Limited Legal ATV/OHM Access in New York Updated

This is intended as a guide only to help you research legal riding in New York. Public land access is subject to closure at any time—check ahead before going. Responsibility remains with you to determine legality. Excerpts courtesy of www.atvconnection.com. 

There are very few legal riding areas in New York. But the New York State Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle Association (NYSORVA) is working to turn the tide for OHV enthusiast in New York by cooperating with land managers and the Legislature. Without a functional ATV trail fund, which NY has none, the state is very unlikely to move forward on any trail projects.

For further information on NYSORVA's work, go to http://www.nysorva.org/. Your support of NYSORVA will help them bring about the needed changes in NY's lackluster OHV environment.

Several Riding Areas in Northwestern New York

Aldrich Pond Wild Forest/Streeter Lake Area, ATV Trails near Fine, NY
(Legally Designated "Motor Vehicle Road" with authorized ATV access in Aldrich Pond Wild Forest). For State Forest Riding Info contact: DEC Forester John Gibbs (315) 265-3099. Local club contact for Aldrich is Adirondack ATV Riders Club, Inc., Bob Swanson (315) 543-2073, e-mail Lisa Nortz lnortz@northnet.org, http://www.adirondackatv.org. 

St. Lawrence County:
Trails are open in St. Lawrence County in the Townships of Parishville, Brasher and Harrisville. Contact Parishville Area ATV Club for trail information.  Brasher Falls Unit Management Project - multiple access roads - great challenging trails- 18,000+ acres - all roads open to ATV's with few exceptions. And these are posted. Located between the towns of Brasher Falls, North Lawrence and Helena.

Knapps Station State Forest:
Fewer trails - old abandoned railroad bed without tracks. Access through Shawville Rd., Munson Rd., and Crane Rd. in the town of Stockholm.

Buckton State Forest:
Mostly flat trails and loops, relatively dry riding. Access through Priest Rd. & Converse Rd. in Ft. Jackson.

CC Dam/Shady City/Brasher Iron Works:
Mostly flat trails with lots of old logging roads to explore/lots of beaver dams & swamps. Caution: Some of these trails are not traversable! Access through Shady City, off of Route 55. Access also from Smith Rd. in the town of Brasher.

Editor's Note: The DEC Forest Rangers and the NY State Police are constantly patrolling the above areas on ATVs. It is strongly advised to wear the appropriate gear, have your vehicle registered and insured, and be sure that 10-15 yr. olds have completed an ATV safety course. Most trails will remain open, however DEC has threatened to close the area because of illegal dumping. The Deer River Road in Helena, NY has been opened by the town of Brasher for ATV use. This will provide access to Smith Road. Any questions can be e-mailed to Stephen Kotzen (skotzen@twcny.rr.com)

Tug Hill Region (Adirondack foothills):
Many ATV-legal DEC and Town roads/trails open to the public. For a map, Send $6 to the Lewis County ATV Assn. Inc, PO Box 492, Constableville NY 13325.

Road Openings in Franklin County

Bombay  NONE Open as of 10/30/02

Fort Covington  Incomplete Data

Westville  NONE Open as of 10/30/02

Constable  Sand / Mcgraw / Cargin / Taylor / Miller / Dinneen / Coveytown / Fountain / Poplar / Stebbins

Burke  NONE Open as of 10/30/02

Chateaugay  Proposal to be brought forward Nov. 11th, 2002

Moira  ALL Town Roads are Open

Bangor  NONE Open as of 10/30/02

Malone  NONE Open as of 10/30/02

Dickinson  Richards / Snell / Heath Hill / Taylor / Yaddow / Louey / Meacham / Conservation / Fye / Church / Sand / Cemtery / Morrey / Palmer / Doug Smith / Ploof / Port Kent / Hewett / Niles / Conger

Brandon  NONE Open as of 10/30/02

Bellmont  Roads opened and posted, List of roads to come.

Waverly  Blue Mountain / Dexter / South River / Cook / Shanley / Trim / Larose / Hewett / Conger / Trim Hill / Cheney

Santa Clara  FloodWood / Blue Mountain / Dexter

Duane  Cold Brook / Old Meacham / Studley / Ayers / Hill / California

Brighton  NONE Open as of 10/30/02

Franklin  NONE Open as of 10/30/02

Altamont  NONE Open as of 10/30/02

Harrietstown  NONE Open as of 10/30/02

This trail system is only open when there is adequate snow cover:

Chestnut Ridge Park
Located just outside of Buffalo, just off the 219S in Orchard Park, this area requires a free permit for ATV use. New York State registration and valid insurance is a must. Usage is limited to winter months and must have an inch or more of snow cover. Call the Recreation Hotline at 716-662-3290 for snow conditions. You can obtain an application for a free permit by calling or writing to: