Now that fall is here and many people are spending time outdoors in state parks and forests, the state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection is reminding trail users of rules and trail etiquette.

DEEP recommends following the tips below to ensure outdoor recreation will be a positive experience:

• State parks and forests are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

• Trails and service, logging and other roads are open to non-motorized, multiple use activities (foot travel, mountain biking, equestrian) unless posted closed.

• Connecticut Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails and the National Park Service Appalachian and New England Trails are limited to hiking except where they overlap a multiple use trail.

• Public roadways in state parks and forests are open to registered motor vehicles (includes registered dirt bikes) and non-motorized multiple uses unless posted closed.

• Effective Jan. 1, riding an ATV on state or municipal property may result in charges of criminal trespass (Public Act 05-234). At the current time, Connecticut does not have any public areas open to quads.

• Registered dirt bikes can ride on the motorized trail at Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown or at the Thomaston Dam.

• Trail building and maintenance is illegal unless authorized. To request permission to put in a new trail, contact DEP’s Trails Coordinator at (860) 424-3578. For permission to perform trail maintenance, contact the park supervisor.

• After it rains, please be aware of fragile areas that should be avoided, such as wetlands and steep slopes. For safety and to prevent erosion and disruption of habitats, always avoid travel through streams that have no bridges or stepping stones.

• Report illegal activities to the State Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon) at (860) 424-3333.

For safe trail use, DEEP recommends hikers:

• Plan their routes. Trail maps often are found at trail heads and always found on the DEEP website (www.ct.gov/deep).

• Remain on trails that are blazed.

• Always let others know where you are and when you expect to return.

• Be aware where hunting is allowed and whether hunting season is open. Wear bright orange for extra protection.

• Cyclists and motorized users must yield to pedestrians and equestrians. Pedestrians should yield to equestrians.

• Park in designated areas only.

• Keep dogs on a leash.

• Respect private property. When leaving state land, hikers may no longer have permission to recreate.