Why do snowmobilers love New York? For starters, there’s abundant snow, more than 10,000 miles of trails, and a wonderland of places to explore. Across the state, from the legendary Catskill Mountains to the shores of Great Lake Erie, you’ll find wide-open adventures, cool events and warm welcomes.
Groomed and marked trails wind around frozen lakes and waterfalls in the Finger Lakes, along the Grand Canyon of the East in Greater Niagara, into the pristine wilderness of the Adirondacks, and over waves of rolling hills in Chautauqua-Allegheny.
Many routes connect towns and villages where rider-friendly inns, restaurants and vendors cater to snowmobilers.
Old Forge, in the Adirondacks, is famous for cheery hospitality and some of the nation’s best trails. With over 500 miles of groomed trails, streets that become designated snowmobile routes (check for signs), and events like the annual
Snodeo, it's been called the Snowmobile Capital of the East for nearly 50 years. To the west, wild forested routes on the vast
Tug Hill Plateau are covered with an average of 300 inches of lake-effect snow every year.
Some resorts offer snowmobiling for their guests. You can also find snowmobile trails and cozy accommodations at more than 40 state parks throughout New York. Allegany State Park has over 90 miles of groomed trails--some of the finest in the Northeast--along with 150 winterized cabins and cottages. Letchworth State Park offers spectacular snowmobile trails as well as snowtubing, cross-country skiing, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Stay in a comfy cabin or lodge at the park’s campground, which connects to the New York State snowmobile trail system.
You can blaze your own trail, but it’s fun to travel with a pack. Check out the New York State Snowmobile Association for trail maps, events information, and a list of 260 clubs throughout the state. For a quick and easy start, try a snowmobile tour with outfitters such as Bolton Landing Snowmobile Tours or Lake Placid Snowmobiling Inc. All equipment is provided. Just remember to dress warm.
For a day, a weekend or an entire season of adventure, discover the thrill of snowmobiling in New York. Whichever trails you follow, you’ll see everything from a bold fresh perspective. Start your engines!
A few safety tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t drink and drive
- Make sure you’ve completed a recognize snowmobile safety training course
- Always wear appropriate attire and a helmet
- Make sure to check your brakes, fuel and belt drive before going out
- Avoid frozen or seemingly frozen waterways
- Don’t speed, and bring along a survival kit.
Snowmobiling Etiquette:
- Respect people’s property by always getting permission before snowmobiling on private land
- Obey trespassing signs and stay on designated trails
- Check with local officials before using public land
- Share the trails and drive carefully when non-snomobilers are out
- Don’t litter