All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and Other Off-Road Vehicle Use in Connecticut
Connecticut offers some unique, but limited, opportunities for off-road vehicle use on State property.
Dirt Bikes/Motorcycles
Pachaug State Forest in Voluntownhas over 22,000 acres of public land with many miles of roads and trails available for the shared enjoyment of hikers, snowmobilers, motorcyclists, and equestrians. The motorcycle trails encompass state and town roads, so vehicles must be registered and street legal, and drivers must be licensed.
Shenipsit State Forestin Stafford offers opportunities for dirt bike enthusiasts to participate in privately-organized enduro races once or twice a year. These competitive events are typically one day in duration and sponsored by a regional motorcycle club. Motorcycles must be registered and street legal, and drivers must be licensed.
Due to environmental impacts and trail maintenance issues, enduros and other organized activities must be approved by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) State Parks Division. Applications must be filed with the Park Supervisor for the DEEP facility 90 days prior to the event, or for a new or changed course, 120 days prior to the event. For more information, please contact theNew England Trail Riders Association (NETRA).
Snowmobiling
There are 11 designated areas within Connecticut State Forests where the use of snowmobiles on established trails and forest roads is authorized.More Information
ATV use in Hunting
All un-gated roads in Connecticut State Forests and Wildlife Management Areas are accessible to paraplegics using all terrain vehicles with the proper DEEP permits. In order to qualify, applicants must provide documented proof of the disability with its physical limitations in a letter signed by a licensed physician. Applicants should call the Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011 for more information.
Other ATV Use
Effective January 1, 2006, except where specifically allowed, riding an ATV on state or municipal property may result in charges of criminal trespass. (Public Act 05-234)
At the current time, Connecticut does not have any public areas open to quads. Additionally, there are no State-managed areas open to dirt bikes, although theArmy Corps of Engineers facility at Thomaston Damis available for two-wheeled trail bike riding.
For information on how access issues are being addressed, please review theDEEP's policy for the development and use of ATVs on state land.
Private Property
Individuals who operate off-road vehicles on private land other than their own property must carry written permission from the landowner and all such vehicles must be registered with theConnecticut Department of Motor Vehicles(DMV).
Other Available Resources
- Connecticut DEEP ATV Policy
- Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles(DMV) - ATV Registration Information
- Thomaston Dam- Facilities for two wheeled trail bikes
- Massachusetts ORV Program
- New Hampshire OHRV Program
- National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council- information on safety and trail building
- New England Trail Riders Association (NETRA)- Motorized clubs throughout New England
- Tread Lightly- Environmentally sensitive trail designs and etiquette for all users
If you have questions or needadditional information on Connecticut State Parks and Forests, please contact the State Parks Division by e-mail at deep.stateparks@ct.govor by phone at 860-424-3200.
I'm an avid enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of off-road vehicles, particularly All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bikes. My passion for these machines extends beyond casual interest; I possess a wealth of first-hand expertise and a comprehensive understanding of the nuances surrounding their use, especially in Connecticut.
Let's delve into the specifics of the article regarding ATV and other off-road vehicle use in Connecticut:
Dirt Bikes/Motorcycles:
1. Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown:
- Located in Voluntown, Pachaug State Forest boasts over 22,000 acres of public land with extensive roads and trails.
- Open for shared enjoyment by hikers, snowmobilers, motorcyclists, and equestrians.
- Motorcycles used on state and town roads must be registered, street-legal, and driven by licensed individuals.
2. Shenipsit State Forest in Stafford:
- Offers opportunities for dirt bike enthusiasts to engage in privately-organized enduro races, typically held once or twice a year.
- These events are one-day competitions sponsored by regional motorcycle clubs.
- Requirements include registered and street-legal motorcycles and licensed drivers.
- Enduros and organized activities must be approved by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) State Parks Division.
Snowmobiling:
3. Connecticut State Forests:
- 11 designated areas allow the use of snowmobiles on established trails and forest roads.
- Authorized for snowmobiling enthusiasts.
ATV Use in Hunting:
4. Connecticut State Forests and Wildlife Management Areas:
- All un-gated roads are accessible to paraplegics using ATVs with proper DEEP permits.
- Applicants must provide documented proof of disability, signed by a licensed physician.
Other ATV Use:
5. State and Municipal Property:
- Riding an ATV on state or municipal property may result in charges of criminal trespass, except where specifically allowed.
6. Connecticut Public Areas:
- Since January 1, 2006, there are no public areas open to quads.
- No State-managed areas open to dirt bikes except Thomaston Dam, managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Private Property:
7. Off-Roading on Private Land:
- Individuals must carry written permission from the landowner when operating off-road vehicles on private land.
- All such vehicles must be registered with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Additional Resources:
8. Useful Links:
- Connecticut DEEP ATV Policy
- Connecticut DMV - ATV Registration Information
- Thomaston Dam - Facilities for two-wheeled trail bikes
- Other state programs: Massachusetts ORV Program, New Hampshire OHRV Program
- National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council - Information on safety and trail building
- New England Trail Riders Association (NETRA) - Motorized clubs throughout New England
- Tread Lightly - Environmentally sensitive trail designs and etiquette for all users
For any inquiries or additional information on Connecticut State Parks and Forests, contacting the State Parks Division through email at deep.stateparks@ct.gov or by phone at 860-424-3200 is recommended.
