 We've been doing our snow dance and it looks like winter and snowmobiling are finally within sight! After this weekend's expected snow storm, more trails may begin to open in the northern parts of the state. Please check with local snowmobile clubs to ensure trails are ready before loading your trailer. Many clubs have active Facebook pages where they give the most up-to-date trail information. Riding trails before they are ready can damage the trails.
TRAIL DAMAGE
Unfortunately, Maine has recently experienced significant flooding in many areas of the state, especially in Central and Western Maine. Many snowmobile bridges and trails have been washed away or greatly damaged. Dedicated volunteer clubs are working on repairs and getting the trails ready. Please support local clubs and check ahead to see if any trails have been closed or have changed route.
We hope you have a safe and memorable year of snowmobiling ahead!
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Please respect active logging operations
Many of Maine's trails would not exist without the generiosity of logging companies and other private landowners sharing their land. Maine’s logging industry depends on the winter months when the ground is frozen to conduct much of its operations. Please be safe and respectful when you come across logging operations:
- Always stop at every intersection, you never know when a logging truck will be passing through. Look both ways and listen for oncoming traffic. Logging operations can occur 7 days a week.
- Never rely on the rider in front of you to check the intersection, always check for yourself! Logging trucks tend to travel fast, and it only takes a few seconds before a new truck may approach the road. Likewise, don’t wave on the buddy behind you.
- NEVER park in the middle of the road or a trail.
- Plowed roads are not snowmobile trails, although short sections of plowed roads may serve as access routes. Stay on the marked trail portion, ride to the right, and at an appropriate speed. If there is a trail to the side of the road, always ride on the trail. If a logging truck approaches, let them go first.
- Slow down when you see active logging operation signs and always stay on marked trails.
- If a trail is closed, please respect the closed trail sign and seek the alternate route. The landowner has every right to close a trail as it is on their land, especially for logging operations. Respect their wishes so they choose to reopen the trail the following season.
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Maine's snowmobile trails are a gift, not a right
More than 95% of Maine's snowmobile trails are on private land. Do your part to help keep our trails safe and open for years to come:
- Drive to the right and at an appropriate speed for your experience and the conditions.
- Never drink and ride.
- Stay on marked snowmobile trails (remember ATV trails are not snowmobile trails).
- Stay alert and be aware of other riders, recreators, and wildlife on the trail.
- Pick up any trash.
- Support a local club.
- Remember that modified exhausts are illegal.
- Follow the rules and ride safe.
And please always respect closed trail signs. Check with the local snowmobile club for up-to-date trail information as some trails could be closed for logging operations or other purposes.
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New sign and law for the 2023-2024 snowmobile season: Off trail riding is prohibited in this area
Operating snowmobile in posted area. A person may not operate a snowmobile off a snowmobile trail identified by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands as having been funded by the Snowmobile Trail Fund pursuant to section 1893, subsection 3 if the trail is posted as being closed to off-trail snowmobile operation and the operator has not obtained the permission of the applicable landowner or landowner’s representative.
For purposes of this subsection, “posted” means containing signage that is reasonably likely to come to the attention of a person operating a snowmobile that indicates that off-trail snowmobiling is prohibited and that is placed by the landowner, the landowner’s representative, a local snowmobile club trail master serving as the landowner’s representative, a local snowmobile club representative or an employee of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife or the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
13106-A., subsection 27 Operation of snowmobile - View all of Maine's snowmobile laws
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Snowmobile registration fees provide important funding for trail maintenance
Registration fees provide the funding to build and maintain the trail system and help support the clubs and volunteers who provide the critical work to maintain trail systems and supports private landowners who allow trail access. Snowmobiling in Maine would not be possible without the dedication of local clubs. Thank you for supporting snowmobiling in Maine!
Maine residents may renew a snowmobile registration online. New registrations must be done through a registration agent such a town office or the MDIFW main office in Augusta.
Nonresidents may register or renew a snowmobile registration online.
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