Lewis County ends in-person ATV permit sales, requires recreation appointments
Lewis County’s Recreation, Forestry & Parks Department has stopped selling ATV trail permits in person at its office and is moving in-person visits to an appointment-only system.
By Caleb Mercer, ClickNNY North Country Desk
Lewis County’s Recreation, Forestry & Parks Department has stopped selling ATV trail permits in person at its office and is requiring appointments for in-person visits, effective immediately, under a county notice dated Oct. 20, 2026. The change affects riders who previously visited the department office for permits and other recreation-related services.
The department’s notice says ATV trail permits will no longer be sold at the office. Walk-in visits are no longer accepted. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 315-376-5972.
The county’s trail permit program supports the development and maintenance of its off-road trail system, including trails on county reforestation lands and routes on private property. A Tug Hill Commission document describes the countywide system as including about 100 miles of off-road trails and about 450 miles of access roads.
Where riders can get permits
Riders can obtain permits from participating sellers, including Brantingham Station at 5508 Partridgeville Road in Brantingham and Edge Hotel at 3952 NYS Route 12 in Lyons Falls. The county also lists other sellers, including Kovach Repair, Osceola Hotel, Flat Rock Inn, Groff’s Towing, Waite Motorsports and Squishy’s.
The county’s Recreation page lists the annual off-highway vehicle permit at $65 for the first machine. Riders should confirm current prices and seller availability before traveling.
Anyone riding an ATV, dirt bike or side-by-side weighing up to 2,000 pounds on county trails needs a permit and must show proof of insurance. The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office patrols the trail system.
The trail system was re-established in 2019 after the Lewis County Legislature voted unanimously to restore the law. The revised law added utility terrain vehicles, or UTVs, to the vehicles allowed under the permit system. Motorized events expecting 2,000 or more people also require a county event permit, and participants must buy trail permits.
The department said the new office procedures are intended to streamline operations while continuing to support residents and visitors. The appointment requirement applies to in-person visits; riders seeking permits should call the department at 315-376-5972 to confirm the current process, office hours and available sellers.
Updates and the county’s seller information are available through the Lewis County Recreation, Forestry & Parks Trail Permit Sellers page.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
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