If you’re looking for a place to ride an ATV in the Northeast, upstate New York deserves a spot near the top of your list.
The state has plenty of public land and backcountry roads, but there’s an important distinction for ATV riders: you can’t simply unload your machine and start exploring wherever you see a dirt road. New York requires ATV use on public land to be specifically designated and signed for ATV riding, while private property requires permission from the landowner.
Fortunately, several communities in northern New York have built extensive trail systems that give riders legitimate places to explore—and some offer hundreds of miles of connected riding.
Here are some of the best areas to put on your radar.
1. Tug Hill & Lewis County
The Northeast’s ATV heavyweight
If you’re planning an ATV trip to upstate New York, Tug Hill should probably be your first stop.
The Lewis County OHV Trail System encompasses roughly 500 to 600 miles of trails and routes, depending on how the network is measured, across the Tug Hill Plateau, Black River Valley and foothills of the Adirondacks. The system includes county reforestation lands as well as trails crossing private property where landowners have granted access.
This isn’t a single trail. It’s a huge network.
The terrain ranges from wide, hard-packed dirt and gravel roads to narrower ATV trails, mud, rocks and more technical terrain. There are also numerous restaurants, fuel stops and campgrounds located along or near the riding network, making it particularly well suited to multi-day trips.
And that’s one of the things that makes Tug Hill different from many riding destinations: you can build an entire vacation around the ATV.
Where to base yourself
Several communities make good bases, including:
- Turin
- Lowville
- Brantingham
- Croghan
- Copenhagen
- Constableville
- West Leyden
- Boonville
Brantingham is particularly interesting for riders looking for a combination of lodging and trail access.
Permits
The Lewis County system requires an OHV permit for the off-road portions of the county trail system. As of 2026, the county charges $65 for the first OHV, $20 for each additional OHV registered to the same household, and $20 for a three-consecutive-day pass. A $20 seasonal discount is available to members of participating local OHV clubs. Proof of insurance is required.
The permit is issued per machine, not per rider, and the decal must be displayed on the OHV.
The county’s trail system generally opens in early April, weather and trail conditions permitting, and normally closes on the Tuesday after Columbus Day in October. Individual trails can close earlier because of weather, maintenance or landowner requests.
Where to rent
One of the biggest advantages of the Tug Hill area is that you don’t necessarily need to haul your own machine from home.
Timberview Adventures – Tug Hill ATV & Snowmobile Rentals in Turin operates ATV/UTV rentals from its location on Carpenter Road and positions itself as a basecamp for exploring the Lewis County trail system.
Trailside Ranch in Brantingham offers lodging and seasonal ATV/side-by-side rentals with direct access to the riding network.
Grant Island ATV, Boat & Jetski Rentals in Greig offers self-guided ATV and side-by-side rentals in the Brantingham Lake area.
The Lewis County trail map also lists Buckhorn Bar & Grill, Timberview Resort/Adventures and Trailside Ranch as OHV rental locations.
A great first ride
If you’re unfamiliar with the system, the Adirondack Tug Hill tourism organization suggests starting around Lee Gulf. Another recommended ride is from Barnes Corners toward the gulf through the surrounding countryside.
The key is to get the current Lewis County trail map before heading out. The network changes, and trails can close because of weather, maintenance or landowner requests.
Lewis County OHV Trail Information & Permits
2. St. Lawrence County
Just north of the Tug Hill region, St. Lawrence County has been developing another significant ATV opportunity.
The county has proposed a 120-mile multi-use trail system, portions of which pass through DEC-managed conservation easement lands. One section of the Grass River/Long Pond area includes approximately 32 miles of roads and trails open to ATV use, while the signed multi-use trail is open to ATV use seasonally.
The area is particularly interesting because it gives riders access to the remote landscape of the northwestern Adirondacks.
There’s an important caveat, however: ATV access varies by individual property and trail. Riders should check the current DEC information and local signage before assuming a road or trail is open.
Another designated ATV opportunity exists in the northeastern Adirondacks around the Chazy Resource Management Conservation Easement. DEC says a 16-mile public trail corridor between Dannemora and Lyon Mountain allows ATVs, snowmobiles and non-motorized recreation.
3. Jefferson & Oswego Counties: Winona Forest
Another area worth investigating is Winona Forest Recreation Association, which maintains an ATV trail network in Jefferson and Oswego counties.
New York’s statewide recreation planning documents identify Winona Forest as one of the organizations supporting ATV riding in the state, along with other designated multi-use trail systems in northern New York.
This is a different experience from the enormous Lewis County network and could make a good option for riders looking for a more contained riding destination.
Before publishing specific mileage, access rules or rental information for Winona Forest, I’d verify the current season’s rules directly with the organization. ATV access in New York can be highly property-specific, and trail status can change.