30 Kilometres of Shared-Use Trail
The Mossberry Trail offers a roughly 30-kilometre route through Manitoba’s Duck Mountain region, but sharing the trail means ATV and UTV riders aren’t the only ones using it. Hikers and horseback riders may be on the same corridor, too. This guide explains how to plan a considerate ride, check access and conditions, and prepare for a day in the bush.
What to know about the Mossberry Trail
A shared trail calls for a different kind of ride
A shared-use trail is not an ATV-only corridor. On the Mossberry Trail, you may encounter hikers on foot, riders on horseback, and other motorized trail users. The route’s appeal is part of the challenge: a quiet stretch can quickly become a place where everyone needs to slow down, communicate, and make room.
That changes the way you plan your ride. Instead of treating the trail as a place to maintain speed, expect to reduce your pace around bends, narrow sections, and spots where sightlines are limited. Someone walking may not hear your machine right away. A horse can also react to engine noise or an unexpected approach, even when its rider is experienced.
The route is described as about 30 kilometres, but distance alone doesn’t tell you how long the ride will take. Trail conditions, stops, other users, and the pace of your group all matter. Build in time to travel carefully rather than assuming you can cover the whole route quickly.
For a closer look at the route’s shared-use character, see [Mossberry Trail Shares Ground With Horses and Hikers] and [Mossberry Trail's 30 Kilometres in Manitoba].
Confirm where motorized riding is permitted
A trail’s presence on a map does not automatically mean every machine can use it. Manitoba provincial parks generally allow motorized vehicles only on designated routes, so check the current park information and trail signage before unloading. A route that appears to connect two areas on a map could include sections with different access rules.
This matters particularly when you are using an online map. Apps such as onX Offroad can help you prepare by showing route context and supporting offline planning, but an app should not replace the park’s official map, posted signs, or current directions from park staff. Use it as one planning aid, then confirm the route is open to your type of machine.
Park access requirements are separate from the basic question of whether your ATV or UTV is registered for use. Before your trip, check whether you need a provincial park vehicle permit and whether any local restrictions affect your route. The guide to [Manitoba Parks Allow Machines on Designated Routes Only] explains why staying on authorized routes is essential.
Plan the ride before you reach the trail
Check maps, access, and conditions
Start with the official park information for Duck Mountain Provincial Park. Look for a current map, route descriptions, access notices, and any temporary closures. Then compare that information with your navigation setup. If you use onX Offroad, download the information you need before leaving a service area and make sure you understand how the route appears on the map.
Do not assume mobile data will work throughout a bush ride. Coverage can be inconsistent, especially away from larger roads and developed areas. Carry a paper map or another offline navigation option, and agree on a simple plan with your group: where you are starting, where you expect to travel, and when you will check in.
Trail conditions can change after heavy rain, high water, windfall, or other damage. A route that was manageable on a previous visit may have muddy sections, rougher ground, or a temporary closure this time. Check the [Manitoba Park Trail Conditions Pages] before you leave, and confirm any important access questions with the park office. OnX Offroad may be useful for keeping a downloaded route visible, but it cannot tell you by itself whether a park has closed a section or changed its rules.
| Before the ride | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Route access | Official park map, signs, and route rules | Not every visible track is open to motorized vehicles |
| Trail conditions | Park updates and recent local information | Rain, windfall, or closures can change the ride |
| Navigation | Downloaded map and backup plan | Mobile coverage may be unreliable in the bush |
| Park requirements | Vehicle permit and applicable rules | Registration and park access requirements are separate |
| Group readiness | Fuel, recovery gear, water, and first aid | Help may not be close if a machine gets stuck or breaks down |
Set a realistic pace for a 30-kilometre route
Thirty kilometres can sound like a short outing if you are used to riding open roads or wide, fast trails. On a shared trail, that estimate can be misleading. You may need to slow down for walkers, horses, rough ground, blind corners, or a group member who wants to stop and check the map.
Choose a pace that lets the lead rider stop safely when someone appears ahead. Keep enough room between machines to avoid riding into dust or into a sudden stop. If your group is large, make sure the riders at the back know when the lead rider slows or pulls over. A hand signal or a clear radio call can help, but every rider should also be prepared to ride at a speed that allows them to respond without relying on a signal.
If you are new to Manitoba bush riding, build flexibility into your plan. A shorter out-and-back ride may be a better first visit than committing to the full route. You can learn how the trail feels, where the narrow sections are, and how your machine handles the ground before deciding whether to travel farther. For help judging your group’s comfort level, review [Manitoba Trail Difficulty Ratings].
Share the trail safely and courteously
Slow down and make your presence clear
When you see another trail user, ease off the throttle early and leave plenty of space. Avoid rushing up behind a hiker or horse. If visibility allows, make your presence known calmly, then wait for a safe moment to pass. A sudden rev or close pass can startle a person or animal and create risk for everyone.
With horseback riders, follow their instructions. They may ask you to stop, turn off your engine, or wait while they guide the horse past. Give them room and avoid moving again until they indicate it is safe. If the trail is narrow, pulling fully to one side may not be enough; consider stopping at a wider spot instead of trying to squeeze by.
For hikers, slow down, give them room, and be patient if they need to step aside. Don’t assume that a person has heard you or knows which direction you are approaching from. A friendly greeting and a clear pause can make the interaction more comfortable. The practical suggestions in [Yielding on a Narrow Manitoba Trail] and [Manitoba Trail Etiquette Locals Expect] are useful reminders for any shared route.
Protect the route and the surrounding ground
Stay on the established trail rather than riding around mud, puddles, or obstacles. Detouring can widen the trail and damage vegetation or sensitive ground. In wet conditions, a short-looking bypass can leave lasting tracks, so if a section seems too soft or unsafe, stop and consider whether turning around is the better choice.
Respect gates, barriers, closure signs, and private or restricted areas. Do not assume a side track is an acceptable shortcut simply because another machine has used it. If you are unsure about a junction, check the official map or ask park staff rather than exploring a route that may be closed.
Leave the trailhead and rest areas as you found them. Pack out food wrappers, repair materials, and anything else brought along. If you notice damage or a hazard that could affect other users, report it to the relevant park contact or local trail group. For more context on conditions that can change a planned outing, read [Manitoba Trail Closures After a Storm].
Prepare your ATV or UTV and group
Carry what you need without overloading the machine
For a ride in the Duck Mountain area, plan for the basics: water, suitable clothing, a first-aid kit, a charged phone, and a way to navigate without cellular service. Bring recovery equipment appropriate to your machine and experience, and make sure someone in the group knows how to use it. A tow strap is not much help if nobody has checked its condition or knows where safe attachment points are.
Inspect your ATV or UTV before leaving home. Check tires, brakes, lights, fuel, and any parts that have been troublesome on previous rides. For a UTV, confirm passengers are seated as designed and wearing seat belts where fitted. Pack tools and spare parts based on the machine and route, but secure everything so it cannot shift during travel.
OnX Offroad can be one part of your navigation kit if you have saved the relevant map in advance. Keep a backup, though: a drained battery or damaged device should not leave your group unable to find its way back. A paper map, a separate power source, and a clear turnaround plan can make a real difference when the ride takes longer than expected.
Agree on a group plan before starting
Before unloading, decide who will lead and who will ride at the back. The lead rider can watch for signs, route changes, and other trail users; the sweep rider can make sure nobody is left behind. Choose meeting points if the group becomes separated, and agree not to continue past a junction until everyone is accounted for.
Set expectations about pace and stops. A newer rider may need more time on rough or narrow sections, while someone on a larger machine may be tempted to ride ahead. Keeping the group together is safer than turning a shared trail into a race. If the trail becomes unexpectedly busy or conditions deteriorate, be willing to shorten the trip.
Finally, tell someone who is not on the ride where you plan to go and when you expect to return. That simple step is worthwhile whenever you are heading into a more remote area. The trail can be an enjoyable day out, but good planning means your group is prepared for a change in weather, a mechanical problem, or a slower-than-expected journey.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
