Vermont is known for its natural landscape, green mountains, hiking trails, and skiing areas. Moreover, it is also the sixth smallest state in the United States; hence, you will not find a lot of ATV destinations like other states. Nevertheless, the size of this state does not limit the amount of fun you have in these ATV-designated areas.
Some Vermont ATV laws include: all ATVs must be registered, ATVs are prohibited on public highways except the highway is open to ATVs, and ATVs must have headlights and rear lights. Some of the places to ride an ATV legally in Vermont are Rider Hill MX, Killington Mountain, and Molly Stark Trail.
ATV riding is becoming a very popular activity worldwide, especially in the United States, and to ensure the safety and security of all ATV riders, there are laws enforced. You might see most of these laws as strict, but complying with them guarantees your safety as well as the safety of other people.
Vermont ATV Laws
In Vermont, an ATV is classified as a non-highway recreational vehicle that has not less than two tires, is not wider than 64 inches, has a dry weight less than 2500 pounds, and is used for cross-country trail travel or operation on land, snow, marsh, water, swampland, ice, and natural terrain. Below are Vermont ATV laws:
- All ATVs must be registered and display a valid VASA Trail Access Decal before being operated on any trail system in Vermont; however, ATVs operated exclusively on private property do not require registration.
- It is illegal to use an ATV to harass, pursue, or drive wildlife.
- The registration of an ATV ends once the owner does a transfer title; the previous owner will have to return the registration certificate and fill in a form to acknowledge the new owner.
- All ATVs must be equipped with at least one headlight, a red tail light, a functioning brake, and an efficient muffler.
- ATVs operated 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset must always have their headlights and tail lights illuminated.
- No ATV in operation must exceed the noise level of 82 decibels.
- It is illegal to sell an ATV with a noise level that exceeds 82 decibels in Vermont.
- ATVs must not be operated on a public highway except if the highway is open to ATV travel, the ATV is used for agricultural purposes, the ATV is used for forestry purposes, or the ATV is used by an agent or employee of any electric distribution or transmission company.
- You can use an ATV to cross a public highway only when the crossing is made at a 90 degrees angle to the direction of the highway, and the operator must bring the ATV to a complete stop and yield the right of way to pedestrians and motor vehicles.
- Children below age 12 must always wear protective headgear when operating an ATV and should operate only under adult supervision.
Where Can You Ride An ATV In Vermont?
Vermont has a beautiful landscape and different terrains for ATV riders ranging from smooth and flat to rocky and steep. Regardless of if you are an expert rider or a beginner, you can ride your ATV in any designated area in Vermont. Let us take a look at some of the places to ride an ATV in Vermont.
Rider Hill MX
Rider Hill MX is 50 acres of land that accommodates ATVs, Dirt bikes, and Motorcycles. It is managed by Vermont Motocross Association and is built into the side of a hill on rolling farmland. The terrain on this track consists of loose dirt, berms, small jumps, trees, large jumps, dust, and hardpack.
Entry into Rider Hill MX costs $10 per person regardless of whether they are spectators or riders while riding costs $30 per rider. This area is well-groomed and has restrooms available. Off-road vehicles like Dune buggies, SUVs, Sand rail 4x4s, UTVs, SXSs, and Jeeps are prohibited in this area.
All riders at this track are always required to wear an MX helmet when riding. This track is open on selected days to both members and non-members. Camping is also permitted in this area. Your ATV does not need to have a spark arrestor before you can operate in Rider Hill MX.
Killington Mountain
Killington Mountain is one of the most popular places to ride an ATV in Vermont. This trail is the best place to get not only a thrilling ATV ride but also scenic views. It is open all year round and is also one of Vermont's most recommended places for ATV riders and operators.
Beginner riders and expert riders are all welcome to this trail as it is a good place to encounter challenging trails and smooth trails. If you have not operated an ATV in a long time, this trail is one of the best places to refresh your ATV riding abilities. All off-road vehicles such as ATVs, UTVs, SXSs, Dune buggies, SUVs, Sandrail 4x4s, and others are permitted on this trail.
You can also go camping at Killington Mountain as there is a hotel close by. The terrain on this trail contains steep hills, hard packs, rocks, loose dirt, sand, and dust. There are some amenities at this park, such as restrooms and parking spaces. There is a very high possibility that you will have a good time riding your ATV at Killington Mountain.
Molly Stark Trail
Molly Stark Trail is another good destination to ride an ATV in Vermont; it has a trail system suitable for riders of all levels. One of the best things about riding on this trail is that you can have a spectacular view of rivers, mountains, and foliage. Riding on this trail is very exciting as you will meet other ATV riders.
The terrain on this trail consists of loose dirt, rocks, hard pack, dust, sand, berms, steep hills, and trees. The vehicles allowed on this trail are ATVs, SXSs, Dirt bikes, Motorcycles, and UTVs. Sometimes there is usually traffic on this trail due to many vehicles.
Molly Stark Trail is open all year round; it is a 48-mile trail system with Bennington and Brattleboro anchors at each end. Aside from off-vehicle operation, this trail has other activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.
In Vermont, other places to ride an ATV are Readsboro, Lincoln Gap Road, Barnett, Homer Stone Trail, Lunenburg, The Hinesburg Town Forest, White River Junction, Mobbs Farm Valley Trail, and Bromley Mountain Trail.
Where Can’t You Ride An ATV In Vermont?
Not all areas in Vermont are open to ATV riding; there are some places you should not ride your ATV unless you have the authority from a legislated body. It is against the laws of Vermont to ride an ATV on a public highway, municipal lands, within a cemetery, on a sidewalk, or outside the boundaries of a designated trail.
Riding your ATV in any of these areas without authorization will attract a fine. However, there are some exceptions to ATVs' operation in these areas, but you must be aware of them.
Final Thoughts
Riding an ATV is thrilling and exciting, and you get to experience more fun when you ride with other riders. Vermont is one of the states where you have access to different designated areas for ATVs where you will meet, interact, and have fun with other ATV riders.
The trails also have different levels depending on your skill level, so you will still have the fun you desire, even if you are a beginner rider. Nevertheless, in all your ATV operations, you should do your best to comply with the ATV laws in Vermont.
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Shawn Manaher loves to play with new toys and dive into new hobbies. As a serial entrepreneur, work definitely comes first but there is always room for hobbies.