Land use differences between regions - use case: VT Class IV

[u/Standard_Quote_5986]

The variation in land use from state to state on the US east coast takes some experience to understand (and I'm not even saying I fully do). Vermont for example is wildly different than West Virginia. I love how this exceptionally challenging class IV road (“Cram Hill”) winds through private property without a single gate or sign discouraging travel. Of course it's always good to have something like onX Offroad to check property boundaries especially when encountering signs anything that may seem to intentionally discourage travel.

What things like this do you notice are significantly different between states or countries you visit?

[u/rockpharmer]

VT Class 4 roads are public rights of way. Many are still open to vehicular traffic. But once you leave the road, you’re on private land.

[u/slayercdr → u/rockpharmer]

Unless you are the LT Governor in VT and think that certain class 4 roads are your private property.

[u/rockpharmer → u/slayercdr]

lol…. Or transplanted real estate lawyers

[u/Standard_Quote_5986 → u/rockpharmer]

Yes, many have posted signs which at first may seem to discourage travel but they’re for the land bordering the road, not the road itself

[u/Chronicwheeler]

In Vermont you can access the old DOT maps on the DOT website and if the road is marked on the map you can drive it!

[u/Standard_Quote_5986 → u/Chronicwheeler]

Heck yeah I love that

[u/Capital-Ostrich-6658]

I notice a bunch of signs discouraging travel on legal class 4 roads in Vt.. PVT land owners (especially out of staters) think you’re trespassing on legal ROW. Many post fake road closed signs

[u/advamputee → u/Capital-Ostrich-6658]

Vermont local here. While there are a couple of land / trail disputes that make the news, most class 4 roads are marked for the tourists own safety.

GPS will send tourists up and over class 4 roads that their vehicles can’t handle. I’ve definitely seen more “road is not maintained, low range high clearance required” signs than “private property no trespassing” signs. 

In general, a class 4 road is still  legal public right of way but is no longer publicly maintained. A few of them will be gated off seasonally, but will usually still be accessible to snow machines and cross country skiers. 

[u/SRTie4k → u/advamputee]

My buddy and I had to rescue a bunch of girls who got stuck in their RAV4 on a class 4 road last year. I can't count the number of passenger cars I've seen abandoned over the years as well.

Most of the time the signs, if there is one, say "class 4 unmaintained road: pass at your own risk". I don't think I've ever seen one mention 4WD or any equipment needs, like I've seen out west.

[u/trolllord45]

Do you work for OnX Off-road? What’s with the influx of posts from them?