How To Follow Trail Etiquette While Riding In Minnesota

It's the time of year that sees Minnesotans from across the state get out and hit the trails. Whether it is in a side-by-side or on an ATV, there are some unwritten rules of the trail that you should be aware of. By following the unwritten rules, you make a day out on the trail enjoyable for everyone.

Let Riders Know How Many You Are With

Riding along the Soo this weekend, there were plenty of riders, and knowing how many are in a group helps with passing. Giving a hand signal to let the riders know how many are coming behind is a common courtesy, especially when the trails become dusty.

Never Roost or Spin Tires in Mud Holes

A lot of riders think mudding is part of the fun, and it can be, but spinning deep ruts destroys trails quickly. In Minnesota and Wisconsin, clubs often volunteer to maintain those trails. Destroyed sections can lead to closures or reroutes. The expectation is:

Ride through mud steadily
Don’t widen trails by going around puddles
Don’t trench the trail with aggressive throttle use

Yield Properly on Narrow Trails

Depending on where you are riding, trails can vary in width, so knowing who gets to go is important.

On two-way ATV trails:

Stay right
Slow down for oncoming riders
Don’t assume the other rider sees you around corners
Dust control matters during dry summers

Respect Mixed-Use Trail Systems

Some trails are shared with hikers, horses, hunters, bikers, or snowmobile routes, depending on the season. Midwest etiquette strongly favors slowing way down when approaching non-motorized users instead of blasting past them.

Most importantly...

Stay on the Marked Trail, Always

Cutting corners, bypassing obstacles, or riding off-trail into woods or wetlands is one of the biggest problems DNR officers deal with. In Minnesota and Wisconsin, many trails cross environmentally sensitive land, logging areas, or private easements. Even a few riders going off-trail can threaten future access.