Recreational Use of Class VI Roads
Class VI roads offer great opportunities for outdoor recreation, but different activities have different rules. This page explains what's allowed for hiking, biking, OHRVs, snowmobiles, and other recreational uses.
Quick Reference
| Activity | Permission Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Walking/Hiking | No | Public right of travel |
| Bicycling | No | Public right of travel |
| Horseback Riding | No | Public right of travel |
| Motor Vehicles | No | If road is passable |
| OHRVs/ATVs | Yes - Municipal | RSA 215-A:15 |
| Snowmobiles | Yes - Municipal | RSA 215-C:31 |
Hiking, Biking & Non-Motorized Use
No Special Permission Needed
As public highways, Class VI roads are open to all for "viatic" (travel-related) purposes. Non-motorized recreation is generally allowed without any special permission:
- Hiking and walking - Year-round access
- Mountain biking - Great for exploring backcountry
- Horseback riding - Traditional use of these roads
- Cross-country skiing - When conditions permit
- Snowshoeing - Winter travel option
Tips for Non-Motorized Users
- Stay on the road - don't wander onto adjacent private land
- Close gates behind you
- Be prepared for unmaintained conditions
- Carry a map - these roads may not appear on GPS
- Check for any local ordinances restricting use
- Respect abutting property owners
Standard Motor Vehicles
You may drive a registered motor vehicle on Class VI roads as part of your public right of travel. However, consider:
- Road conditions vary dramatically - From decent gravel to completely impassable
- No maintenance guarantee - Expect washouts, fallen trees, mud
- Vehicle damage is your responsibility - No liability for the town
- Consider high clearance/4WD - Many Class VI roads require it
Recommendation: Scout the road on foot or bike before driving an unfamiliar Class VI road.
Off-Highway Recreational Vehicles (OHRVs)
Municipal Authorization Required
Unlike standard vehicles, OHRVs (ATVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes) require specific municipal authorization before operating on Class VI roads.
Source: RSA 215-A:15
Authorization Process
Under RSA 215-A:15, selectmen or city councils may authorize OHRV use after:
- Public hearing with at least 14 days notice
- Notification to abutters by verified mail
- Vote by the governing body to authorize use
- Posting of appropriate signage
Operating Rules
- Stay to the extreme right
- Yield to all conventional traffic
- Speed limit: 20 mph on roads
- Speed limit: 35 mph on trail connectors
- Cannot operate trailhead to trailhead
Abutter Protections
- Must be notified before authorization
- Can petition if road damage limits access
- Governing body may address damage issues
- Petitioner pays for abutter notification
Snowmobiles
Separate Authorization System
Snowmobiles are governed separately from OHRVs under RSA 215-C:31. Like OHRVs, they require municipal authorization for Class VI road use.
A road may be authorized for snowmobiles but not OHRVs (or vice versa) - they're separate approvals.
Key Points for Snowmobilers
- Check with your town for authorized routes
- Many Class VI roads connect to the state trail system
- Authorization process similar to OHRVs
- Operating rules and speed limits apply
- Local snowmobile clubs often help coordinate access
Finding Authorized OHRV/Snowmobile Routes
To determine if a Class VI road is authorized for OHRV or snowmobile use:
- Check with the town office - They should have records of authorized routes
- Look for posted signs - Authorized routes should be marked
- Contact NH Fish & Game - wildlife.nh.gov
- Join local clubs - ATV and snowmobile clubs maintain route information
- Use official trail maps - NH has an extensive mapped trail system
Activities NOT Allowed
Prohibited Without Permission
- OHRV operation on non-authorized roads
- Snowmobile operation on non-authorized roads
- Camping on the road itself (travel purposes only)
- Leaving the road onto adjacent private land
- Damaging the road surface
- Blocking access for other users
Legal Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. OHRV and snowmobile regulations can be complex and vary by location. Always verify authorization with local officials before operating recreational vehicles on Class VI roads.