Grey County has some amazing terrain for epic off-road adventures but before you head out on your ATV, you need to know where you’re actually allowed to ride. The recreational use of ATV’s in Grey County is limited and currently being reassessed during the Recreational Trail Master Plan process, but there are opportunities for road and trail riding where agreements are in place. Currently, we do not permit side by sides on the Grey County CP Rail Trail. The Recreational Trails Master Plan (RTMP) is considering this through the process.
Grey County has established By-Law 4673-10 ATVs on County Roads to allow ATVs on select county roads. Before heading out, please check the map of where ATVs are permitted and/or restricted.
One of the best resources in the area for ATV'ers is the Dufferin Grey ATV Club. The club has been operating since 2006 and is a group of volunteers dedicated to bringing safe, recreational family-oriented riding to the counties of Dufferin and Grey. Associated with the Ontario Federation of ATV Clubs, riders pay membership and permit fees that are in turn used to continue development of the trail network.
In order to ride on the Grey County CP Rail Trail from Sunny Valley Road to Dundalk with an ATV you need:
- a licence (i.e. be 16+),
- your vehicle needs to be plated,
- you need to have insurance, and
- a permit from DGATV
The DGATV club has several trail systems within Grey County. The Chatsworth trail sytem, the Grey Highlands trail system, the Walter's Falls track and the Hallman ATV Trail. If you're looking to start riding any of these routes, it's best to touch base with the club via their website. Click here to see maps. The Dufferin Grey ATV Club club also organizes annual events: http://dgatv.ca/category/events/
Many people think local snowmobile trails double as ATV/off-road trails during the summer months, this is not the case. In fact, spring, summer and fall ATV/off-road use can damage existing trails for winter use and jeopardize existing land use agreements for local snowmobilers. You can learn more about the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs District 9 trails by visiting www.ofscdistrict9.ca.
If you’re looking for an off-road adventure on two-wheels instead of four, Motopark (near Chatsworth) offers dirt-bike and off-road rentals with three motocross tracks and a trail system on the property. There’s a main track where races are hosted, a mini track for 50 and 65cc bikes and a scrambles track for old-school riding fans. Lessons and camps are also available. Not sure you’re ready to ride? Check the schedule and come watch a race. Learn more at www.motoparkracing.com.
