With over 1,000 miles of snowmobile trails in New York state, spanning 775,000 acres of State Forests, the opportunities for exploration are endless. Some of these trails are part of the New York State Snowmobile Trail system, while others are part of the more local State Forest Trail Systems.

Locally in Cherry Creek, in Boutwell State Forest, 6.5 miles of snowmobile trails are maintained by the Cherry Creek Sno-Goers Snowmobile Club (https://cherrycreeksnogoers.com/) through a volunteer stewardship agreement.

The trail connects to other snowmobile trails that travel off state property; maps are available online at no cost. In the summer and winter, the 2,944-acre Boutwell Hill State Forest provides opportunities for countless informal outdoor recreational activities.

Last weekend, while patrolling Boutwell Hill State Forest, State Forest Rangers checked more than 150 snowmobiles. Rangers issued multiple tickets for illegal mufflers and registration violations. These violations can result in fines, loss of trail access, and even criminal charges. Local snowmobile clubs recently closed sections of trails on private property due to landowner complaints of snowmobilers riding off designated trails and riding with loud mufflers.

Last weekend while patrolling Boutwell Hill State Forest, State Forest Rangers checked more than 150 snowmobiles and issued multiple tickets for illegal mufflers and registration violations. Submitted photo

In 2024 alone, Forest Rangers worked on cases that resulted in more than 1,200 tickets and arrests for various infractions. The Rangers also work to save lives, conducting 362 search and rescue missions, extinguishing 122 wildfires covering nearly 6,500 acres, and participating in 60 controlled burns that served to rejuvenate more than 1,155 acres of land last year. Some of the forest rangers may be helping in California right now.

The New York State Snowmobile Trail System, a network of more than 10,500 miles of snowmobile corridor trails, is a tribute to the collaborative efforts of snowmobile clubs and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). Hats off to these clubs, many of which are members of the New York State Snowmobile Association, which plays a substantial role in maintaining the trails, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all snowmobilers.

Snowmobiles operated in New York must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), even if registered in another state or province, except under certain special circumstances. For more information about snowmobile registration, visit the DMV website. A portion of each registration fee goes to the Snowmobile Trail Development and Maintenance Fund in support of the public snowmobile trails in New York, snowmobile safety and education programs, and enforcement of state snowmobile laws. These safety education programs cover topics such as trail etiquette, safe riding practices, and environmental conservation, and are a great way to learn how to enjoy snowmobiling responsibly.

State DEC requests snowmobile users be respectful of adjacent landowners. The trails are also used for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding in the off-season. Note that any organized trail events must have a Temporary Revocable Permit prior to the event, which can be obtained from the local DEC office. The Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau (https://www.tourchautauqua.com/) can provide information about additional snowmobile trail locations, other recreation, attractions and amenities in the area at no charge. The Visitors Bureau also promotes safe snowmobiling practices and can provide guidance to links on how to enjoy the sport while respecting the environment and other trail users.

Just like boaters, hunters, fishermen and others, snowmobilers must carry their license, registration and proof of insurance documents on their person, not the snowmobile, at all times while snowmobiling. Insurance documentation must be produced at the request of anyone injured or suffers property damage due to the operation of a snowmobile. Holders of snowmobile safety certificates must carry the certificate when they are snowmobiling. For more information about snowmobile requirements and snowmobile safety, call 518-474-0446.

Forest Rangers, the unsung heroes of the snowmobiling community, respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Their diligent safety checks are a crucial part of keeping everyone safe on the trails. They are always ready to locate, and extract lost, injured, or distressed individuals, ensuring that every snowmobiling adventure ends on a safe note across New York state.

Gotta love the outdoors!