Even in Maine's most remote places, you may not be alone and are often on privately owned land
 How to drive safely on privately owned forest roads
Many of Maine's dirt roads, frequently enjoyed by hunters each fall, are open thanks to private landowners and logging companies. These private entities built and maintain these roads, and generously share the roads and land with hunters, anglers, wildlife watchers, birders, and other outdoor enthusiasts. This gives outdoor enthusiasts access to thousands of acres of land, lakes and ponds, and miles of rivers. This access is an incredible gift, not a right. When hunting this fall, respect landowners and those around you:
ALL LOGGING TRUCKS AND OTHER COMMERCIAL VEHICLES HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY. PLEASE PULL OVER WHEN MEETING THESE VEHICLES.
- Travel at posted speeds but no more than 45 miles per hour. Some private land areas may have different speed limits.
- Keep to the right when approaching a corner or cresting a hill. Do not expect logging trucks to move out of the center of the road.
- Keep your lights on at all times due to the decreased visibility from dusty roads.
- When dusty conditions exist, please wait for the dust to clear before proceeding.
- When approaching active equipment near the roadside, wait for acknowledgement from equipment operators before proceeding to pass.
- Stay clear! NEVER block roads. Do not leave vehicles in the middle of the road when chasing grouse or moose. Do not park in front of gates or roads.
- Use a MURS radio to monitor and call out mile markers to on-coming truck traffic.
- Reduce speeds on freshly graded roads - you are more likely to blow a tire or loose control because of gravel.
Current Conditions/Road Closures in the North Maine Woods
Please be respectful of others including North Maine Woods staff, wood workers, and fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Please dispose of your waste properly, pick up your litter and take spent shells with you. Avoid cleaning out birds or other game at campsites or leaving parts in the roadway. A person may not dispose of the parts not presented for registration where they are visible to a person traveling on a public or private way. Disposal of any waste from your moose should be by deep burial. Remember that disposal of dead animals or animal parts is illegal on dumps and landfills.
If you encounter a forester or other landowner representative in your travels, take a minute and thank them for supporting traditional access to the lands they manage.
We hope you have a great fall recreating in this beautiful state.
More Information
Land Use & Fees – North Maine Woods
Things to Know – North Maine Woods
Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs)
Hunting in Maine
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