ATV Maine

Maine is the biggest of the New England states, and ATV'ers know Maine has thousand miles of trails, from woodsy pine groves, to wide open plains for side by sides, rugged mountain paths to fast tracks. Maine' ATV scene is scenic and abundant, and to a great extent - accessible thanks to cooperative landowners.

Most of the hundreds of miles of ATV trails located throughout Maine are on private land and are maintained by local ATV clubs. Because of the collaboration between private landowners, ATV clubs, and the state' official ATV association, A.T.V. Maine (Alliance of Trail Vehicles), Maine has quality and diverse trail riding available for respectful usage.

Maine is currently developing plans to create the biggest trail system and network in the Northeast, and possibly all of the country. Nearby and neighboring states of New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont and Connecticut don't begin to compare with the level and variety of Maine' multi-day riding trails.

Maine' vast wilderness is owned, in large part, by large timber and paper companies who allow individuals access to the property for recreational purposes. There is a huge network of interconnected forest access trails (990,000-acres) in western Maine, for example, which is available for respectful riding.

ATV'ers should be mindful that without the use of private land, most trails wouldn't exist and riding is a privilege that is granted by the landowner. Also many Maine trails are not open during mud season.

Throughout Maine, there are also state-owned or leased abandoned rail beds that are ideal for three-season ATV'ing. These railbeds include The Aroostook Valley Trail, the Bangor and Aroostook Trail, and the Jay to Farmington Trail which are all owned by the Bureau of Parks and Lands. Three additional ATV trail systems maintained by the ATV Program are: Mt. Blue, Turner, and Summerhaven. Remember these trails are also used for mountain biking and equestrian riding.

The Bureau of Parks and Lands ATV Program set up a Trails Committee with the purpose of establishing a statewide interconnecting ATV trail system. By coordinating efforts among existing ATV clubs, encouraging new clubs to start up, and working in harmony with landowner concerns, Maine' ATV opportunities should continue to grow and improve.

Maine ATV trail maps are available from ATVMaine by calling 207-287-4958 or 888-386-3288.

Maine has a favorable recreational use statute (Title 14, M.R.S.A. Section 159-A) which was adopted in 2005, that protects landowners, and is known as the "Landowner Liability Law." This tort states that if someone uses or passes through your land for outdoor recreation, you assume no responsibility and incur no liability for injuries to that person or that person' property. You are protected whether or not you give permission to use your land. This is good news for ATV'ers, as it frees landowners from litigation, making them more likely to allow access to their property.

Complete list of ATV guidelines.

Note on Maine ATV Registration and Reciprocity: Maine no longer has reciprocity with any other state or province. To legally ride Maine trails, you need a Maine registration for each vehicle at a cost of $68 each. If you join a Maine ATV club, the fee may be lower.

To register your ATV visit the Maine' Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website or for applications and Maine agency locations, call 207-287-5230.

And remember, it is unlawful to operate an ATV on closed trails; this is for the protection of the environment as well as to help continue to build positive relations with Maine landowners.

Enjoy the ride and respect the land when you ATV Maine.

Bennett Hill Lodge l Guilford
Located in the heart of Maine. Near Guilford, Dover/Foxcroft, Appalachian Trail, Sebec Lake and Moosehead Lake. Situated on 230 secluded acres we offer five rooms, private baths, queen beds and satellite TV. Great Room with fieldstone fireplace. Continental breakfast. Area activities include snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, wildlife watching, canoeing, fishing and hunting. 233 Bennett Pond Road, Parkman, Maine 207-876-3305

Sunrise Ridge Cabins and Cottages l Bingham
Five newly constructed log cabins located on a 47-acre, ridge-top location. Both rustic and modern, each cabin sports outdoor firepits and grills, horseshoe pits, at least one full bath, satellite TV, coffee maker, microwave, stove, refrigerator, plates, pots, pans and utensils and is furnished with fresh blankets, linens and pillows. You must bring your own towels. We offer packages that include whitewater rafting, lake fishing, ATV riding, hiking, snowmobile rentals and tours, guided and unguided hunts. Located on ATV/snowmobile trails. 117 Donigan Road, Bingham, Maine 207-672-5551

Spruce Meadow Cabins l Dennistown (near Jackman)
Located a few miles north of Jackman in beautiful Dennistown Plantation. Some of the best Hunting, Fishing, Snowmobiling, and ATV Trail riding in the northeast are accessible right form your cabin. All cabins have full kitchens and are stocked with pots, pans, dishes, silverware, toasters and coffee makers. Each have satellite TV and private bathrooms. Cabins sleep up to six. Towels and bedding are provided. Pets welcome. Unbelievable low low rates and deals. 2 Main Street, Dennistown, Maine 207-668-4000

Cozy Moose Lakeside Family Cabins l Greenville
Family owned and operated with a Registered Maine Guide on Staff, we remain one of Maine’s most sought out lakeside vacation destinations. Enjoy the tranquility of lakeside lodging on one of Moosehead Lake’s most beautiful coves with a sandy beach. With direct lake access all four seasons, you will discover amazing waterfront mountain and lake views. Private Moose Safari Jeep Tours and Guided Sport Adventures – ATV and Snowmobiling. 451 Moosehead Lake Road, Route 15, Greenville, Maine 207-695-0242

North Country Rivers ATV's l Bingham
Discover "The Thrill of a Lifetime" ATV in Maine with North Country Rivers. Located in Bingham, Maine, we offer direct trail access to hundreds of miles of trails, trailside deluxe cabins, ATV rentals, ATV tours, equipment rentals, Patrick's Restaurant and Pub, plenty of parking and fuel. All major credit cards accepted. Call Toll Free 1-800-348-8871 for further information about your next Maine ATV Vacation. atv@northcountryrivers.com