The Garage

Where to ride

Where to ride in New York

1 official riding areas and the permits New York asks for, each from the managing agency's own page and dated. Areas close for fire, weather, seasons and repairs, so check the page before you go.

The state program

ATV registration (off-road motorcycles are registered as ATVs), run by New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.

An ATV is any self-propelled vehicle, including an off-road motorcycle, that is manufactured for use on off-road trails or in off-road competitions.

ATV registration (off-road motorcycles are registered as ATVs), official pagechecked 2026-09-29

Permits and stickers

What the state's own pages say riders need, residents and visitors alike, quoted word for word.

  • Residents

    New York ATV registration

    You must have a valid NY State registration to ride your ATV in New York State unless it is

    • only used for agricultural purposes or not-for-hire snow removal on private property
    • registered in another state to a resident of that state
    • only used at special events (competitions)

    Official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Non-residents

    Out-of-state ATV registration / New York ATV registration

    New York State honors valid out-of-state ATV registrations. If your home state does not require ATV registration, you must obtain a New York State ATV registration before operating your ATV in this state.

    Official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Everyone

    Public land signage (NYS DMV)

    You can operate an ATV on public lands where signs indicate that ATV use is allowed.

    Official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Everyone

    State forest and Forest Preserve rule (NYSDEC)

    Off road use of motorized vehicles is prohibited, except where specifically permitted by signs, posted notice or by DEC permit.

    Official pagechecked 2026-09-29

  • Everyone

    Lewis County trail permit

    Permits are required for all off road trails but a permit is not required for the Town and County roads that are opened for ATV access.

    Official pagechecked 2026-09-29

Riding areas

Places the managing agency describes for off-highway riding, grouped by who runs them. The list is a starting point, not every trail in the state: the Forest Service and the BLM publish motor vehicle use maps for everything else.

County 1

  • Lewis County Trail System

    Lewis County Recreation, Forestry and Parks

    The Trail system access includes dirt bikes, ATV's and side by sides up to 2000 lbs.

    Lewis County Trail System, official pagechecked 2026-09-29

Before you go

Each area's own page has its current status, seasons, fees and which trails take which vehicles. Rules differ between areas and change with fire danger and weather, so read it on the day.

Official maps

The state law behind the permits, helmets and young riders, cited: New York electric dirt bike law.

Nothing on this page says anyone may ride anywhere: it points to the agencies that decide. Reviewed 2026-09-29.