06/04/2026
Understanding Our Trails, Rules, and Roles
An ATV club operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining local trail systems, but the club does NOT own, control, or govern the land you ride on.
1. The Club is Only a "Middle Man"
Volunteer Powered: The organization is run by volunteers, and all funds go directly toward trail maintenance, signage, and safety.
Information Liaison: The club does not make the laws or trail rules; it acts strictly as a middle man passing state regulations and landowner updates to riders.
Rule-Making Power: The club has zero authority to override, alter, or negotiate the rules set by property owners or government agencies.
2. Absolute Landowner Discretion
Total Property Control: Most trails exist on private land, and landowners hold the absolute legal right to decide who and what crosses their property.
Vehicle Type Restrictions: Landowners—not the club—determine exactly which motorized vehicles are allowed. A property owner may permit standard ATVs but completely ban UTVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, or full-sized trucks.
Size and Weight Limits: Owners frequently enforce specific width or weight limits to prevent soil erosion, deep ruts, livestock disruption, and crop damage.
(In which the state of Maine has already done so)
3. State and Rider Compliance Privilege, Not a Right: Access to these trail systems is a fragile privilege that can be permanently revoked instantly if riders abuse the property or ignore restrictions.
Legal Standards: Both the club and its riders must strictly abide by all state environmental laws, registration requirements, and seasonal closures.
Your Responsibility: When you ride, you are a guest.
Respecting posted signs, staying on the designated trail, and operating only approved vehicle types is mandatory to keep the trail network open for everyone.
