Monday, April 30, 2012

ATV Trail Riding In Washington County

Top of Trumble Mountain
This article is featured in the June 2012 issue of the Maine Sportsman on page 42! 

It is no secret that in recent years, Maine has witnessed an explosion in the number of All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) clubs, events and trail systems. This increased interest, accelerated by an extensive network of logging roads, old railways and thousands of miles of snowmobile trails, has helped to fuel a healthy increase in the quality and quantity of ATV trails available to discover. ATV riders are finding many areas of the state, previously off limits to ATVs, are now open. One of the largest factors, spurring this exciting growth and additional riding opportunities, comes from the sizable baby boomer population. Many in this generation, are approaching or now retired and able to invest considerable time organizing and running ATV groups or spending long weekends touring the back country, with others ATV enthusiasts sharing their passion for the outdoors. For this group of veteran sportsmen, ATVs afford an easier means of exploring the remote corners of the state, the low rumble of the ATV replacing footfalls, as many of this generation become less willing or able to hike miles into the back country, in pursuit of their outdoor passions.

Boys Being Boys - Stone Dam, Nashes Lake
Exploration of these newly opened areas is as simple as securing a trail map from one of Maine’s many local ATV clubs. ATV Maine (http://www.atvmaine.org) has a fantastic website with links to tons of useful information. It has an impressive statewide events calendar of ATV riding activities and links to almost 100 different ATV clubs, representing all areas of the state. Downloading area maps, gathering information on current trail conditions or even contacting local riding groups is as easy as clicking on the club website or Facebook page. Last minute planners or those not “online” will be happy to note that many country stores have also begun carrying local area ATV trail maps for free, as they realize ATV riders also bring with them money to buy gas and other necessities. With a local trail map, it is an easy task to negotiate the clearly marked and well maintained trails. Many trails even have message boards and signage (ex. gas, food, assistance, hazards, unique areas, club houses, etc.), providing additional information to riders.

Local ATV clubs invest a lot of time and money in maintaining these trails and making sure visitors have an enjoyable ATVing experience. To honor them, please stay on marked trails and make sure to pack out any garbage generated in the course of the trip. ATVing in Maine is a unique wilderness experience, so lets all do our part to ensure it remains as such. Even better, join a local ATV club and help make sure trail systems stay clean and safe for all riders.

Many Registered Maine Guides conduct ATV trips throughout the state, providing access to pristine areas or special spots known only to locals. For a small investment, a guide is able to maximize trip enjoyment and simplify much of the planning and logistics involved, in a successful day of trail riding or an extended weekend ATV camping trip. Guided trips are also safer, as they provide an added measure of security for individuals traveling alone or unfamiliar with the area. For a listing of guides and their provided services please see: http://www.maineguides.org.

Understanding the growing interest in ATV riding, many towns, stores and campgrounds have begun catering to the ATV crowd. State laws limiting paved road travel restriction, are waived in some towns to facilitate ATV rider access to trail connections, gas and supplies. For campers, it is becoming increasingly more common to be able to leave directly from the campground and jump directly on a trail system. As this service is not available at all campground facilities, it pays when selecting a campground to call ahead and ask about their ATV policy. Last summer, I made the mistake of not inquiring about trail access direct from the campground and was forced to trailer my ATV to and from the trail head before and after each ride. This inconvenience greatly complicated access and stopped any chance of spur of the moment riding opportunities, putting a dampener on our trip . . . when in doubt ALWAYS ask.

Lunch at Hundred Acre Wood Cabin
Throughout the spring and summer of 2011, I traveled throughout the state exploring many of these newly expanded trail systems. From Grand Lake Stream to China in Central Maine to Kokajo and Greenville, I managed to fill the glorious season with hundreds of miles of choking back trail dust, sloshing through mud pits and wheeling through some of the most impressively beautiful areas of the state. Of all these newly explored areas, perhaps most impressive were the trail riding opportunities in Washington County. With mile upon mile of quality trail riding and breathtaking scenery around every bend, it is a trip well worth making.

On my trip to Washington County, we stayed at Keen’s Lake Campground in Red Beach. This quaint ATV friendly campground has quiet wooded campsites and ample space for parking equipment. Amenities exist such as a small store and a beach but the campgrounds biggest draw, is its direct access to a massive area ATV trail system and the Downeast Sunrise Trail (http://www.sunrisetrail.org).

Opened in 2010, the Downeast Sunrise Trail project has preserved 85 miles of the Calais Branch railroad corridor for future rail use, while additionally providing a wide, compact gravel-based trail for recreational opportunities. The scenic trail runs from Calais to Ellsworth, along the entire Downeast coastal area, connecting to multiple scenic conservation areas, intersecting the Downeast salmon rivers, and closely shadowing two state designated scenic highways. The rides major highlights are Schoodic Bog and Schoodic Mountain, near the Ellsworth end of the trail system. In addition to ATV riders, the Downeast Sunrise Trail is also managed for the use of snowmobiles, pedestrians, bicyclists, cross-country skiers and equestrians so use care and moderated speed while traveling.

The Calais trail head also has several unique attractions, such as Trumble Mountain, boasting expansive views of St. Andrews, Canada and the St. Croix River Valley. Also a short ride away, on the northern end of Nashes Lake, is an impressive 30 foot high hand build stone dam constructed in the 1800s, to facilitate logging operations and to this day still holds back the waters of this man made lake. For the photographer or nature lover looking to spot wildlife, the area is abundant with bear, moose, deer and many other furry critters. Evening trips, done slowly and with watchful eye are the best way to see these animals.

My trip to Washington County was highlighted by the presence of my two sons, who at 3 and 5 years old are already ATV fanatics. Sporting their racing helmets and possessing a go, go, go attitude, they are the perfect camping and 4 wheeling companions. When ATV riding with small children, it is important to take frequent breaks and continually fuel small bodies with food and water. Packing a picnic lunch and reviewing a trail map for kid friendly stops is an easy way to ensure kids take pleasure in ATV riding.

Don't Mess with these ATV Riding Roughnecks!
Keens lake, Nashes lake and many other area lakes and ponds offer opportunities for an afternoon swim to cool bodies, skip rocks, catch frogs and generally provide entertainment for small children. While you’re at it, bring along a fishing pole for great brook trout and small mouth bass fishing right from the lake shore. ATV riding is a fun recreational activity but remember to do it safely and legally. ATVs can quickly transport riders deep in the back country where assistance might be a long time in coming so be sure to practice self sufficiency, should an accident or mechanical issue occur. Riders should practice common sense, by making sure to always carry extra gas, water and food on long trips. Travel in groups when possible, for enjoyment and the safety provided in numbers and always make sure to carry extra clothing, rain gear and a comprehensive first aid kit.

While trail riding, I always wear a helmet as a safety measure and to serve as a good role model for my children. Despite these precautions, an accident this season, unloading my ATV from the back of a friends trailer, left me badly bruised and suffering from a nasty case of road rash. Adding to the potential for harm, I was not wearing my helmet. I was very fortunate I was able to learn a valuable lesson without fracturing my skull. Whenever operating an ATV a helmet should be worn, from the moment the key is turned on to the moment it is turned off. In the state of Maine, children under 10 years of age cannot operate and ATV, 10-16 years of age cannot operate an ATV without first completing an ATV training course. Though critical for riders of all ages, protective headgear is required of any ATV riders under 18 years of age.

For more on Maine ATV laws please see: http://www.maine.gov/ifw/laws_rules/atvlaws.htm
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For more from the Maine Outdoorsman on ATV riding with small children, be sure to also read ATV Riding with Kids!

14 comments:

  1. I was told by the ATV safety instructor that Maine has 6,600 miles of ATV trails, unmatched by any state in the country. Funny you posted this, my trailer will be up Thursday! Later buddy...

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    1. It is amazing to me at how much the ATV trail system has expanded in just the last three years! I can't wait to ride the entire length of the DE Sunrise Trail this summer! Look forward to seeing your movie trailer on the blog! Gobble, gobble!

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    2. I'll put you on better stuff than that... you'll see bro...

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    3. DDH, I talked with "The Todd" last night and he wants to do an ATV ride in Sept. in Washington County! WiIl drop you a line to see if we can't find a weekend!

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  2. Sounds SO fun!!! Bringing out the roughneck in me!

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    1. Kim, Thanks for commenting always great to see new faces!

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  3. I love trail riding. Louisiana (my home) has some good spots, but I am quite sure not nearly as beautiful as Maine!

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    1. CYW, Maine certainly has some incredibly beautiful areas, with the western Mountains and our extensive coastline. Throw into that mix, a titanic ATV trail system and locals and visitors alike are rarely disappointed. I have traveled a fair amount over the years but have never managed a visit to Louisiana . . . considering it is the birth place of my favorite show "Son's of Guns", maybe I need to add a visit to my bucket list! Take care and thanks for commenting!

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  4. This is a great post! And it's great for you to set the safety example for your adorable kiddos! The availability of options to get into the great outdoors is just another reason why I love this state! :)

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    1. Ashley, Thanks! Yes, the Wildman and the Savage are pretty freakin adorable. :) Just wait till my next installment of "getting your kids outdoors" . . . we are going TURKEY HUNTING! :) Maine rocks! Take care!

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    2. I can't wait to read about that! Mia won't sit still long enough to do any hunts.....yet! Good luck! :D

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    3. Ashley, Don't let my statement about "TURKEY HUNTING" fool you. We will be in a blind on a Sunday with no firearms. If I can even manage to get a turkey to respond to my calling, I would consider our "hunt" a success. I give them both about 10 minutes in the blind (maybe) before they are out in front of my game camera performing what they call the "wiggle, wiggle their butts dance". Its all about the small steps and patience, LOTS and LOTS of patience . . . :)

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  5. Nice post which ATVs can quickly transport riders deep in the back country where assistance might be a long time in coming so be sure to practice self sufficiency, should an accident or mechanical issue occur. Riders should practice common sense, by making sure to always carry extra gas, water and food on long trips.Thanks a lot for posting this article.

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  6. Great article Travel in groups when possible, for enjoyment and the safety provided in numbers and always make sure to carry extra clothing, rain gear and a comprehensive first aid kit.In which hough critical for riders of all ages, protective headgear is required of any ATV riders under 18 years of age. Thanks a lot for posting.

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