Maine ATV Riders Denied Use of County Road Near Lake Moxie

After months of debate, commissioners in Somerset County have denied a request that would have allowed all-terrain vehicles to travel on a paved section of Lake Moxie Road near The Forks.

According to the Kennebec Journal, in a 3–2 vote Wednesday, the Somerset County Board of Commissioners rejected an application from the Lake Moxie ATV Riders that sought permission for ATVs to use a county-maintained portion of the rural road. Commissioners cited public safety concerns and potential liability as key factors in their decision.

The ruling ends a discussion that began last fall and highlighted the tension between economic development and safety in the region. Lake Moxie Road runs roughly five miles from U.S. Route 201 to Moxie Pond, with portions passing through The Forks Plantation and the unorganized territory of Moxie Gore. Voters in The Forks approved ATV access to their section of the road in September, contingent on county approval, the newspaper said.

The KJ said supporters of the proposal argued that allowing ATVs on the paved road would provide safer and more reliable access to local businesses, lodging, and services, especially since the existing trail system is in poor condition and difficult to maintain.

Opponents raised concerns about traffic safety, noting that ATV operators are not required to carry insurance or hold driver’s licenses, and that the road sees logging truck traffic. Commissioners also expressed worry about increased calls for law enforcement and potential legal exposure for the county.

The paper went on to explain that while denying the request, commissioners voiced support for improving the existing trail system, possibly using tax increment financing or wind power community benefit funds. A written decision is expected at the board’s February 18 meeting, and the ruling may be appealed to Superior Court.