Policy Statement

Multi-use Rail Trails Managed by the Department of Conservation
Off-road Vehicle Division

It is the intent of the Department of Conservation, Off-road Vehicle Division to clarify our policy regarding permitted use of the Multi-use Rail Trails as well as the timing of the various types of use over the course of the year.  Multi-use Rail Trails are open to both non-motorized and motorized use and must adhere to the following:  

• Non-motorized use includes but is not limited to: walking, hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and skiing. 

• All motorized vehicles permitted on Multi-use Rail Trails must be legally registered as either an ATV and/or snowmobile. 

• Vehicles registered or built for on-road use such as cars, trucks, jeeps and motorcycles are prohibited.  Other vehicles such as golf carts, scooters/mopeds or Dual Sport motorcycles must be registered as an ATV to be on state owned Multi-use Rail Trails. 

• Multi-use Rail Trails are developed and maintained for snowmobiles and/or ATV’s up to 60” wide.

• The type of use of Multi-use Rail Trails during the winter season is dependent upon snow conditions.  If the Multi-use Rail Trail is snow covered ATVs and horseback riding are not allowed.  The following uses are permitted when the Multi-use Rail Trail is snow covered: snowmobiling, snowshoeing, dog sledding, skiing, bicycling and hiking.  If the gravel trail surface is exposed and frozen (no snow) and conditions allow, ATV use is permitted as long as the trail has not been officially closed. 

• If a section of a Multi-use Rail Trail is closed due to construction it will be identified as “CONSTRUCTION ZONE, NO TRESPASSING” and is closed to all public use. 

• Trails closed during mud season will have signs stating “STOP TRAIL CLOSED DUE TO SATURATED SOILS”.  Pedestrian use is permitted during mud season and is defined as walking, jogging or hiking use only.

Organizations or business’ that would like to conduct a special event or activity are required to obtain a Special Use or Conditional Use Permit from the Department of Conservation, Off-road Vehicle Division at least 4 weeks prior to the start of the event.

All inquires should be directed to Charlie Corliss, Trail Coordinator, at 546-2730 / Charlie.Corliss@maine.gov for the Down East Sunrise Trail or Skip Varney, Sr. Planner, 287-5574 / Walter.E.Varney@maine.gov regarding Multi-use Rail Trail Policy and/or Permitting.  You may also view the Department of Conservation, Off-road Vehicle website at www.maine.gov/doc/parks