Prices are subject to change, but generally, you can expect:
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: wisconsin dnr trail pass
Riding without a valid pass is a violation of state law. If you are stopped by a Conservation Warden or local law enforcement, you can be issued a citation with a fine that significantly exceeds the cost of the pass. More importantly, riding illegally jeopardizes the funding for the trails we all love. Prices are subject to change, but generally, you
Pro tip: The adhesives on the back are designed to bond with the plastic of your vehicle. Laminating it and taping it on is not compliant with the law and could result in a citation. Pro tip: The adhesives on the back are
A state trail pass is required for all individuals who participate in the following activities on designated state trails: Biking Horseback riding Cross-country skiing In-line skating Off-highway motorcycling (OHM) (on specific trails) Exemptions: State Trail Passes | Wisconsin State Park System
The justification for the pass lies in the sobering reality of maintenance. Trails are not self-sustaining. Tunnels need structural reinforcement, wooden bridges rot, and gravel surfaces wash out after spring rains. The DNR estimates that the cost of managing these trails—including mowing, signage, patrolling, and snowplowing for winter sports—far exceeds the general tax revenue allocated to state recreation. Without the Trail Pass, many of these historic railbeds would revert to overgrown, impassable corridors. The pass operates on a “user-pays, user-benefits” model, ensuring that those who pedal the trails are the ones who pay for their upkeep, rather than shifting the burden to taxpayers who may never set foot on a bike path.