- County Roads are open to ATVs in Sawyer County (except in LCO*)
- Most municipalities in Sawyer County opened their roads to ATV use
- Follow our Alliance map and Trail Treker app to navigate Sawyer County
- Learn the difference between road types- state, county, local
- Read the rest of this page for a deeper dive!
Overview of Sawyer County ATV Road Routes
ATV road routes in Sawyer County, Wisconsin, are important connectors between our businesses, trail systems and riders’ homes and lodging. Over the past three years, we’ve been able to open a substantial number of new ATV routes to improve the riding experience for locals as well as visitors to our area. Continue reading for all the info you need…
Road Types
First, it’s important to understand the different types of roads we have – the link will open a WISDOT map of Sawyer County, showing the roads described below. A summary of what roads are open for ATV use in Sawyer County is shown in each road type category below.
State Highways
Named with NUMBERS. Under jurisdiction of WISDOT. In short, ATV use is restricted to segments that are 35 mph or less, or cross a bridge, and are approved by the municipality the segment goes through. ALL approved ATV route segments on state highways will be individually signed with green/white ATV Route signs.
In Sawyer County: We have a few short ATV routes on State Highways, as connectors or to get over a bridge- and every one that is legal to ride is on our map and clearly marked with ATV route signs. Riders – there is not one inch of State Hwy 63 that you can ride, so stay off it unless you want a ticket! You can cross Hwy 63 at regular intersections or trail crossings, but you cannot ride on it!
County Trunk Highways
Named with LETTERS. These are also known as ‘county roads or county highways’ and are under jurisdiction of each county. The county must give permission for routes on county roads. A local municipality can open a portion of a county road for ATV use that runs through their boundaries and is 35 mph or under.
In Sawyer County: As of June 2024, all County highways are open to year-round ATV use with the exception of County Roads in the LCO Reservation. The County installed ‘All roads open…’ signs on each county road as it enters Sawyer County. Our clubs enhanced these routes with ATV reassurance markers and more will go up during summer of 2025.
Local Roads
Town, city and village roads. Name followed by a suffix such as Trail, Road, Street, Blvd, etc. Example; ‘McClaine Road’. These roads are under the jurisdiction of the town, city or village they are in. These local municipalities must give permission for routes on their local roads.
How do you know what Sawyer County town or municipality you are in? When riding, look for the Fire Number (red sign in front of properties) The municipality/town name is shown on these along with the numeric address to the property. As of 2024, municipality boundaries and names (in green) are displayed on both our Alliance Map, and the Trail Treker app.
In Sawyer County: Most of our towns/municipalities have opened their roads to ATV use! Out of our 21 municipalities, only 5 are not fully open for ATV use: Town of Couderay, Town of Hunter, Town of Meadowbrook, Town of Meteor, and Town of Spider Lake. Despite not being fully open, most of these 5 towns still have some approved ATV routes within their boundaries- check our map.
The ALL ROADS OPEN signs…..
READ CAREFULLY! The picture is the D11-10A – a signing option commonly used at a municipal boundary to indicate that all roads of a certain type are open to ATVs.
Some riders think these signs means ALL roads (local, county, state) are open– WRONG!
ONLY the road type listed on the sign is open to ATVs. This example sign means the TOWN (LOCAL) roads in that municipality are open. This sign does NOT give you permission to ride the COUNTY ROADS or STATE HIGHWAYS located in that municipality. (this picture is just an example, in reality, our county roads ARE open in Sawyer County, including in the Town of Round Lake)
How to open ATV routes in your community
Opening ATV routes is not usually an easy task- your chances for success are better if you are thoroughly prepared before you go for it. I’ve put together a series of articles, documents, and other resources to help you with your ATV route project (still more to come as of Feb 2025…)- click my landing page on How to open ATV routes in your community to get started.
*Special Note About Roads in the Lac Courte Oreilles Indian Reservation (LCO) in Hayward
LCO is a special landowner, with different rules- Yes, you can ride ATVs and UTVs within LCO, but please read our detailed webpage for information so you have an enjoyable riding experience through LCO: Riding your ATV/UTV in LCO
General Laws and tips for riding Sawyer County ATV Road Routes
- Speed Limits – The ATV speed limit on all roads is the same as vehicle speed limits unless posted with specific ATV speed limit signs.
- County Roads Speed Limits – The ATV speed limit on most Sawyer County Highways (named with letters) is the same as the regular vehicle speed limit. The means 55 mph on many of these roads. If you are not comfortable, or your machine is not capable of keeping up with traffic on these roads, then choose a different route to get to your destination. You create a hazard by creeping along slowly on a higher speed road! Don’t ride along at a slow pace straddling the road and shoulder, either- you must stay on the paved portion of the road.
- ATV Routes on our county highways are open all year, 24/7, other than in LCO which restricts ATV use to between 6 am and 11 pm.
- General Road Riding Laws and Protocol –
- ride single file + lights on
- dim brights and turn off auxiliary lighting when approaching others (just keep light bars off when on the roads…)
- ride to the right side of road, or in right lane if on a multi-lane road
- don’t ride shoulders
- don’t cut corners and spray shoulder gravel all over the road- our town highway workers hate that!!
- gravel roads – don’t even think of spinning shitties folks, it will close down that route faster than you think
- space out if you are in a group so faster traffic can pass you
- slow down when near every pedestrian or bicyclist – this is a law
- don’t speed or we will lose routes! Help us keep our locals happy and our routes intact
- ATVs/UTVs cannot pass other vehicles unless parked or stationary
- Watch for ATV signage always! Even in towns that are open, you may find a road or two off limits and signed as ‘no ATV use’
Wisconsin ATV/UTV Laws & Regulations