ATV, UTV, & Snowmobiles
Access Map, Event Rules and F.A.Q.'s

ATV, UTV & Snowmobile Guide

Welcome to the Lake George Winter Carnival! To ensure safety for all visitors, please follow these designated routes and regulations while operating off-road vehicles within the Village.

Map Legend & Navigation

  • Red Lines: Ride on the right side of the road surface.
  • Green Lines: Snowmobile access only.
  • Blue Lines: Pedestrians ONLY walkway.
  • Green Circles: Okay to cross road at a right angle (90 degrees).
  • Red X: No ATV/UTV crossing allowed.
  • Green Arrows: Designated Lake access points, including access from Dog Beach.

Essential Rules

Speed Limit: 15 MPH maximum on all permitted paths.
Age: Must be 16+ to drive without adult supervision.
Licensing: Valid driver's license required for street travel.
Safety: Helmets mandatory for all operators and passengers.
⚠️ Heavy UTV / Side-by-Side Notice

NY State DMV does not register recreational vehicles exceeding certain weight limits. UTVs over this limit ARE ALLOWED on the same ATV paths shown on the map.

While registration plates are not availible for these vehicles, operators MUST carry Proof of Ownership and Proof of Liability Insurance.

DOT approved helmets are required when traveling on all public roads and property.

Important Ice & Safety Notice

While Lake George itself is public property, venturing onto the ice involves significant personal and financial risk. Please be aware of the following:

  • Passenger Vehicles: We do not recommend that passenger vehicles venture onto the ice unless they are part of a sanctioned, affiliated event.
  • Financial Liability: Vehicle owners are strictly responsible for their vehicles. If a vehicle goes through the ice, the owner is responsible for all recovery costs.
  • DEC Fines: The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) imposes significant daily fines for vehicles submerged in the water until they are successfully removed.
  • General Safety: Remember, no ice is safe ice. Always check ice conditions at LGWC Headquarters at Blais Park.
  • ORANGE CONES ON THE ICE MAY BE USED TO SIGNIFY AREAS OF THIN ICE OR HAZARDS IN THE ICE. Please do not remove or relocate safety cones, for the safety of all our participants.
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ATV/UTV Poker Run
Register Online Now

Ready to ride? Click here to purchase your Poker Run tickets online via TicketLeap

What if the ice is thin on the day of the Poker Run?

Safety is our priority. If ice conditions are deemed unsafe by local authorities, the Poker Run may be modified to a "land-only" route or rescheduled. Check our Facebook page the morning of the event for live "Ice Condition" updates.

My UTV is over the NYS weight limit and has no plate. Can I enter?

Yes. While the DMV does not register recreational vehicles over a certain weight, you are permitted to participate and use approved travel paths. You must carry Proof of Ownership (Bill of Sale/Title) and Proof of Liability Insurance at all times.

Snowmobile Operations

Can I ride my snowmobile on Village streets?

Snowmobiles are permitted on the "Snowmobile Only" paths (marked in Green on the official map) and the right shoulder of approved ATV paths (marked in Red) to access local businesses and the lake.

Where is the best place to park a trailer for trail access?

The Transfer Station on Transfer Road is the primary hub for snowmobile trailer parking and offers direct access to the South Warren Snowmobile Club trail system.

General Rules & Safety

Are safety flags required?

While older guidelines may have mentioned them for all operators, safety flags are ONLY REQUIRED for JUNIOR OPERATORS within the Village during the Carnival.

Can I take my truck or car out on the ice to watch the races?

We do not recommend passenger vehicles venture onto the ice unless you are part of a sanctioned, affiliated event (like the car races). Lake George is public property, but owners are strictly responsible for their vehicles. If a vehicle goes through the ice, the owner faces expensive recovery costs and significant daily fines from the DEC until the vehicle is removed.

What is the speed limit in the Village?

The speed limit for all ATVs, UTVs, and Snowmobiles on Village streets is 15 MPH. Please respect our residents and pedestrians.

Snowmobile Operations & Trail Info

Trail Access

Where can I park my trailer? The Transfer Station on Transfer Road is the primary hub for snowmobile trailers. It provides direct access to the South Warren Snowmobile Club trail system and avoids Village traffic.

Can I ride my snowmobile on Village streets?

Yes, but only on designated paths. Refer to the official Carnival map: Snowmobiles are permitted on Green Lines (Snowmobile Only) and the right shoulder of Red Lines (Shared ATV/Snowmobile paths) to access gas, food, and the lake.

Are helmets mandatory?

Absolutely. New York State law and Carnival rules require all operators and passengers to wear a DOT-approved helmet at all times while the sled is in motion, including on the lake ice.

What is the speed limit within the Village?

The speed limit on all approved Village travel paths is 15 MPH. Speeding is strictly enforced by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office to ensure pedestrian safety.

Do I need a trail permit or registration?

All snowmobiles operated in New York must be registered and insured. If you are riding on the groomed trail system (South Warren), a NYSSA club membership/trail pass is highly recommended to support trail maintenance.

Can I ride on the lake during the races?

You may ride on the lake for transport or to watch from a safe distance, but you must stay clear of the active race courses (Motorcycles, Cars, and 4x4s). Follow all directional markers and stay away from Shepard Park’s swimming dock area.

Can I ride on Route 9 / Canada Street?

No. Riding along Route 9 is strictly prohibited. You may only cross Canada Street at a 90-degree angle at designated intersections to get from the trails to the lake.