Hello all. We just got a couple ATV's and as it is almost winter in Minnesota I have a question regarding riding in the the winter. Can somebody tell where would you ride in the winter? Frozen lakes (same trail as snowmobiles) or is this not allowed? Any other suggestions?

Thank you in advance for your response.


Eugene.

 

I know here in NY you need to stay OFF the snowmobile trails as quads will ruin the grooming. Private land you have permission to ride on would be good, or there may be some public places out near you open to atv's. You should contact a few snowmobile clubs as even if they won't allow you to ride those trails they may know places to go.

 

Big thing is if you are going on farmers land is wait for the ground to harden up before you do or you will still make ruts and cause a big mess

Some clubs have winter trails for atv's ... but keep in mind ... deep snow +atv == high centered ... might want to look into getting tracks

 

I have seen winter/snow trails in Canada for atv's

 

The snowmobile trails are for snowmobiles and as stated earlier your going to need tracks if you want to go anywhere. When the snow gets deep it is hard going.

 

It really depends on what state you're in and the local rules. I ride in NH at a state park that only allows ATVs during the winter on groomed packed trails. My ATV club in Claremont, NH allows quads as long as there is at least 6" of snow and it's groomed. Some areas don't allow any winter quad riding. So, you will have to inquire on the local level.

 

Frozen lakes/rivers are fun, takes no effort to slide a corner,they are usually packed down hard or just mostly ice, so not much chance of getting stuck. That way you stay off of snowmobile trails, which is not allowed, and the snowmobilers wont run you down and beat you up !! lol Ditches are good riding when packed down, but know the area, riding over a patch of long grass buried under the snow will drop you fast, and put a real crimp in your day.

 

Make the trip to Hatfield-McCoy in WV. They have 500+ miles of trails open year round. Their passes expire on Dec.31 though so you might not get your moneys worth if you just buy a pass now.

 

Up here you can't ride ATV on Groomed sled trail becouse ATVs will cheew them up. However on unorganized sled trails, and there are miles of them, you can ride a ATV anywhere. If enough sleds have packed down the trails even 2wd ATV have little trouble in the winter on the trails and lakes.

 

Hi--my first atv and first winter. I have a 2008 Polaris Scrambler 500 4x4. I have noticed on days of 40 degrees F my tire pressure is low. So I put in a little. Today at 70 degrees F it's high. Suppose to be 4lbs front--3lbs back. Is it me or am I doing something wrong.Can I run a pound over without hurting anything? Here in Missouri we can have 20 degrees mornings and 70 degrees afternoons. Help Jim