Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

New York State is a winter paradise for snowmobiling with wide-open groomed trails, lake effect snow and breathtaking scenery in every direction.

The Statewide Snowmobile Trail System spans 46 counties and has more than 10,500 miles. It is managed by more than 200 local entities and supported by 53 local sponsors. This vast trail network is comprised of lands under the jurisdiction of New York State Parks, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), NYS Canal Corporation, national forest land, local governments, and many private landowners who have increasingly opened their property to snowmobiling with insurance coverage provided by the state snowmobile program.

New York State Parks works closely with the New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA), the advocacy and advisory organization for over 200 snowmobile clubs, and the agency is also a member of the International Association of Snowmobile Administrators (IASA).

Download a copy of our comprehensive, easy-to-use reference guide for people who snowmobile in New York. It contains practical information and checklists for all snowmobilers regardless of skill

New York State Snowmobilers Guide

The information contained on this map has been provided by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, local government sponsors, the New York State Snowmobile Association, county snowmobile associations, and local snowmobile clubs. It is intended to be a reference guide only and shall not constitute a representation or warranty of the suitability or condition of any trail for snowmobiling. Snowmobilers assume all responsibility and risks for their own safety when snowmobiling on any trail. No guarantee is made to the accuracy of this map. Trail locations do change. Users should use caution, particularly in unfamiliar terrain, and confirm the existence of trails in advance. Because of changing weather conditions, trails may be covered with blowing or drifting snow, and landmarks may be covered or obscured. Trail markings or signs may get knocked down or covered with snow. Users should not rely on any one navigational aid or device. Maps may assist riders in unfamiliar terrain, but they are no substitute for safety and common sense. The Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, the printer, and all others who provided information for this map assume no liability for the reliance upon or use of this map for any purpose.

The New York State Snowmobile Program’s priority is to plan for the development, maintenance, and oversight of a statewide snowmobile program, It is the purpose of this title to promote the safe and proper use of snowmobiles for recreation and commerce in this state by encouraging their use and development while minimizing detrimental effects of such use upon the environment.

The New York State Snowmobile Program:

• Encourages the sport of snowmobiling as a family activity;
• Promotes the safe use and operation of snowmobiles;
• Provides an adequate safety educational program for youth operators;
• Limits the operation of snowmobiles upon public highways and private property without the consent of the owner;
• Protects and preserves the state's natural resources, including its wildlife, wild forests, waters, and scenic and wilderness;
• Reduces the effect on the environment of excess noise;
• Ensures privacy of remote areas; and
• Allows for compatible enjoyment of various recreational activities on the state's lands and open spaces.

Program funding is obtained through snowmobile registrations With the exception of the first ten dollars collected, the registration fees are used to support snowmobiling in New York State. These fees are deposited into a State Special Revenue Snowmobile Account that provides financial support to support local areas through grants-in-aid for snowmobile trail development and maintenance.

OPRHP has established programs for:

• Municipal Snowmobile Trail Maintenance Grants
• A Snowmobile Law Enforcement Grant
• A Snowmobile Law Enforcement Development School
• Snowmobile Safety Education
• Snowmobile Special Event Permits
• Snowmobile Accident Reporting
• Snowmobile Publications
• Snowmobile Trail Grooming Education
• Snowmobile Trail Signage Guidelines
• A Snowmobile Laws Continuing Education Course for Magistrates