Snowmobile Trails and Crossings

State ROW permits | Snowmobiles | Operation on Highways | Operation Adjacent to Highways | Trails and Crossings

Three snowmobiles traveling on a snowmobile trail in the woods.
Credit: Travel Wisconsin

Snowmobile trails on state highway right of way

WisDOT defines two types of snowmobile trails – unofficial and designated. An unofficial trail is an area of state highway right of way used by snowmobilers that does not have an official sponsor. It does not receive funding from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for grooming and trail maintenance. Designated trails typically have a sponsor, are signed, and receive funding from DNR for grooming and trail maintenance.

WisDOT may permit a designated snowmobile trail within state highway right of way if sufficient space is available, and it would not adversely affect the safety, maintenance, and operation of the highway. Typically, a permit is issued when right of way improvements must be made in order for the trail to function properly. A state trunk highway connection permit (form DT1504) is required, and a municipality, county, or other governmental agency must be the applicant. Go to the state highway connection permits webpage for more information on the permitting process.

Wisconsin does not have a statewide snowmobile trail map. Many counties have snowmobile maps or individual snowmobile clubs may have their own maps. The Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs has a listing of all snowmobile clubs on its website.

Snowmobile route or trail crossings of state highways

Generally, snowmobile operators should look for existing driveways, local roads and permitted trail crossings when crossing state highways. This offers the safest path, and it is always the best practice for operators to plan ahead and know locations of legal crossings along their route. Below you will learn more about what to look for and also where there may be some exceptions.

WisDOT sometimes owns the rights to enter the highway from private property, and often controls access to state highways under Wis. Stat. §§ 84.09, 84.25 and 84.295. It is illegal to enter and cross one of those highways except at an authorized location.

Many snowmobile operators do not know where access restrictions are on state highways. So, look for existing driveways, local roads, and permitted trail crossings. These locations have been authorized by WisDOT. Driveways and road/street/trail connections are reviewed by WisDOT staff for engineering standards such as spacing and proper sight distance. It is better for snowmobiles to cross at these authorized locations versus other locations, especially on 55 mph highways with high traffic volumes. Motorists expect vehicles to enter and exit the roadway at these known access points. Snowmobiles crossing at unauthorized locations have a higher likelihood of being involved in a serious or fatal crash.

A snowmobile at the side of highway with traffic, waiting for the right time to cross.

Another important reason for snowmobile operators to cross state highways at existing driveways, local roads, and permitted trail crossings (with thermoplastic coatings) is to minimize highway right of way damage. When there is a lack of snow, snowmobiles may destroy vegetation or cause rutting, which may lead to embankment erosion and clogged ditches. Skids may also cause damages to the edge of pavement. If snowmobiles deposit loose gravel and dirt onto the highway surface, it may lead to safety issues, especially for motorcycles.

When crossing at non-driveway or road locations, find a location with sufficient sight distance in each direction. Any obstructions may prevent a quick and safe crossing. Make sure to come to a complete stop and yield to approaching traffic before crossing the highway like the operator in the picture on the right.

WisDOT permits are not required in the following situations:

  • At town, village, city, or county road crossings. For example, snowmobile routes and trails crossing state highways.
  • From a driveway on one side to a local road on the other side (or vice-versa).
  • From a driveway on one side to a driveway on the other side.
  • For unofficial trails

WisDOT permits are required in the following situations:

  • Whenever improvements are needed (right of way grading, placing base course, etc.) to construct new crossings or new trails.
  • Fixing or making improvements to an existing trail or trail crossing.
  • For designated and marked trails or trail crossings in which a local unit of government will be responsible for maintaining the trail or trail crossing.
  • For required thermoplastic trail crossing coatings (see final section).

Diagram showing a ATV paved apron dimensions.WisDOT may require installation of a paved apron where a snowmobile trail connects to the roadway of a state highway. Aprons are needed to prevent maintenance issues such as gravel or mud deposits on the roadway surface and to reduce the risk of damage to wing blades when plowing snow. WisDOT may waive or temporarily suspend this requirement if appropriate.

A detail drawing will be required as part of the permit. An example is provided showing typical apron dimensions for ATVs, which may also be suitable for snowmobiles. However, the dimensions may vary depending on topography, geology, and other local conditions. Consult with WisDOT for apron requirements in areas that have curb and gutter.

Counties, towns, cities, and villages may regulate snowmobile operation on snowmobile routes and trails by enacting local ordinances. Check locally for specific laws. WisDOT does not have approval authority of local government ordinances, nor can WisDOT offer legal advice on how ordinances should be written. WisDOT only reviews snowmobile ordinances prior to processing traffic signing permit applications when snowmobile routes are designated to verify that a town, village, city, or county has referenced the appropriate sections of the statute and the specific termini of the state highway is properly written.

A green sign with white letters and a snowmobile. The sign says "Snowmobile Route."

When local units of government designate a state highway bridge or a state highway for the purpose of residential access or purpose of access from lodging as a snowmobile route, a traffic signing permit from WisDOT is required. Trail signs must not be attached to any WisDOT sign post, streetlight, or other infrastructure. They must not block the view of any official WisDOT traffic sign. For trail signing diagrams and other information, please consult the DNR Trail Signing Handbook.

A white thermoplastic pavement coating covers a roadway.

WisDOT may require a thermoplastic pavement coating at snowmobile crossings when there is significant snowmobile traffic or there have been pavement surface maintenance issues due to snowmobiles. The coating also helps to alert motorists to watch for crossing snowmobilers. When thermoplastic is required, the trail sponsor is required to get a permit from WisDOT and pay for the cost of the coating. After initial installation, WisDOT will be responsible to reestablish the thermoplastic coating as needed.