AUGUSTA, Maine – With early snowfall and colder temperatures, visitors from all over the Northeast are headed for Maine’s 14,500 miles of snow trails. Thanks is due to the thousands of volunteers who belong to 289 clubs statewide whose hard work in the off-season make the trails ready to ride as soon as enough snow hits the ground. Show them support by joining a local snowmobile club before riding. Thanks also to generous landowners statewide who allow the use of their property – please respect their generosity by treating their property as if it were your own.
Even with 14,500 miles of trails, Maine is seeing a sharp increase in off-trail riding in many areas of the state. While this activity is allowed unless it is prohibited by landowner policy, it is important to remember that being guests on someone’s property requires courtesy and common sense.
Off-trail riders should always follow these basic rules:
— Stay off all plowed roads. This is illegal, and presents a serious safety hazard. Forest roads represent a significant investment and are intended solely for transporting wood and equipment. These roads may be in use 24/7 and are no place for sleds or parked private vehicles and trailers.
— The same goes for log yards. They may be empty when you arrive, but they are never intended to be parking lots for pickup trucks and trailers, they are for loading wood headed to the marketplace.
— Snow covers everything and that includes newly planted seedlings, naturally regenerating forest or any number of obstacles or hazards. If unsure, check locally or just don’t go. Keep in mind that calling the landowner is not an option. Employees are there to keep operations moving, not to provide sledding updates to off-trail riders. Check with locals, or…
— Hire a guide. This is the first suggestion when people ask about off-trail riding. Guides are generally well connected to the forest landowners, know local conditions and can certainly help provide a high quality off-trail experience. There are also several lodges and outfitters in Maine that specialize in off-trail excursions.
— Ride Responsibly; don’t jeopardize snowmobilers’ welcome.
— Respect Landowners. Access to these lands is a privilege, not a right. Every piece of land, even in remote woods, is owned by someone.
By following these simple rules, all snowmobilers will be able to continue to enjoy Maine winters. For more information, contact the Maine Snowmobile Association 207-622-6983 or msa@mesnow.com
