Mud, Music & More at the Jericho ATV Festival Presented by Progressive in Early August

Get ready for a terrific line-up of Mud, Music & More at the  Annual Jericho ATV Festival Presented by Progressive each year in early August. The Festival draws upwards of 6,000 visitors each year.

Beautiful Jericho Mountain State Park is the setting for dozens of daytime events.

Festival organizers work hard concocting just the right mix of earth and water to produce all the oozy mud necessary for the always fun and exciting mud pit competitions that include Mud Races and Grudge Runs.

Major manufacturers Polaris, Can-Am, Kawasaki, Textron Off-Road & Arctic Cat will be bringing along their new models for you to dream and drool about! Take a demo ride and see what a new model can do for you.

Helicopter rides, a Friday Night Downtown Block Party, Monster Truck Racing and much, much more guarantee lots of fun, entertainment … and MUD! during the weekend of events.

For more information about the Jericho ATV Festival Presented by Progressive, please call (603) 752-6060 or visit www.jerichoatvfestival.com.

 

Northern New Hampshire: Where the Arts & Outdoor Attractions Meet

The region’s beautiful mountain views and pastoral vistas first drew artists to the White Mountains and the northern reaches of the state in the early years of the 19th century, drawn here by a dramatic landscape of towering peaks, rushing rivers and stately forests, and capturing them forever on canvas. These 19th century artists gave rise to both the iconic Hudson River School and White Mountain School styles of painting.

Some artists, like Frank Shapleigh, had an affiliation with one or more of the Grand Hotels of the time. Visitors to Shapleigh’s studio at the Crawford House could observe him at work and purchase a painting to take home as a souvenir of their time in the mountains. These early artists were instrumental in promoting the region to visitors, with their gorgeous paintings serving much the same purpose as today’s brochures and websites for inspiring people to travel to northern New Hampshire to experience its natural splendors and other attractions.

Architecturally grand buildings, artful offerings, and musical and stage performances highlight the many cultural activities to be found today in New Hampshire’s Grand North. Round out your visit to the northern reaches of the Granite State with an arts-based itinerary combined with one or more of our exceptional recreational opportunities and featured attractions for an outstanding vacation experience.

Looking for lodging and dining opportunities while touring the countryside? The New Hampshire Grand website has a complete listing.

BRETTON WOODS

Artist Frank Shapleigh’s home and studio is now guest lodging at the AMC Highland Center. Continuing the tradition of using the arts to interpret the environment, the Highland Center hosts an impressive display of the mountain photography of explorer, mountaineer, and pioneering aerial photographer Brad Washburn. And the AMC’s series of Free Evening Programs introduce visitors to a variety of subjects, from musical evenings and visiting authors to tales of mountaineering in far away places and identifying the stars overhead.

If you’re traveling with the kids, let them loose on the AMC’s Big Mountain Playscape, with plenty of features like ladders, logs, rocks and a rope bridge to help them explore the outdoors.

Hiking the White Mountains is a wonderful summer or fall experiences, with many trails in close proximity to the Highland Center. Shuttle service is available from the AMC to nearby trailheads.

Don’t miss an opportunity to visit the magnificent Omni Mt. Washington Hotel, a National Historic Landmark. First opened in 1902, the hotel was built by 250 master craftsmen in the Spanish Renaissance style. Enjoy a glass of wine on the wide veranda with its sweeping views of the Mount Washington range, or cozy up in one of the elegant public rooms with a pot of tea and a selection of baked goods.

Delegates from around the world converged at the hotel in 1944 for the Bretton Woods Monetary Conference, which established the World Bank, set the gold standard and selected the American dollar as the foundation of international exchange following World War II. The handsome room in which the final documents were signed is just off the lobby, and includes an informational display outlining the importance of the conference in stabilizing the post-war economy.

Just across the road at the Resort’s Adventure Center, fly through the treetops on an exciting Canopy Tour for amazing views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range of the White Mountains, or try one of the other resort activities like river tubing, golf, and mountain biking.

The Mt. Washington Cog Railway is the world’s oldest mountain-climbing cog railway and has been ferrying passengers to the summit of Mt. Washington since 1869. Ride in an old-fashioned steam train or one of the newer bio-diesel models and spend time on the summit exploring the Weather Discovery Center, visiting the stone Tip Top House, and drinking in the amazing views. On especially clear days you can see the Atlantic Ocean!

Drummond’s Mountain Shop is locally famous for its ski and snowboarding sales and service, but during the summer months, bike rentals are available and make a great way to explore the region at a leisurely pace.

WHITEFIELD

Professional summer theatre in the North Country can trace its roots to 1934, when New York Times music critic Will Chase opened the Chase Barn Playhouse in Whitefield, the predecessor of today’s Weathervane Theatre. The summer playbill includes seven shows, both classic and contemporary, in alternating repertory. Families travelling with kids will enjoy the timeless tales and musical stories staged throughout the season by the Weathervane’s Patchwork Players.

No visit to Whitefield is complete without a stop at the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, which has catered to guests since the end of the Civil War. Sweeping mountain views and a variety of resort activities will appeal to every member of the family. Of special interest is the resort’s Mountain View Farm, where fiber collected from the farm’s flock of sheep is spun into Mountain View Farm Blend yarn. Take a needle felting class at the fiber studio, using fibers from the farm’s animals, which also includes goats, alpacas, llamas and Angora rabbits, and take home a wonderful souvenir of your visit.

The Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge  in Whitefield and Jefferson, a noted bird-watching destination, is easily accessed by a 1.5 mile, almost flat walking trail leading to a viewing platform at Cherry Pond with magnificent views of the Presidential Range. The Little Cherry Pond hiking trail along the western edge of the pond also has a viewing platform.

LANCASTER & JEFFERSON

Weeks State Park  is the legacy of Congressman John Wingate Weeks, a Lancaster native who, in 1911, sponsored historic legislation known as the Weeks Act, which led to the creation of the White Mountain National Forest. The Weeks State Park Association hosts free Thursday evening programs throughout the summer at Weeks’s handsome stucco Summit Lodge atop Mount Prospect, on topics as diverse as railroading, butterflies, wildflowers, and birds of prey, along with a musical evening or two to get your toes tapping. The drive to the top of the mountain along the rustic carriage road boasts outstanding scenery, and the stone fire tower next to the Lodge is worth a climb for its 360-degree views.

Drop by the William Rugh Gallery  in downtown Lancaster to view the paintings of artist/painter Ed Widmayer (1923-2010) and award-winning photographer Fletcher Manley. Manley’s photography has taken him around the world, including photographing four Winter Olympics Games. Widmayer is known for his abstract expressionist works. The gallery also carries a line of locally made fine furniture and a selection of work by local artisans.

Lancaster is notable for its independent movie house, the Rialto Theatre, whose distinctive marquee advertises first-run movies, a free summer family film series, and a growing schedule of concerts and other community events. While improvements have been made over the years, the 1930s-era theatre still retains an old-timey feel, with a box office fronted by a brass rail, comfortable seats (with lots of leg room!) and dark red tapestries on the walls.

Santa’s Village is a premiere New England attraction with many kudos to its name, including being named as one of the nation’s outstanding amusement parks. Visit Santa at his summer home in Jefferson, feed his reindeer, enjoy unlimited rides on dozens of attractions, cool off at the Ho Ho H2O Water Park, watch live performances and much more at this top-rated park.

Can you say mush? At Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel, visitors can experience an exhilarating sled dog ride across the snow-covered landscape during the winter months and rolling sled dog rides in the summer. Muddy Paw also runs Raft NH, and many visitors opt for the Paws & Paddle package, a combo adventure that includes whitewater rafting and a rolling dog sled ride.

COLEBROOK, STEWARTSTOWN & PITTSBURG

Colebrook has embraced a lively arts scene centered on the Tillotson Center for the Arts, which includes a 175-seat performance and movie theatre, a community heritage museum and an art gallery. Formerly the Carriage Barn for The Balsams hotel stagecoach, and subsequently a Grange Hall with a theater and dance floor, the Center is now a magnet for cultural activities in the northernmost region of the state.

The Great North Woods Center for the Arts promotes musical, cultural and performing arts in northern New Hampshire in its indoor and outdoor performance spaces.

Quality hand-crafted items, including jewelry, pottery, home and garden, and wood products, can be found at Fiddleheads. The Colebrook shop specializes in U. S.- and Canadian-made products, along with Fair Trade items. The on-site art gallery promotes the talents of the more than 50 artists of the Connecticut River Artisan Group, whose members hail from New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and Canada.

The Poore Farm Historic Homestead and Museum is the last remaining, original 100-acre farm settlement of its kind in northern New Hampshire. The Stewartstown museum portrays one family’s life from the 1830s to the 1980s, including the house, barns and outbuildings, all in authentic condition. Displays include clothing, artifacts, newspapers, magazines, diaries and letters, hand tools, horse drawn wagons, farm implements, and a large collection of everyday items common to the period. The Museum and grounds host a variety of cultural events, demonstrations, field trips, concerts and social gatherings.

More than 1,000 miles of riding await ATVers on northern New Hampshire interconnected trail system that spans the northern region of the state. Bring your own machine or rent one from Bear Rock Adventures in Pittsburg, with its diverse fleet of 2-, 4- and 6-seat side-by-sides and ATVs. Take a self-guided tour or let an experienced tour guide lead the way.

Check into Tall Timber Lodge or the Cabins at Lopstick for a relaxing vacation or use the Pittsburg resorts as the base for your hunting or fishing adventures. Tall Timber Lodge has experienced fly fishing and bird hunting guides and hosts fly fishing schools each year. Lopstick is an ORVIS-endorsed outfitter and offers fly fishing guide service, casting lessons and upland hunting service.

BERLIN

The 500-seat St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts, is notable both for its architecture and its terrific performing arts series. Located in a former church, St. Kieran’s is on the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places. Built in 1895 in the baroque architectural style, it includes a central portal with a rose window and two elaborate stained glass accents. The Hook and Hastings pipe organ, donated in 1898, remains in excellent condition. The performing arts series takes place throughout the year, featuring local, regional and national acts.

Overlooking the city is the oft-photographed Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church at 20 Petrograd Street, with its six cross-topped domes and distinctive blue and white exterior. The interior includes Byzantine-style Icons, early 20th century oil paintings, framed imported prints and faux marble wainscoting.

History buffs will want to spend some time at the Berlin and Coos County Historical Society’s  Moffett House & Genealogy Center. The Center contains the largest library of genealogical material north of Manchester, N.H.

Another bit of Berlin history can be found in the Berlin Murals, adorning a wall of the former Brown Company Research Building on Main Street, just south of the Service Credit Union Heritage Park. Twenty-four windows are covered with paintings created by students from the Plymouth State University art department. The images depict scenes from Berlin’s history including the city’s paper industry, logging, ski jumping and hockey.

ELC Outdoors in nearby Errol offers single or multi-day recreational packages to get your adrenaline pumping. Choose from whitewater rafting trips, high ropes aerial adventures, wildlife tours and a raft and float plane combo trip.

GORHAM

The beautifully restored Medallion Opera House (in the same building as the Town Hall) is the heart of the town’s cultural activities, with a year-round schedule of performing arts.

Grab a cup of coffee and check out the rotating art exhibits at the White Mountain Cafe & Bookstore . The bookstore carries a nice selection of books by local and regional authors, White Mountains maps and guides, and children’s books and toys.

Drive yourself or take a guided tour in a comfortable van up the Mt. Washington Auto Road to the top of Mt. Washington, the Northeast’s highest peak. Be prepared for jaw-dropping vistas, have your photograph taken on the craggy summit (6,288 feet), tour the historic stone Tip Top house, and visit the Mount Washington Observatory’s interactive Extreme Mt. Washington Museum.

Once you’ve conquered the summit, consider extending your stay and taking a guided tour of the paddling variety at Great Glen Trails, at the base of the Mt. Washington Auto Road. Enjoy a guided kayak trip along the scenic lakes and rivers of northern New Hampshire. Or rent a bike at Great Glen Trails and peddle along well-marked carriage trails through beautiful meadows and along scenic rivers, with dramatic mountain views at every turn.

It’s always exciting to spot a moose or two along the roadway. Let a knowledgeable guide take you on a tour to some favorite moose spots in the Androscoggin Valley by booking a seat on the Gorham Moose Tours. Along with moose, you might also spot deer, eagles, osprey, bears and raccoons.

The Gorham to Whitefield Presidential Rail Trail follows an abandoned Boston and Maine Rail Line and is chock full of beautiful mountain views and wildlife. The 18-mile, mostly flat trail, is open for biking and hiking (in winter, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and mushing).

Guided tours, group rides and ATV rentals are available at White Mt. ATV Rental, located at the southeast entrance to Jericho Mountain State Park, with access to over 1,000 miles of ATV trails in the Ride the Wilds trail system.

10th Annual Jericho ATV Festival

It’s all about the MUDD!! at the 10th Annual Jericho ATV Festival!

The Jericho ATV Festival is an ATV enthusiast’s dream come true, featuring mud races, demo rides, live music, delicious food, and more!

The annual festival takes place at Jericho Mountain State Park, which boasts more than 80 miles of trails. With more than 1,000 miles of interconnected OHRV trails in the Ride the Wilds network, New Hampshire’s Grand North is paradise for ATV riders, and the Jericho ATV Festival Presented by Progressive puts the spotlight on the very best riding in the northeast. Be sure LIKE us on Facebook for all the latest updates!!

Some of the events and activities taking place at the Festival include:

Poker Run  –  Mud Pit Grudge Runs  –  Aftermarket Vendors  –  Helicopter Rides  –  Food Vendors –  Vintage ATVs
Live Music  –  Beer Tent –  Demo The New ATV’s and S X S’s  – Major Manufacturers

Don’t miss:

Live Music by 8084 – Check them out at: http://8084rocks.com/

ATV / Motorcycle Freestyle Show with ATV Big Air Tour! Check them out: www.atvbigairtour.com

9th Annual Jericho ATV Festival

The 2017 Jericho ATV Festival Presented by Progressive ATV Insurance was an ATV enthusiast’s dream come true, featuring mud races, demo rides, live music and delicious food. The event was a record breaker with 7,000 people in attendance.

The annual festival takes place at Jericho Mountain State Park, which boasts more than 80 miles of trails. With more than 1,000 miles of interconnected OHRV trails in the Ride the Wilds network, New Hampshire’s Grand North is paradise for ATV riders, and the Jericho ATV Festival Presented by Progressive puts the spotlight on the very best riding in the northeast.

Skip the lines and purchase your tickets in advance here.

What to Know Before You Go!

  • No need to trailer once you get here; ride your ATV to access the event, restaurants, gas stations and retail stores! ATVs are not required to attend the Jericho Festival — buses will be running both days.

*FRIDAY, the gates at Jericho Mountain State Park open at 8am. $10 per person / $5 for children 6 and under. From 8am – 4pm the action is at Jericho Mountain State Park, including an ATV Poker Run, Mudpit Grudge Runs, Demos Rides from Major Manufacturers, PowerSports Dealers, Kids’ Activities, After Market Vendors, Food Vendors, Helicopter Rides and an Obstacle Course.

*SATURDAY, the gates open at 8am again. $10 per person, $5 for children 6 and under. From 8am – 4pm the action is at Jericho Mountain State Park, including Food Vendors, After Market Vendors, PowerSports Dealers, Kids’ Activities, Mud Pit Races, Helicopter Rides, Demo Rides from Major Manufacturers and an Obstacle Course.

**Also on Saturday only…we will be featuring a Freestyle Stunt Show with RAVEX MOTORSPORTS sponsored by Berlin City Chevrolet Buick GMC. Check out these daredevils with their high flying stunts!! Time of show TBD.

EVENING ACTIVITIES:

FRIDAY EVENING (Aug 3rd) 4-9pm – Dowtown Block Party Ride In — Ride the streets of Berlin to the Downtown Block Party featuring LIVE music, food vendors and a beer tent. The evening closes out with an ATV Torch-Lit Parade!

SATURDAY EVENING (Aug 4th) 4-9pm – Concert in the Heritage Park — 942 Main Street, Berlin — Ride your ATV to the Heritage Park for an evening of LIVE music, food vendors and a beer tent.

NO admission price to attend the nighttime events.

PROUD SPONSORS OF THE JERICHO ATV FESTIVAL: Progressive Insurance, Fuel Off Road, Polaris, JStrong Industries, Dirt Powerhouse, Service Credit Union, Northeast Credit Union, AutoNorth Superstore, Berlin City Chevrolet Buick GMC

 

9th Annual Jericho ATV Festival

The 2017 Jericho ATV Festival Presented by Progressive ATV Insurance was an ATV enthusiast’s dream come true, featuring mud races, demo rides, live music and delicious food. The event was a record breaker with 7,000 people in attendance.

The annual festival takes place at Jericho Mountain State Park, which boasts more than 80 miles of trails. With more than 1,000 miles of interconnected OHRV trails in the Ride the Wilds network, New Hampshire’s Grand North is paradise for ATV riders, and the Jericho ATV Festival Presented by Progressive puts the spotlight on the very best riding in the northeast.

Skip the lines and purchase your tickets in advance here.

What to Know Before You Go!

  • No need to trailer once you get here; ride your ATV to access the event, restaurants, gas stations and retail stores! ATVs are not required to attend the Jericho Festival — buses will be running both days.

*FRIDAY, the gates at Jericho Mountain State Park open at 8am. $10 per person / $5 for children 6 and under. From 8am – 4pm the action is at Jericho Mountain State Park, including an ATV Poker Run, Mudpit Grudge Runs, Demos Rides from Major Manufacturers, PowerSports Dealers, Kids’ Activities, After Market Vendors, Food Vendors, Helicopter Rides and an Obstacle Course.

*SATURDAY, the gates open at 8am again. $10 per person, $5 for children 6 and under. From 8am – 4pm the action is at Jericho Mountain State Park, including Food Vendors, After Market Vendors, PowerSports Dealers, Kids’ Activities, Mud Pit Races, Helicopter Rides, Demo Rides from Major Manufacturers and an Obstacle Course.

**Also on Saturday only…we will be featuring a Freestyle Stunt Show with RAVEX MOTORSPORTS sponsored by Berlin City Chevrolet Buick GMC. Check out these daredevils with their high flying stunts!! Time of show TBD.

EVENING ACTIVITIES:

FRIDAY EVENING (Aug 3rd) 4-9pm – Dowtown Block Party Ride In — Ride the streets of Berlin to the Downtown Block Party featuring LIVE music, food vendors and a beer tent. The evening closes out with an ATV Torch-Lit Parade!

SATURDAY EVENING (Aug 4th) 4-9pm – Concert in the Heritage Park — 942 Main Street, Berlin — Ride your ATV to the Heritage Park for an evening of LIVE music, food vendors and a beer tent.

NO admission price to attend the nighttime events.

PROUD SPONSORS OF THE JERICHO ATV FESTIVAL: Progressive Insurance, Fuel Off Road, Polaris, JStrong Industries, Dirt Powerhouse, Service Credit Union, Northeast Credit Union, AutoNorth Superstore, Berlin City Chevrolet Buick GMC

 

ATV Poker Run

Get set for a fun day ATV Poker Run that benefits Warriors@45North.

The day begins at 9 a.m. at LaPerle’s IGA in Colebrook. Riders will follow an approximately 50-mile loop on the Ride the Wilds trail system, followed by a 12 p.m. BBQ back at LaPerle’s.

Prizes include $200 for the Best Hand; $100 for 2nd; and $50 for 3rd. A 50/50 drawing will be held.

Special thanks to the Metallak ATV Club.

Polaris Camp RZR New England

Polaris Camp RZR returns to Jericho State Park on September 22 and 23 for another two days of fun and excitement!

Celebrate 10 years of RZR as Camp RZR returns to beautiful Jericho Mountain State Park in Berlin, NH on September 22-23. Inside the park and nearby, over 1,000 miles of trails await your whole crew. At Camp RZR, the real party ramps up with great riding events, tons of giveaways—including machines—and, on Saturday, a live concert from The Band Perry—the Grammy award-winning artists best known for hit singles like “Gentle on My Mind” and “Stay in the Dark.” Get ready for two days of pure excitement when riders from all over the country come together to celebrate their love for everything off-road.

Important to note: For Camp RZR® New England you’ll need to register your machine in the State of New Hampshire as well as purchase an event ticket.  Please see our FAQs for further details.

*Please obey all automobile traffic laws and speed limits and do not ride in the breakdown lanes. See our FAQ section for more info. Click here to download a map for camping and parking info.

Click here for ticket information!

Stay tuned for more details to be announced. In the meantime, remember all the good times from Camp RZR New England 2016. Click on link for video.

Bear Rock Adventures Wants to be Your ‘Guide to the Wilds’

A brand new fleet of 2017 Polaris RZRs, Rangers and Sportsman Touring OHRVs at Bear Rock Adventures is ready to take you right into the heart of the thrilling Ride the Wilds 1,000-plus-mile trail system where memories are ready to be made!

With its fleet of incredible machines, diverse riding opportunities, including guided ATV tours and custom itineraries, along with impeccable customer service, the staff at Bear Rock Adventures stands ready to help you map out a day — or more — of fun and adventure on the trails.

Bear Rock can accommodate singles, couples, families and all levels of experience in its 2-, 4- and 6-seat side-by-sides and ATVs, so that anyone who wishes to enjoy the exciting sport of ATVing can do so. Bear Rock offers half-day, full day and multi-day rentals and the Ride the Wilds trail system has multiple terrain options that will appeal to beginners as well as well-seasoned riders.

Bear Rocks’ top-of-the-line vehicles include all of the equipment and gear you’ll need on the trails, like electric start, 4-wheel drive, automatic transmissions, and power steering for effortless maneuvering, along with the most up-to-date GPS and Bluetooth technology. With plenty of room to store riding gear, maps, picnic lunches, selfie sticks and more, these machines ensure your riding pleasure.

With your machine of choice, take a self-guided tour, or have an experienced tour guide lead the way. Bear Rock Adventures can outfit you with everything you need for an exceptional ride, whether you want to seek out mountaintops for extended vistas, see wildlife in its natural habitat, conquer challenging trails, or simply try an entirely new adventure.

Bear Rock Adventures is located right on the Ride the Wilds trail system, an interconnected 1,000 miles of trails across northern New Hampshire. The staff at Bear Rock can help you map out best places to ATV and stay in the region.

A couple of suggested itineraries to get you started include:

Aprils’ Maple: Take a scenic ride along the Connecticut River to April’s Maple in Canaan, Vt. Sample pure Vermont maple syrup and other goodies at the snack shack and stop into the gift shop to take home your own syrup or a maple-themed gift item.

Beaver Brook Falls: Beautiful Beaver Brook Falls is a refreshing rest stop on your day’s ride. A great photo op, with a nice picnic area, the 80-foot waterfall is located off South Hill Road in Colebrook, right off the Ride the Wilds trail system.

Fishing: Pack your rod and reel and spend the day riding and fishing! On this trail ride you’ll visit Murphy’s Dam on Lake Francis, Nathan’s Pond, and Little Diamond Pond. Drop your line, relax and take in all the sights and sounds. You might spot an eagle — or a moose, and maybe you’ll take home a fish or two.

Bear Rock Adventures is located at 545 Beach Road in Pittsburg directly across the street from Powderhorn Lodge on Back Lake. Learn more about Bear Rock and other “wild” adventures in northern New Hampshire — like biking, boating, camping, hiking, snowmobiling, soaring on a ropes course, and the Rapid River Float Plane Adventure — at www.bearrockadventures.com.

8 Tips for Family-Friendly ATV Adventures

Contributed by Wild Rock PR

ATV’s and side-by-sides are an awesome way explore! With over a thousand miles of interconnected trails through Ride the Wilds, Northern New Hampshire is an up-and-coming destination for families looking for a way to unplug and reconnect. Check out these 8 tips brought to you by Bear Rock Adventures on how to ensure you and your family have the best summer adventure:

Do your research and book a vehicle with a company you trust. It’s important to get a vehicle (or vehicles) that fit your family. Side-by-sides are a family favorite, as some can fit up to six people.

If you’re renting a vehicle, ask questions and feel comfortable before getting in the driver’s seat. Here are some helpful videos.

Wear the right gear. This includes helmets for all passengers under age 18, eyewear (sunglasses, glasses, goggles) and closed toe shoes for everyone – don’t forget to wear a seatbelt if available.

Rent a place to stay nearby. Consider lodging that backs up or is within ATV driving distance to trails (check local regulations on ATV use on main roads).

Plan a breakfast, lunch or dinner at a local restaurant. Relax and put cooking worries aside for a meal or two at these amazing eateries minutes away from trails. Some are even on the trails, so plan accordingly and pack snacks if-needed.

Know where you’re going. Maps are available to guide your ride and indicate the difficulty of each trail, giving you an idea of what terrain to expect. Keep an eye out for signs on the trails during your ride that can provide other helpful information.

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Many animals call the area home, so be on the lookout for moose, deer, birds and more – keep your distance.

Check the weather and dress in layers. Be prepared for anything from warm sun to heavy rain. If you wear the right clothes, your adventure can be amazing in any weather.

Everyone has a trailblazer inside them. Whether the next family vacation is off-roading, boating or traveling to a new area, make sure you’re outside and embracing the inner trailblazer within.

Navigating the Grand North with the Handled GPS as a Travel Companion

Contributed by Jess Walter, Freelance Writer 

New Hampshire’s Grand North is the perfect place for an adventurer. From fishing to off-roading and hiking, there are so many activities that allow you to become one with nature. However, the snowy mountains and icy patches can be dangerous. It is important to take caution and always bring a handheld GPS on your adventure in case of emergencies. These devices are lifesavers in dangerous situations.

Important Features to Have on Your Handheld GPS
Your GPS should be lightweight and small so that it can easily fit in your pocket. It should also be waterproof especially if you are fishing or traveling by rivers, and have an easy-to-read screen suitable for any weather condition. It is also great to have one with a distress beacon in the event of an emergency.

Top Three Handheld GPS Devices

· eTrex by Garmin: The device has a 65K color display with a 2.2”, 240×320 display screen, making it easily legible in sunlight. There is a microSD slot on the side which provides the ability to download maps. In addition to GPS, it also tracks GLONASS satellites which load 20% quicker than GPS, and has a barometric altimeter which records altitude for additional accuracy. This can come in handy when traversing the mountains of the Grand North. The device is also Bluetooth capable and waterproof for up to 30 minute immersions.

· Montana 680 Touchscreen GPS by Garmin: Another Garmin device, the Montana 680 is GLONASS and WAAS capable and with Hotfix prediction, can maintain your location regardless of the cover and canyons across New Hampshire’s Grand North. It has many additional, nice-to-have features such as a built-in 8-megapixel camera to take great shots of the wildlife and a touchscreen that is glove-friendly for the winter temperatures in New Hampshire.

· Rino 750 by Garmin: This model is a great device to have during an emergency. It has an easy-to-read 3” touchscreen with landscape and portrait views. It is Bluetooth-capable and even has updated current weather forecasts to help you plan your activities. Another special feature is its built-in 5 Watt 2-way radio. It has excellent range and comes in handy if you are ever in a dangerous situation. The Rino 750 also offers Active Weather Support with radar, position report, and emergency alerts, making the device