Wisconsin Dnr Trail Pass Free < OFFICIAL >
If you are operating an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV), or Off-Highway Motorcycle (OHM) on any public trail or route in Wisconsin, you generally need two things:
Yes, even bicycles require a pass on certain trails! If you plan to ride on specific state-owned or managed mountain bike trails (such as those in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest or Kettle Moraine State Forest), you need a for anyone aged 16 or older.
In short, the trail pass is a revenue mechanism that keeps Wisconsin’s trails open and maintained. The fees collected from these passes go directly into trail maintenance, signage, bridge repairs, and grooming equipment. Without these funds, the vast network of public trails we enjoy would quickly become impassable or close entirely. wisconsin dnr trail pass
Ultimately, the little sticker on the bicycle handlebar is a symbol of a social contract. It says that Wisconsinites and visitors alike value their trails enough to pay for them. In an era of tight state budgets and competing priorities, the Trail Pass ensures that the whistle of the wind through the Elroy-Sparta tunnel—where the old railroad once ran—will continue to echo for years to come. The price of the path is small, but the journey it protects is priceless.
For those who prefer a slower pace, a State Trail Pass is required for skiers aged 16 and older on designated groomed ski trails within state parks and forests. If you are operating an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV),
Wisconsin is a state defined by its geography. From the forested ridges of the Northwoods to the limestone bluffs overlooking the Mississippi, the landscape invites exploration. For millions of residents and visitors, this exploration happens not on paved interstates, but on a vast network of trails—old railroad corridors turned into bike paths, snowmobile routes threading through frozen forests, and ATV tracks climbing rocky hillsides. Maintaining this intricate web of recreation is a monumental task, and at its financial heart lies a small but crucial piece of paper: the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Trail Pass.
Buying a trail pass is a small investment that guarantees big returns: access to world-class trails and the peace of mind knowing you are contributing to their preservation. Before you head out this weekend, hop online to , check your dates, and make sure your sticker is stuck and visible. The fees collected from these passes go directly
Have a favorite Wisconsin trail? Tell us about it in the comments below!
The Wisconsin DNR Trail Pass is the "ticket" to the state's incredible trail network. But with different requirements for different vehicles and seasons, the rules can get a little muddy.
Wisconsin is a premier snowmobiling destination. To ride on public trails (funded by the DNR), your snowmobile must display a valid .
