Trail Markers and Signs

Trail markers and signs are designed to communicate information about the trail to the rider. In order to establish a degree of uniformity throughout North America, the International Association of Snowmobile administrators(IASA) has established some basic sign standards for all snow belt states and provinces.

Here are the common signs you will see on New York snowmobile trails.

Stop Indicates a significant hazard trail or road intersection. Snowmobilers MUST come to a complete stop and yield to cross-traffic before proceeding. Color is red and white.

Trail Blaze or Blazer Indicates the path of the trail. Reassures riders unfamiliar with the trail, and guides groomers after storms when they are reopening the trail. Color is usaully solid orange, or orange and white.

Snowmobile Permitted Indicates trails and use areas whrer snowmobiles are permitted to operate. Colors are red and black on white.

Speed Limit Indicates the maxium lawful or recommended speed in miles per hour for the trail section. Color is usaully black and white.

Snowmobile restricted Indicates trails and areas where snowmobiles are NOT permitted to operate. Colors are red and black on white.

Corridor Trail Number Indicates that the rider is on an NYS Corridor Trail. They are high volume primary routes that provide access to significant use areas and concentrations of snowmobilers, and are supported with Trail Fund Money. Color is brown and yellow, but some may be blue and white.

Stop Ahead Indicates that there is a stop sign 200 feet or more ahead. Probably the most important sign on the trail beacuse it warns of a potentially hazardous situation ahead. Color is usually red and yellow.

Secondary Trail Number Indicates that the rider is on an NYS Secondary Trail. They are medium volume routes that connect local attractions and concentrations of snowmobilers to Corridor Trails, and are supported with Trail Fund money. Color is brown and yellow.

Yield Indicates that snowmobiles should yield the right of way to other traffic at trail interssections, driveways crossings, or other similar situations. This sign does NOT require the snowmobile to come to a complete stop. Color is usually red and white, but may be black and yellow.

Caution Indicates a hazard of some sort in the trail 50 to 100 yards ahead. A sign on each side of the trail indicates an extreme hazard. Color is usually black and yellow.

Bridge Ahead Indicates a bridge in the trail 50 to 100 yards ahead. Color is usually black and yellow.

Directional Arrow Indicates a sudden or significant change of direction in the trail ahead. Used to amrk dangerous turns. Color is usually balck and yellow, but may also be orange and white.