When do OFSC trails offcially close?

Are there any snowmobilers out there that could tell me when the OFSC trails officially close? There are some trails near me on public land that seem to still have enough snow on them, but the OFSC trail map lists them as "unavailable". I can't imagine that we will get any additional significant snowfall this season, so I doubt they will re-open. I want to get out on my ATV, but I don't want to be hassled by snowmobilers or trail wardens - technically they shouldn't be on these trails anyway, since the trails are listed as unavailable, but you never know.

OFSC trails are open up to and including March 31 every year. Even if there is no snow to ride them, you are supposed to stay off them with atvs until then, as the OFSC has exclusive use of the trail until that time.

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Originally Posted by delmer

OFSC trails are open up to and including March 31 every year. Even if there is no snow to ride them, you are supposed to stay off them with atvs until then, as the OFSC has exclusive use of the trail until that time.

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Thanks for your reply. It seems reasonable. If you don't mind me asking, where did you get this information?

I wish I could provide a link for you with this info, but can't find one. Having purchased permits in the past, I know that the season runs from Dec. 1 to Mar. 31 each year, and the OFSC has exclusive use during that time period.

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Originally Posted by delmer

I wish I could provide a link for you with this info, but can't find one. Having purchased permits in the past, I know that the season runs from Dec. 1 to Mar. 31 each year, and the OFSC has exclusive use during that time period.

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The reason we can't find it is because it doesn't exist in legislation. Although an end-date of March 31 is printed on trail passes,it's only a general word-of-mouth guideline established by OFSC,itself,and isn't in their by-laws or regs that I've been able to find. Generally,if there's no snow on the trails or if the OFSC has them listed as "unavailable",you're good to go with your ATV.

Is there not a stipulation that it's for Snowmobile use only? I know the farmer we hunt from has had issues with atvs in the late season.

Also good to check for private property. Some parts of the OSFC trail system are on private land that they have permission to use for the winter but are off limits to anyone else.

http://www.ofsc.on.ca/org/news/atvs-warned-off-trails

Looks like crown land would be a go, but none other.

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Originally Posted by mbhunter

Is there not a stipulation that it's for Snowmobile use only? I know the farmer we hunt from has had issues with atvs in the late season.

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Nope! It's not for snowmobiles exclusively,but,that doesn't mean ATV riders get to trespass on private property,either.

As mentioned in the original post, I am talking about trails on public land. I do not knowingly tresspass on private land. I will take the March 31 date at face value. But judging by how things are going so far this spring, there will still be snow on these trails after March 31.

On public land, nothing to wait for, get out and enjoy the ride.