Two of Maine’s most heavily traveled ATV trail systems – drenched to the point of damage by recent heavy rains – have been closed for the season.

The state Department of Conservation said Monday that it is closing its multiuse trails in the Androscoggin Riverlands in Turner and at Mount Blue State Park in Weld.

“The ground has become saturated to the point where considerable damage could be done to these trails,” said Brian Bronson, the Bureau of Parks and Lands ATV coordinator. “We have closed these trails for the season,” he added in a press release announcing the action.

“These trails are very popular, and we didn’t want to risk further damage,” Bronson said. “We are closing 40 miles of trails at Mount Blue and 15 miles of trail in Turner.”

The trails will remain closed until there’s enough snow covering them to allow for the start of the snowmobiling season.

The Bureau of Parks and Lands and the DOC are supporting the purchase of more than 300 acres of Androscoggin River-frontage in Turner to expand its holdings there.

Bronson said nearly a dozen inches of rain have fallen on Maine over the past two weeks, leaving many ATV and multiple-use trails muddier than usual.

“We have heard from some of the ATV clubs across the state,” he said. “Trail conditions are far from perfect. We are cautioning riders to call ahead before heading out for a day on the trails. While we do not anticipate any further closures of state-maintained trails, the state’s many ATV clubs may be forced to close some of their trails.”

ATV riding is allowed only on roads or trails designated by shared use signs or regular ATV trail signs. Riding elsewhere is illegal.

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