ATV Trail Riding Etiquette

If you’ve recently purchased your first ATV, you’re likely excited to hit the nearest nature trail and tear up some terrain with your new off-road vehicle. However, before you do, make sure to read our trail riding etiquette tips below. These tips will ensure you don’t run into any issues on your first trail ride, and that everyone using the trail is able to enjoy themselves. 

Follow the Path

While this advice may seem obvious, it’s very common for riders to wander off or even get turned around and end up going off trail. This could lead to sticky situations as the terrain off-trail could be much too difficult for your current skill level, or you could end up on someone else’s private property—potentially landing you with a ticket or fine. 

Right of Way

As an ATV rider, you won’t always have the right of way while riding the trail. While you’ll be allowed to overtake other vehicles while on the trail, if you run into hikers, cyclists, or horseback riders you’ll need to give them the right of way. When passing a horse, be careful not to startle the animal by revving your engine or suddenly coming up behind them at a high speed. 

Group Rides 

If you’re riding in a group, you’ll want to allow faster single riders to get ahead of you. If you pass another group of ATV riders, be sure to signal to the lead of the group how many people are in your riding party so they don’t end up rejoining the trail too soon and causing a pileup. 

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