New map with 6,000 miles of ATV trails in Maine (bankrupt, dangerous)

[broadbill]

Does anyone know what the rules are for running/walking/hiking on ATV/snowmobile trails? Thanks

[tcrackly]

Keep your eyes/ ears open and look over your shoulder. Snowmobile/ATV trails are public access or private land with owner access permissions. I don'r beleive any pedestrian access is restricted.

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Pedestrian access is allowed, but pay attention to signs regarding hunting.

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by broadbill

Does anyone know what the rules are for running/walking/hiking on ATV/snowmobile trails? Thanks

We used to see a number of cross country skiers on the snowmobile trails around here (when there's snow that is). Shared use is good for all and the skiers are able to hear the machines coming and simply step off to let them by. There is always a friendly wave of thanks by both parties.

[ClownShoes]

I know this is an old thread, but can anyone point me towards any clubs & club maps in the Springfield area?


Thank you~!

CS

[Northern Maine Land Man]

The Down East Lakes ATV club is active. They meet the Dwinal Pond 4 Seasons Club in Winn. Maps are available at the first part of the season at local stores. There could be a few left over, but most work at this time of year goes to getting snowmobile trails ready.

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by 7th generation

Of the 12,000 miles of snowmobile trails in our state, only 2% of them are on public lands.

I am sure they are being used this season.

[tcrackly]

I wish I had some kind of ATV, preferably a Rokon , for a smaller woods footprint. Just the same , the thought of warmer weather and ATVs leaves me with a groan because no one polices the "boneheads" that scar the trail, trespass over marked lands, and destroy a lof of the fauna they are supposed to be appreciating. The shorelines of our pond has seen more than 10" of erosion due to regular ATV traffic. As mentioned before, active clubs , like snowmobilers have, would greatly improve the general accountability of ATV riders.

[2wheelrider]

Wouldn't letting atv and dirt bike's help keep the trails groomed and not over grown in the 9 months snowmobile are in the garage? Seems crazy to let trails go to waste waiting on snow. I get the land owners point about some people's destructive tendensies. But most of us stay on the trails if marked a 60in wide trail doesn't seem that invasive. Lets be honest not all snow mobilers are saints either.

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Many trails in Maine are multiple use with snowshoers, cross country skiers, snowmobiles, ATVs and dirt bikes. However, you are limited to landowner permission. That is obtained one on one with your neighbor or as group through a local club. Your use is limited to how the trail is posted. If it is signed for ATVs, you can ride your ATV during that portion of the year. It's the same with snowmobiles.

New Brunswick allows ATVs on their snowmobile trails. However, they don't just lightly groom a trail with powder snow underneath. They pack it like a ski slope. ATVs on snowmobile trails is a huge revenue producer for New Brunswick. They carefully measure the benefit. In Maine it is banned like hunting on Sunday. Maine's restrictive laws cause the loss of billions of dollars worth of business in everything from ATVs to paper mills. It is worth it to our legislature. The press knows this and they revel in it.

Yes, ATV riders trim brush along seasonal trails. It benefits everybody. All riders should have hand saws or loppers.