luck in your search.



~3 acres



10 acres
TannerMxer wrote:
This might be one of the best responses to an OP question in the history of vital.

:::slow clap:::
For real - that is an awesome tip.

I am a two stroke guy, so I think that will help if I do ever close on some land. It'll probably be a few years before I do anything but I'm starting to look around now.

My Dad is nearing retirement and may live the RV lifestyle, and if so, he may go in on some land near us with me.
2
731chopper
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731chopper 8/29/2022 10:41am
8/29/2022 10:41am
Hammer’s experience definitely echos mine. My old man built my kids a mini supercross track for Christmas last year on the property. It’s lit up next to an old horse barn so it’s a primo location and it’s pretty small (think arenacross track scaled to a pit bike) and even that damn thing is a lot of work.

Don’t get me wrong, having your own land and track IS great but it comes with a lot of work and dedication to keep it up. It will make you understand how much of a bargain paying $30 to ride a prepped track truly is.
6
Crossup
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Crossup 8/29/2022 10:44am
8/29/2022 10:44am
I have 22 acres and tons of room for a motocross track. I decided not to put one in because I have neighbors close by and being that mostly four strokes ride tracks, that would kill it. I did put in two and a half miles of trails enduro trails and my friends come over and we do hot laps all the time. Just as fun.
1
yamah177
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yamah177 8/29/2022 10:47am
8/29/2022 10:47am
Hammer 663s wrote:
Out here you need 1000 acres because there WILL be someone trying to shut you down. You need to hide it and make sure no one...
Out here you need 1000 acres because there WILL be someone trying to shut you down. You need to hide it and make sure no one ever knows it's there. Or, you need to be in an industrial zoned area (like my track is) where no one cares cause there's other noise/dust sources.

And like the Texas dude said, it's a shitload of work. 10:1 ratio of work hours to ride time if you are lucky. And bring $$$$. A real track needs a dozer, skid steer, tiller setup, and water. Lots of water.
My tracks would essentially be 100% natural or turn tracks.

We have a lot of hills in AL, so the trails could be pretty epic, just depends on if I find a place with a nice big open field in there as well.

As of now, plan would be no dozers or water truck. I would possibly rent a skid to build out some rollers and berms.

It does rain a lot in AL, the dirt is nice and tacky. As long I don't mess it up when it's muddy and ride when it's mostly dry I think I'd be okay.

It would not be a race track or a full fledged moto track.

I would consider renting it out to riders, specifically trails if I had some good ones, maybe setting up some campground, but it wouldn't be a real moto track at all.
2
zippytech
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zippytech 8/29/2022 11:33am
8/29/2022 11:33am Edited Date/Time 8/29/2022 11:35am
Anything over a couple acres you can have a small track and some small trails , the biggest thing is neighbors , I only have 3 and the closest is about 800 yards away and he likes the sound!

Pit Row

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Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s 8/29/2022 12:20pm
8/29/2022 12:20pm
R VanKamp77 wrote:
What an awesome place though, I actually really like the industrial zoned tracks too. Land is high, but it seems shut down proof. Easy access to...
What an awesome place though, I actually really like the industrial zoned tracks too. Land is high, but it seems shut down proof. Easy access to supplies too- repair, dump truck loads, income (riders).

I was hoping you’d comment more about what I said as far as operating a 6’ wide track with small features. I don’t own a place so I’m honestly assuming. In your experience, is that realistic? Like I said, some ski jumps into rollers, couple berms, maybe natural elevation if it’s there, simple jumps. I really feel like you could drag the ripper followed by the disk and have a nice time without needing a dozer full time. I would also mix in sand and sawdust to keep it ‘pliable.’ I like fast flowy tracks. I don’t mind driving for big jumps. Plus I am also assuming I’d have some company and even a ride weekend. Less jumps = potentially less injury. Kid safe too.
My first track was smaller (3 acres) and built when my kids were little. Small features, limited water, not great dirt. After 6 months the boy (on a 50 then) said “Dad, we need bigger jumps. And whoops”. So we rebuilt it and made it more technical. Then he got on a 65. Repeat. By the time he was on an 85 we’d moved and built another one. Bigger jumps. Bowl turns and rhythm lanes. Now he’s on a 125 and wants a 100’ Cali triple, on-offs, and 70’ gap doubles. Riding the same turn track for 100 laps a month gets boring, fast. Even for me.

12’ wide minimum. Our big track was cut into old logging slash and if you go off track you could die. Can’t imagine it 6’ wide. Add catch ponds everywhere you can to capture dirt from erosion. Hills = erosion and rain ruts. Tables take a lot of dirt. Never had room for trails but I would think they are a ton of work to cut in, make safe, and maintain.

Part of my problem is my OCD. I want my track to look and ride perfect every time. I need looser standards! Lol

Photo is that same section with the pond, 2 years later. Look how much it’s grown up. Constant battle to keep the weeds down. Track is 18 feet wide and we use it all.

2
stantdm
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stantdm 8/29/2022 12:26pm
8/29/2022 12:26pm
R VanKamp77 wrote:
So you tell the woman to kick rocks right? But seriously, what right do neighbors have to be upset about your noise? I'm trying to learn...
So you tell the woman to kick rocks right?

But seriously, what right do neighbors have to be upset about your noise? I'm trying to learn what I can because it's an investment of a lifetime and I don't want to always fight people over things like noise. Who gets to say whether or not I ride my dirtbikes on my property? What rights do we have? Please help me understand this Smile
Everyone who dislikes your track can and will complain to the local government officials. They have the authority and sometimes the inclination, to shut your track down if it is noisy and/or dusty.
2
mx_579
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mx_579 8/29/2022 12:39pm
8/29/2022 12:39pm
yamah177 wrote:
Hey guys, I've always wanted to buy some land, build my own natural terrain track and trails and eventually build a house on. I'm in the...
Hey guys,

I've always wanted to buy some land, build my own natural terrain track and trails and eventually build a house on.

I'm in the suburbs in Alabama, but looking at land about an hour from me.

How much land do you think you'd need to not worry about noise complaints from neighbors, and to build enough trails to enjoy.

With a lot of dense forest around AL, it can really cover up the noise, but just curious what y'all think.

20 might not be enough, my mind is thinking 30-50 acres.
R VanKamp77 wrote:
I am in the same boat. What I suggest: find some tracks or faclities you like, and use google maps to 'measure distance' of the length...
I am in the same boat. What I suggest: find some tracks or faclities you like, and use google maps to 'measure distance' of the length and width of the desired features, and now you have a square footage. Divide this square footage by 43560 and that will return you a number of acres. This should start you off. For example, McLarty MX has a track footprint of 300*900 which equates to 6.2 acres.

Here are some more examples. Good luck in your search.



~3 acres



10 acres
If you connect the ends it calculates square footage for you. You can have as many points as you want for odd shapes. This is about 550 acres.

3
Spat24 8/29/2022 1:03pm
8/29/2022 1:03pm
R VanKamp77 wrote:
What an awesome place though, I actually really like the industrial zoned tracks too. Land is high, but it seems shut down proof. Easy access to...
What an awesome place though, I actually really like the industrial zoned tracks too. Land is high, but it seems shut down proof. Easy access to supplies too- repair, dump truck loads, income (riders).

I was hoping you’d comment more about what I said as far as operating a 6’ wide track with small features. I don’t own a place so I’m honestly assuming. In your experience, is that realistic? Like I said, some ski jumps into rollers, couple berms, maybe natural elevation if it’s there, simple jumps. I really feel like you could drag the ripper followed by the disk and have a nice time without needing a dozer full time. I would also mix in sand and sawdust to keep it ‘pliable.’ I like fast flowy tracks. I don’t mind driving for big jumps. Plus I am also assuming I’d have some company and even a ride weekend. Less jumps = potentially less injury. Kid safe too.
Hammer 663s wrote:
My first track was smaller (3 acres) and built when my kids were little. Small features, limited water, not great dirt. After 6 months the boy...
My first track was smaller (3 acres) and built when my kids were little. Small features, limited water, not great dirt. After 6 months the boy (on a 50 then) said “Dad, we need bigger jumps. And whoops”. So we rebuilt it and made it more technical. Then he got on a 65. Repeat. By the time he was on an 85 we’d moved and built another one. Bigger jumps. Bowl turns and rhythm lanes. Now he’s on a 125 and wants a 100’ Cali triple, on-offs, and 70’ gap doubles. Riding the same turn track for 100 laps a month gets boring, fast. Even for me.

12’ wide minimum. Our big track was cut into old logging slash and if you go off track you could die. Can’t imagine it 6’ wide. Add catch ponds everywhere you can to capture dirt from erosion. Hills = erosion and rain ruts. Tables take a lot of dirt. Never had room for trails but I would think they are a ton of work to cut in, make safe, and maintain.

Part of my problem is my OCD. I want my track to look and ride perfect every time. I need looser standards! Lol

Photo is that same section with the pond, 2 years later. Look how much it’s grown up. Constant battle to keep the weeds down. Track is 18 feet wide and we use it all.

Damn - when do you find the time to ride. That appears to be a big track.
Iridereallyslow 8/29/2022 1:10pm
8/29/2022 1:10pm
yamah177 wrote:
Hey guys, I've always wanted to buy some land, build my own natural terrain track and trails and eventually build a house on. I'm in the...
Hey guys,

I've always wanted to buy some land, build my own natural terrain track and trails and eventually build a house on.

I'm in the suburbs in Alabama, but looking at land about an hour from me.

How much land do you think you'd need to not worry about noise complaints from neighbors, and to build enough trails to enjoy.

With a lot of dense forest around AL, it can really cover up the noise, but just curious what y'all think.

20 might not be enough, my mind is thinking 30-50 acres.
R VanKamp77 wrote:
I am in the same boat. What I suggest: find some tracks or faclities you like, and use google maps to 'measure distance' of the length...
I am in the same boat. What I suggest: find some tracks or faclities you like, and use google maps to 'measure distance' of the length and width of the desired features, and now you have a square footage. Divide this square footage by 43560 and that will return you a number of acres. This should start you off. For example, McLarty MX has a track footprint of 300*900 which equates to 6.2 acres.

Here are some more examples. Good luck in your search.



~3 acres



10 acres
The other thing you can do is go to that county's property appraiser website, and you can usually search using their map, or if you know the address or owner's name. Once you find the property, then you can see the actual acreage, how much if any wetlands, what it's zoned as, taxes, etc.
1
R VanKamp77
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R VanKamp77 8/29/2022 1:19pm
8/29/2022 1:19pm
yamah177 wrote:
Hey guys, I've always wanted to buy some land, build my own natural terrain track and trails and eventually build a house on. I'm in the...
Hey guys,

I've always wanted to buy some land, build my own natural terrain track and trails and eventually build a house on.

I'm in the suburbs in Alabama, but looking at land about an hour from me.

How much land do you think you'd need to not worry about noise complaints from neighbors, and to build enough trails to enjoy.

With a lot of dense forest around AL, it can really cover up the noise, but just curious what y'all think.

20 might not be enough, my mind is thinking 30-50 acres.
R VanKamp77 wrote:
I am in the same boat. What I suggest: find some tracks or faclities you like, and use google maps to 'measure distance' of the length...
I am in the same boat. What I suggest: find some tracks or faclities you like, and use google maps to 'measure distance' of the length and width of the desired features, and now you have a square footage. Divide this square footage by 43560 and that will return you a number of acres. This should start you off. For example, McLarty MX has a track footprint of 300*900 which equates to 6.2 acres.

Here are some more examples. Good luck in your search.



~3 acres



10 acres
mx_579 wrote:
If you connect the ends it calculates square footage for you. You can have as many points as you want for odd shapes. This is about...
If you connect the ends it calculates square footage for you. You can have as many points as you want for odd shapes. This is about 550 acres.

wow. game changer! Thanks for showing me that! i've been sitting here with a calculator punching it out for like 5 months lol
monkeybut417
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monkeybut417 8/29/2022 2:00pm
8/29/2022 2:00pm
Man it really depends on where you live. I’m not far from you in MS. We have 3 acres and I have a small arena cross style track in the back yard. We have neighbors but I ride once or twice a week and have never had a complaint.

I can’t disagree with Mr hammer. They are a lot of work, I’ve built 2. The first one was clay based and in an open field. It had big jumps and needed constant work, it honestly burnt me and my wallet out.

My newest one is much smaller, the jumps are smaller and it’s a sandy loam. I dressed it up real good back in feb and haven’t touched it since. Jumps have a tree canopy overhead and that really helps with the rain ruts. The ruts are getting deep now but I can knock them down in 30 mins with a tractor and disk. Just have a plan on how you are going to maintain it. As you can see in the pictures one is where it was dress up in feb and one was last week and it’s holding up good.

My wife’s grandpa also let me create a turn track in his ten acre cow pasture and all I’ve done is rode that thing. 0 maintenance.

2
monkeybut417
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monkeybut417 8/29/2022 2:06pm
8/29/2022 2:06pm
Can’t get pictures to post for whatever reason
R VanKamp77
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R VanKamp77 8/29/2022 3:05pm
8/29/2022 3:05pm
zippytech wrote:
This is my old track..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxIrLjTLzWw
very cool. you could take away most of the jumps and just chop it out, add ski jumps and rollers, and that would be plenty for me.
Not that anyone asked, but I want a track more designed to train fitness/technique and test suspension on. Disc the corners and ride out. Thanks for sharing.
1
300exc
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Provo, UT, USA
300exc 8/29/2022 3:09pm
8/29/2022 3:09pm
It could never be too big.
Only too small.
When you decide how big is “enough”, double that.
Same goes for building a shop.
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jtmaster
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jtmaster 8/29/2022 3:56pm
8/29/2022 3:56pm
The club i belong to has 25 acres. It has a small tight moto track and 3 1/2 miles of tight single track. The moto track doesn’t have any straights to speak of and is 2nd and 3rd gear pretty much. The woods section is also tight and mostly 2nd gear, maybe into 3rd here and there. Some of that acreage is taken up by parking, a clubhouse and an out building for equipment, but prob only 2 of the acres.

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