Onondaga County, NY — The Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Onondaga County Snowmobile Association (OCSA), is reminding all snowmobilers that snowmobile trails in our region do not open until at least January 2, and only when clubs determine that adequate snow cover and safe trail conditions exist.
Local snowmobile clubs are currently preparing trails—placing signs, addressing re-routes, and ensuring safe conditions. Early riding is prohibited, unsafe, and creates significant problems for the landowners who generously allow their property to be used for the trail system.
Landowner Concerns & Safety Risks
The majority of snowmobile trails in Onondaga County cross privately owned lands. Riding before the trails officially open:
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Upsets landowners, many of whom are actively hunting or lease their land to hunters this time of year.
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Jeopardizes long-standing trail access agreements, potentially leading to permanent trail closures.
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Creates significant safety hazards, as trails are not fully signed, groomed, or marked—and many routes change each season.
“We rely on the cooperation of thousands of private landowners to make this trail system possible,” OCSA leadership noted. “Unauthorized riding puts those relationships at risk and endangers everyone involved.”
Clubs Experiencing Early Riding Problems
OCSA reports that several clubs have already received numerous complaints from landowners due to illegal early riding. Volunteers have been forced to spend time placing “Trail Closed” signs, sending notices, and addressing conflicts rather than preparing trails for the upcoming season.
The Sheriff’s Office stated, “We are asking riders to respect the law, respect the landowners, and respect the volunteers who make snowmobiling possible in Onondaga County. Riding on closed trails will not be tolerated.”
Check Trail Status Before You Ride
Snowmobilers are urged to confirm trail conditions through official sources before heading out.
The NYSSA Interactive Web-Map and mobile app provide up-to-date trail status across New York State:
The NYSSA Interactive Web-Map and mobile app provide up-to-date trail status across New York State:
Many local clubs also maintain websites and social media pages with trail updates.
Best practice: Always check before you ride.
Best practice: Always check before you ride.
Enforcement
The Sheriff’s Office will be increasing patrols in known snowmobile areas to enforce trail closures and trespassing laws. Riders found operating on closed trails may be subject to tickets, fines, or additional charges where applicable.
A Joint Message to the Snowmobile Community
Onondaga County’s trail system is only possible because of the hard work of club volunteers and the cooperation of private landowners. Please support these efforts by staying off closed trails, waiting for official openings, and helping protect the long-term future of snowmobiling in our region.
Additional resources, safety information, equipment, and laws are available at
You can also download the New York State Snowmobile Guide here:
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