ATV-in-Maine

Guide To ATV In Maine

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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 and 4 runners,. Rugged mountain paths to fast tracks, Maine’s ATV scene is scenic and abundant, and to a great extent – accessible thanks to cooperative landowners.

ATV-Maine

For anyone visiting Maine on an ATV vacation, many lodges throughout the state offer ATV rentals or are ATV friendly.

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’s official ATV association, A.T.V. Maine (Alliance of Trail Vehicles), Maine has quality and diverse trail riding available for respectful usage.

ATV-Rentals-in-Maine

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’s multi-day riding trails for ATVS and quad racers.

Maine’s 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, so be respectful and provide safe passage for bikers and horses.

You can make a Maine ATV trip by staying at lakeside camp or resort during your trail riding visit. Maine’s camps and cabins in the mountains offer affordable rustic lodging perfect for an ATV getaway over a weekend or week in the summer or fall.

lakeside camp-ATVing

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 Maine ATV clubs, encouraging new clubs to start up, and working in harmony with landowner concerns, Maine’s ATV opportunities should continue to grow and improve.

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’s property. Land owners are protected whether or not they give permission to use their 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.

Maine ATV Registration and Reciprocity

Maine no longer has reciprocity with any other state or province for ATV license and permits. 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.

Maine ATV Club Trails

  • China Four Seasons l China Four Seasons Club trails closed to ATV use in spring and until June 1st most years
  • Cambridge Cruisers l Trails closed Hunting season and winter. For more information call Mike 207-277-5926 or Arthur 207-277-3332 or you can e-mail us at macch@tds.net
  • Rockwood Blue Ridge Riders l Has a trail from the Greenville to Jackman. Watch for the excavator as we are still working on the trail, ride slow and ride safe. FMI contact Craig Cunningham crcunningham@maine.rr.com 207-534-7747
  • Abbot Explorers l FMI contact abbotexplorers@yahoo.com or at 207-876-3207
  • Lake Region ATV Club | Contact trailmaster@lakesregionatvclub.com or call the trailmaster Paul Field at 207-647-2875.
  • Winnegance ATV Club l Call Angie Zimmerman, President Winnegance Wheelers 207-389-1355 .
  • Endless Season Rider l Call or email Mike Grass at 207-745-5399 or mgrassjr@midmaine.com

Valuable ATV Maine Links

ATV Laws and Rules in Maine
ATV Maine Registration
Bingham, Maine Area Trail Map – Large PDF Map

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