Category: Outdoor Activities & Attractions

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.

Experience A “Northwoods Tradition” at Tall Timber Lodge & Rainbow Grille Tavern

By Eileen Alexander

Situated on the north shore of Back Lake in Pittsburg, Tall Timber Lodge has been welcoming guests since 1949. Today, the Lodge and Rainbow Grille Tavern appeal to guests who come for the excellent hunting and fishing the region offers, and also to those who arrive for a vacation or a weekend getaway seeking a home base with comfortable lodging and exceptional dining while they explore the area’s many activities, such as ATVing, bird watching, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and more.

Guests may choose from eight cozy lodge rooms or a variety of comfortably furnished accommodations — from one- to four-bedroom lakeshore log cabins to luxury cottages. Features range from cathedral ceilings and gas fireplaces to two-person Jacuzzi’s and kitchens with dishwashers. Private porches and decks beckon guests to enjoy the views or take in the sparkling night sky. Check availability and rates!

Tall Timber offers innumerable amenities, such as boat rentals, fly fishing and bird hunting guides, a gift shop, and spa services. Kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, mountain bikes, row boats and snowshoes are available to guests at no charge, or they may rent one of the 14-foot fiberglass boats with 6 HP 4-stroke motors or a pontoon boat.

Fishing and bird hunting guide services are available, and during fishing season a large selection of flies, lures and other trout-teasing tackle is available in the Gift Shop. Fishing and hunting licenses and OHRV registrations for snowmobiles and ATVs are available onsite.

Relax after a day of outdoor activities in the Rainbow Grille & Tavern with its varied menu of high quality meats, fresh seafood, organic poultry, game meats (bison, elk and venison) and vegetarian options. Field & Stream rated the Rainbow Grille as “a truly excellent restaurant,” and The Boston Sunday Globe has called it “ The area’s standout dining.” Yankee Magazine’s Travel Issue gave it an “Editor’s Choice” award.

The Tavern’s more casual menu features appetizers, salads, sandwiches, ribs, meatloaf and hearth-baked pizzas, a great selection of micro-brewed draft beer and specialty craft beer, affordable wines, and specialty jumbo martinis.

Tall Timbers’ all-inclusive Getaway Packages — such as the Fly Fishing School Package, the Senior Midweek Package, and the Rainbow Grille Escape Package — include meals with the accommodations.

Both the Grille and the Tavern are open to the public. Check out their menu at www.rainbowgrille.com. Reservations can be made by calling (603) 538-9556.

To learn more about Tall Timber Lodge and to reserve your home away from home, please visit www.talltimber.com.

Exciting Rides & A Visit With Santa Make Wonderful Family Memories at Santa’s Village!

By Eileen Alexander

This summer, bring the family to visit Santa and his elves and reindeer at the jolly old elf’s vacation home in Jefferson, NH, and enjoy a fun-filled day of unlimited rides, shows, live professional performances, and outstanding attractions at Santa’s Village.

The Christmas-themed Santa’s Village is a premiere New England attraction and one of the nation’s outstanding amusement parks, recognized by Trip Advisor as one of the Top 25 Amusement Parks in the U. S., and the only one in New England. Trekaroo.com named Santa’s Village as one of the Top Ten Amusement Parks for Young Kids in the U.S.A.

Admission to Santa’s Village is your ticket to a “full day of joy and excitement.” The warm sunny days of summer are especially conducive to exploring all of the attractions the park has to offer, with hours and hours of fun for every member of the family, from toddlers, tweens and teens to their parents and grandparents.

Visiting with Santa and his reindeer in their summer home is complemented by dozens of additional attractions. Step aboard the Skyway Sleigh monorail for an overview of the park, take the exciting Yule Log Flume water ride, experience the thrilling Chimney Drop, ride the entrancing Reindeer Carousel, and get your thrills on Rudy’s Rapid Transit Rollercoaster. Cool off at the Ho, Ho, H2O water park with plenty of places to splish, splash, slide and climb, and prepare to get drenched by the giant bucket of water that fills and then spills every few minutes! Check out the rides here!

Kids will get a kick out of playing the Elfabet Game, searching out the elves in the park, and visiting the blacksmith shop to receive a special ring.

Lunch and ice cream are available at the Elfs Lodge all day, and other goodies to search out include pizza made to order at Nick’s Pizza Emporium, fresh fudge, mini Doe-Nuts made right before your eyes, and fresh-baked gingerbread cookies. Check out the places to eat here!

Before you leave, don’t forget to check out all the special Santa’s Village souvenirs in the gift shop, including a personalized letter from Santa, which will be delivered in December.

The daily admission rate in 2017 is $32 per person, and ages one, two, and three enter for free.

Receive $5 off the regular ticket price during Guest Appreciation Days: May 27 and 28, and June 3, 4, 10 and 11.

Santa’s Village is open every day from Father’s Day weekend (June 17 and 18) through Labor Day on September 4. It’s also open during fall weekends, and will be specially decorated for Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

Santa’s Village is located at 528 Presidential Highway (Route 2) in Jefferson. Visit the Santa’s Village website to learn more: www.santasvillage.com

Mud Season Hiking Dos and Don’ts

Article by REBECCA M. FULLERTON

Mud season hiking etiquette calls for staying in the middle of the trail and stepping on rocks, when possible.

Mud season can be a challenge for hikers and trail maintainers alike. So if you want to hike in the spring, knowing how to safely enjoy soggy trails without destroying them is an essential outdoor skill.

Wet Trails are Fragile

“More and more people are hiking year-round, and while it is wonderful to have people enjoying the trails, [hikers] are also having an impact,” says Alex DeLucia, the manager of AMC’s trails volunteers and Leave No Trace programs.

According to DeLucia, the saturated surfaces following spring snowmelt are a trail maintainer’s nightmare. Each hiker’s step churns up mud and sets the stage for serious erosion. “Some maintainers would like to see most trails closed in mud season, but we prefer to ask people to hike responsibly in all seasons,” he says.

Early spring hiking etiquette requires always walking in the center of the treadway. Sticking to rocks wherever possible will preserve both the trail and your footwear, and stepping into water and mud when necessary will minimize trail damage. Although you may be tempted to walk along the sides of the trail to keep your feet dry, doing so loosens soil and makes the trail more susceptible to erosion.

Mud and Ice are Slippery

A muddy trail forces you to slow down and pay attention to each step. Lug-soled hiking boots caked with mud don’t provide much traction, and a slip could be embarrassing or, worse, lead to injury. Expect to hike slower than normal and plan a shorter hike than you would when trails are dry. Once you do hit the trail, proceed with caution.

Trekking poles are helpful on wet trails, both to keep you upright and to probe the depths of what you’re stepping into. But, DeLucia cautions, poles loosen soil and accelerate erosion, so minimize your impact by fitting them with rubber tips.

Trails at high altitudes or in shaded areas can pose an additional challenge, with rails of winter ice lingering down the center of the trail. Traction aids, such as MICROspikes, are essential in these conditions.

Choose your Hike Wisely

A trail you can hike in soggy spring conditions without causing irreparable damag is a rare and precious find. This is not the season for exploring lowlands or wetlands, nor is it the time to hike steep basins, such as the Great Gulf or Wild River wilderness areas in the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF), where crossing runoff-swollen streams is dangerous.

In the mountains, the best spring trails are well-constructed, well-traveled routes that have been hardened for heavy use; the lower half of the Tuckerman Ravine Trail in the WMNF is a perfect example. Or follow a south-facing, rocky ridgeline trail; Old Toll Road to White Cross on Mount Monadnock in southern New Hampshire is a personal favorite. You’ll still encounter mud and ice, just not as much.

If you want an absolutely clear conscience, hike a sandy coastal route, such as the Great Island Trail in Wellfleet, Mass., or a road that’s closed in the spring, such as those on Mount Greylock in western Massachusetts, or Pack Monadnock or Cathedral Ledge in New Hampshire. Mud season is also an opportune time to explore old railbeds, like the Presidential Rail Trail between Gorham and Whitefield, N.H., which were built with heavier traffic in mind.

Keep Feet Dry and Comfy

Choosing springtime footwear is a conundrum: 6-inch-high water-proof boots don’t suffice when you step in an 8-inch-deep puddle, but knee-high rubber boots don’t offer adequate cushion or support.

Wearing gaiters will help keep your feet dry in the cold spring mud. You also could invest in a pair of knee-high waterproof socks and rubber-soled wading or portage boots—popular with anglers and paddlers. Your feet stay warm, you get the traction you need for safety, and you can comfortably walk in the center of the trail to reduce your impact.

LEARN MORE

Mud season also means high water levels. Learn how to cross moving water safely here.

Team O’Neil Rally School Prepares Drivers for Mud Season

By Eileen Alexander

As the days warm up in April, northern New Englanders get ready for Season #5 — our infamous Mud Season — when roads heave as the frost leaves the ground and all the water from snow and ice melt turn some dirt roads into quagmires.

Most visitors to northern New Hampshire will want to avoid those mucky roads, but some intrepid drivers will set their sites on getting down and dirty in all that mud at the 580-acre plus Team O’Neil Rally School in Dalton, with its more than six miles of loose surface roads and two miles of off-road trails. This is your destination when you want to conquer mud, water, sand, ditches, logs, snow and ice, and rocks and rough terrain.

Sign up for Team O’Neil’s Off-Road Driving Course and learn how to maneuver in challenging driving conditions. Expert instructors will coach you through left foot braking; uphills, downhills and side tilts; winching and recovery techniques; and much, much more to help you remain safe and reach your destination intact.

Along with its Off-Road Driving Course, Team O’Neil offers a variety of adrenaline-pumping courses:

  • One- to Five-Day Rally Schools, with each day building on the previous one, developing more advanced skills in different vehicles over varied terrain.
  • Two-Day Ford Focus RS School that includes basic rally school training, along with developing skills useful for loose surface driving: inducing and correcting for the five types of skids; weight transfer; braking in turns; trail braking; driving at speed in diverse conditions; the Scandinavian Flick (pendulum turns); fast, medium and slow speed corners; and much more.
  • Two-Day Cars and Guns School where participants will learn a variety of specialized car control skills and firearms training.
  • OHRV Training Course that helps riders develop confidence with their machines and navigating the trails.
  • Specialty courses feature Driver and Co-Driver Training; Race Car Building and Training, Testing and Practice; Motorsports Support; and Drift School. Additional offerings include a Personal Security Course, Emergency Services Training; and private one-on-one instruction.

Stay tuned for Team O’Neil’s Rally Fest 2017, set for August 12 and 13. The two days will be filled with workshops, rally car rides, guided tours of the property, Sig Sauer product demos, and a Rally X Course. Gold, VIP and Rally Cross Packages are available, in addition to general admission tickets. Kids under 12 are free.

For more information check out their website, www.teamoneil.com

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

Ride the Wilds on Coos County’s ATV Trail System

By Eileen Alexander

Fresh air, wildlife, pristine lakes and streams, towering spruce trees, majestic views and an exciting and varied trail system are ready and waiting for you when you go ATVing on the Ride the Wilds trail system in Coös County in northern New Hampshire.

To the wide open spaces and miles and miles of trails to ride, add the friendly welcome you’ll receive whenever and wherever you stop — for gas, for food, for shopping, for lodging, or just to chat with folks — and you’ve conjured up the perfect day, weekend or weeklong ATV adventure in New Hampshire’s great outdoors.

The 1,000+ miles of Ride the Wilds trails make it possible to ride from the Gorham-Berlin area on the east side of Coös County clear over to Colebrook, Pittsburg and Stratford on the county’s western and northern borders, promising great days of riding without trailering your rig from place to place!

Ready to Ride the Wilds for some excellent ATVing? The 2017 season opens on Memorial Day weekend. Here are a few highlights of what you can expect.

Jericho Mountain State Park

Jericho Mountain State Park, located off Route 110 west of downtown Berlin, is New Hampshire’s newest state park, with more than 80 miles of varied terrain and trails designed to let you experience ATVing at its best. Whether you’re looking for an easy ride or more challenging terrain, you’ll want to return again and again as more trails are added to the 7,200-acre park that includes beautiful Jericho Lake and 2,454-foot Jericho Mountain. When you’re ready to take a break from ATVing, take a dip in the lake or eat your picnic lunch in the pavilion. Daily park fees are $4 for adults and $2 for children 11 and under.

Jericho has camping facilities, too. Twenty primitive campsites are available at the park: five cabins, four tent sites, and nine RV sites, with toilet and shower facilities and a coin-op laundry. Find the details at http://www.nhstateparks.org/explore/state-parks/jericho-mountain-state-park.aspx

For a change of pace while at Jericho, you might want to make a run on the 20-mile loop from the park down to Gorham and back up to Berlin.

Eat & Sleep

Northland Restaurant and Dairy Bar, 1826 Riverside Drive, Berlin
A favorite eatery of local residents. Burgers and fries, lobster rolls, daily specials and homemade pies. A NH Grand Certified Best of Business. (603) 752-6210

151 Main Street, Berlin
Located in downtown Berlin. Large breakfast and lunch menu. (603) 752-4419

SAALT Pub, 111 Main Street (Route 16), Gorham
Delightful pub fare, from burgers and fries to international dishes like Vietnamese Beef, Moroccan Chicken Couscous and the Middle Eastern Plate. Supper served Wednesday through Sunday. A NH Grand Certified Best of Business.

Royalty Inn, 130 Main Street, Gorham
A 90-room resort in downtown Gorham, with indoor pool, health and fitness club, game room, laundry facilities, and on-site restaurant.

Town & Country Motor Inn, Route 2, Gorham
A local landmark offering 160 rooms, dining room, lounge, indoor heated pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and game room.

Millsfield Pond

Over 100 miles of great riding await you in Millsfield, on lands owned by Bayroot LLC. Located 15 miles north of Berlin on Route 16 in the towns of Dummer, Millsfield and Errol, the trails ascend to mountaintops with fantastic views, and go clear around the pond on trails and logging roads, for hours of riding pleasure. The Millsfield Pond area is home to remote ponds and streams and plenty of wildlife, so don’t forget your camera!

Eat & Sleep

Log Haven Campground, Restaurant & Lounge, Route 26, Millsfield
Home-cooked meals and daily specials, including burgers, pasta, salads and seafood, and a complete selection of beer, wine and spirits. Open year round. 

A Peace of Heaven B&B, 601 US Route 26, Millsfield
Comfortable rooms and a hearty breakfast. Direct access to Ride the Wilds from the front door. 

Pittsburg

Forest roads, ATV trails, scenic overlooks, and views of Lake Francis are all part of your ATV experience in Pittsburg, New Hampshire’s northernmost town. Choose from over 120 miles of trails on the gigantic 8,000-acre Perry Stream Land and Timber Company tract, where muddy wallows rub shoulders with graveled roads and woods trails. Bring your pole if you’d like to try a little fishing along Perry Stream or Indian Stream.

Eat & Sleep

At Bear Tree, 118 Glen Road, Pittsburg
The Glen and Bear Tree have eleven Lakeside cabins, a six-guestroom lodge, a four-guestroom Inn and five woodland cabins.  No direct trail access.

The Rainbow Grille, 609 Beach Road, Pittsburg
Gourmet fare in New Hampshire’s northernmost town. Listed as the “area’s stand-out dining” by the Boston Globe. A NH Grand Certified Best of Business. Direct trail access.

Murphy’s Steakhouse at Bear Tree, 3329 North Main Street, Pittsburg.
The wide-ranging menu appeals to a variety of tastes. Eat in the dining room or on the patio. A NH Grand Certified Best of Business. No direct trail access.

Buck Rub Pub & Lodge, Route 3, Pittsburg
Burgers, made-to-order pizza, fried chicken, steak tips, and excellent seafood. Wine and beer on tap, a pool table and video games. Buck Rub Lodge offers clean, comfortable efficiency units as well. Direct trail access.

Tall Timber Lodge, 609 Beach Road, Pittsburg
Offering accommodations since 1946. Both cabin and room rentals available. Direct trail access. NH ATV Registrations are sold at the Lodge.

Lopstick Lodge, 45 Stewart Young Road, Pittsburg
A four-season lodging property, with 54 housekeeping cabins. A NH Grand Certified Best of Business for its outdoor adventure packages and Orvis-endorsed outfitter service. Direct trail access from some of the cabins.

Stewartstown, Colebrook, Columbia and Dixville

Over 120 miles of trails are maintained by the Metallak ATV Club. Part of the trail system includes a trail head at Coleman State Park that will take you over Sugar Hill to The Balsams and over the Dixville Peaks and Nathan Pond trail connecting to Greenough Pond Road and The Millsfield Club trail system.

Eat & Sleep

Spa Restaurant, 869 Washington Street, West Stewartstown
A family-friendly restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Well-known for its prime rib and daily specials. Eat in or take-out. Direct trail access.

Ledges Motel, Route 3, Stewartstown
Smoking, non-smoking, and pet-friendly rooms, some with kitchenettes, plus a laundry room onsite and a large parking area! Direct trail access. (603) 246-8988

Moose Muck Coffee House, 25 Parsons Street, Colebrook
Open for breakfast and lunch. All the soups, sandwiches, salads and pastries are freshly made. A NH Grand Certified Best of Business. Direct trail access. (603) 237-4677

Mostly Muffins, 51 Parsons Street, Colebrook
One-hundred varieties of muffins, plus whoopie pies, cinnamon rolls and breakfast sandwiches served on home-made buns. Order from the counter, or at the drive-through. (603) 237-4582

Diamond Peaks Motel & Store, Route 26, Colebrook
Comfortable lodging open year-round, and located about six miles from downtown Colebrook. The store carries a large variety of convenience items and essentials. Try the breakfast sandwiches and pizzas made fresh daily. Direct trail access.

Parsons Street, Route 26,Colebrook
Luxury suites designed for a lodging experience that is inviting, warm and memorable. Also features a fine dining restaurant with outstanding cuisine and wonderful wines.

The Keazer Farm Bed & Breakfast, 11 Harvey Swell Road, Colebrook
Four cozy rooms in the 1840s inn that is situated on 400 acres of woods and fields. Includes a full country breakfast with the inn’s own eggs and maple syrup. Direct trail access.

The Northern Comfort Motel, 1 Scott Phillips Highway, Colebrook
Triple AAA rated. Nineteen rooms paneled with tongue and groove pine, heated outdoor pool, basketball court.

Notch View Resort Inn and Campground, 54 Forbes Hill Road, Colebrook
A bed and breakfast inn and campground located on 34 acres of a former dairy farm; offers OHRV rentals. Direct trail access.

Colebrook Country Club, 15 Abenaki Lane (off Route 26), Colebrook
Family owned and operated, with direct access to the Ride the Wilds ATV trail system. Eighteen ground-floor rooms in the motel, and a cocktail lounge open every afternoon and evening.

 

Stratford

You’ll find the longest lineal ATV trail system in New England in Stratford, where there are more than 120 miles of trails that crisscross about 30,000 acres of private land. These trails will take you through wide sweeps of undeveloped land that encompass the mountains, bogs, pastures and vistas of New Hampshire’s Grand North.

Eat & Sleep

Trailside Lodge, 382 Percy Road, North Stratford
Stay in the main lodge or in one of the cabins. Direct access to the ATV trail system.

Big Rock Campground and Cabins, Route 3, North Stratford
A full-service, family campground. Offers a variety of campsites for both tenting and RVing as well as cabins. Direct trail access.

Blueberry Hill Inn, Café and Campground, 484 Route 3, Stratford
A variety of accommodations in the inn, a cabin, and the campground. The full breakfast includes blueberry specials from blueberries picked on the inn property. Direct access to the ATV trails, and a heated garage for your ATV!

Connolly Cabins & Campground, 16 Martha’s Way, Stratford
The ATV trails runs right through this property. Two-bedroom year-round cabins, rustic cabins, tent sites and a campground for rigs and RVs.

 

Success & Milan

A three-mile city trail connects Jericho Mountain State Park in Berlin to the trails in Success, where you’ll discover 25 miles of excellent trail riding. A connector trail comes in from Maine at Success.

Eat & Sleep

Milan Village Deli and General Store, 727 Main Street, Milan
Pizza, made-to-order sandwiches, deli meats and cheeses, locally grown fruits and veggies, and lots of convenience items. (603) 449-3322

Mahoosuc Inn, 877 Milan Road, Route 16, Milan
A pet-friendly bed and breakfast with six rooms.

DuBee Our Guest Bed and Breakfast, 2 Bridge Street, Milan
Five comfortable rooms, and a delicious family-style breakfast.

Errol

The Umbagog ATV Club maintains 42 miles of trails on Bayroot LLC lands in Errol, north of Route 26.

Eat & Sleep

150 Main Street Lodging on the Androscoggin, 150 Main Street, Errol
A nine-room guest house. Fall asleep to the sounds of the river rushing by.

Errol Motel & Housekeeping Units, Route 26, Errol
Find recently remodeled rooms and pet-friendly lodging at the Errol Motel.

More Fine Riding

The Kilkenny Trail Riders of Lancaster, the Presidential ATV Club of Gorham, and the Androscoggin ATV Club of Berlin maintain many additional miles of trails.

BONUS: Many North Country towns have opened some roads and streets to accommodate ATVs to access area businesses and to connect trails. Look for the signs and please obey the speed limit.

Save the date: Jericho ATV Festival

It’s not too early to make plans for this year’s Jericho ATV Festival Presented by Progressive, with exhilarating ATV riding, mud races, poker run, freestyle shows, helicopter rides, music, food vendors, and displays. Demo the new ATV’s and SxS’s from major manufacturers. Downtown Block Party & Torchlight ATV Parade. Mark your calendar for August 4 & 5, 2017!

About ATV Clubs

ATV clubs in Coös County help maintain the trails, plan events and provide information on ATVing opportunities throughout the region. All welcome new members. Dues support trail maintenance and building projects.

Many of the region’s ATV clubs plan weekend events like Poker Runs or ride-ins throughout the riding season. Click on Ride the Wilds button on the New Hampshire Grand homepage at www.nhgrand.com or on the links, below, for up-to-date information on parking, trail conditions and special events.

The state maintains information about ATV trails in Coös County, including a NH Bureau of Trails downloadable map. http://nhstateparks.org/experience/atving/trail-information.aspx

Androscoggin Valley ATV Club
PO Box 534, Berlin, NH 03570
www.avatvclub.org
[email protected]

Great North Woods Riders ATV Club
PO Box 218, Pittsburg, NH 03592
www.greatnorthwoodsatv.org
[email protected]

The Kilkenny Trail Riders ATV Club
PO Box 64, Lancaster, NH 03584
www.kilkennytrailriders.com

Metallak ATV Club
PO Box 318
Colebrook, NH  03576
www.metallakatvclub.com

Millsfield ATV Club
16 Chasebrook Circle, Litchfield, NH 03052
www.millsfieldatv.com
[email protected]

North Country ATV Club
PO Box 161, North Stratford, NH 03590
www.northcountryatv.com
[email protected]

Presidential OHRV Club
PO Box 152
Gorham, NH  03581
www.presidentialohrvclub.com

Umbagog ATV Club
PO Box 71, Errol, NH 03579
[email protected]

Rentals & Guided Tours 

You don’t have to own a rig to enjoy the sport of ATVing. These businesses can provide a complete package for a day of riding enjoyment, including an ATV, instructions and all the safety equipment required. Drive yourself or enjoy a guided tour.

Absolute PowerSports (rentals, sales and service)
461 Main Street, Gorham, NH 03581
www.absolutepowersportsnh.com

Bear Rock Adventures (rentals & tours)
545 Beach Road, Pittsburg, NH 03592
www.bearrockadventures.com

Dalton Mountain Motorsports (sales & service)
475 Lancaster Road, Lancaster, NH 03584 www.daltonmountainmotorsports.com

Jericho Outdoors (rentals, tours, sales and service)
232 Jericho Road, Berlin, NH 03570
www.jerichooutdoors.net

Moose Poop ATV Tours
Muzzy Hill Road, Milan, NH 03848
http://www.moosepooptours.com/contact.htm

White Mountain ATV Rentals (rentals & tours)
299 Main Street, Gorham
www.whitemtatvrental.com

2017 Ski, Shoe & Fatbike to the Clouds – Stand-Out Event at Great Glen Trails

2017 Ski, Shoe & Fatbike to the Clouds — North America’s Toughest 10K Proved To Be This Winter’s Stand-Out Event

Pinkham Notch, NH–Since the Mt. Washington Auto Road first opened in 1861, it has been a proving ground for all types of adventurers. Throughout the years, many have secured their place in the history of the Auto Road, be it with a fastest time, or a landmark ascent.

History was made again with the 2017 Ski, Shoe & Fatbike to the Clouds. Held in cold, blue-sky conditions on March 5, it marked the first time that fatbikers have joined this annual winter event. First held in 1996 as Ski to the Clouds, it quickly proved to be a new and unique challenge for Nordic skiers, and at that time was held entirely on the Auto Road. In later years it was modified to increase the race distance to 10 kilometers, utilizing the Great Glen Trails Nordic system for the first four kilometers, before beginning the steep ascent up the Mt. Washington Auto Road. The race finishes just before the halfway point of the Auto Road at about 3,800 feet.

In 2013, a separate snowshoe category was added to entice snowshoe racers to take up the challenge, and was so successful that in 2014 the event was renamed as Ski & Shoe to the Clouds. In 2016, a new fatbike category was added, which quickly became the largest group of racers, but was sadly cancelled due to lack of snow.

Mother Nature was kind to us this year, and the 2017 event was attended by 120 racers in three disciplines–18 Nordic skiers, 33 snowshoers, and 69 fatbikers. Whether on skis, snowshoes or fatbikes, the race lived up to its reputation as North America’s Toughest 10K, testing the racers as only Mount Washington can.

The fastest time was posted by veteran racer Tristan Williams, with a blazing time of just 48 minutes 37 seconds, winning the men’s Nordic division. Tristan was closely followed by fatbiker Jeremiah Macrae-Hawkins, winning the men’s fatbike division with a time of 50 minutes 37 seconds–the second fastest time on course. Kudos to all the racers who battled the Mountain and finished, but particularly to the winners of each division:

  • Men’s Nordic Tristan Williams 48:37
  • Women’s Nordi Meredith Pietrow 1:01:42
  • Men’s Snowshoe Andrew Drummond 51:49
  • Women’s Snowshoe Hilary McCloy 1:05:56
  • Men’s Fatbike Jeremiah Macrae-Hawkins 50:37
  • Women’s Fatbike Renee Bousquet 1:12:26

A heartfelt “thank you” goes out to all the event sponsors, who have helped make this annual event such a success. For 2017, those sponsors included Dion Snowshoes, Stan & Dan Sports, Polartec, Littleton Chevrolet, Hannaford, and the Old Village Bakery.
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The family-owned Mount Washington Summit Road Company was formed in 1859, and completed the road to the summit of Mount Washington in 1861. The Mt. Washington Carriage Road, now called the Mt. Washington Auto Road, has the long-held distinction of being America’s oldest man-made attraction. Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, opened in 1984, is one of New Hampshire’s premier Nordic ski areas, with 45 kilometers of trails for skiing, snowshoeing and fatbiking. During the summer months, the Outdoor Center focuses on human-powered outdoor activities including kayaking, biking, hiking and trail running.

How Sweet It Is! – The New Hampshire Maple Experience at The Rocks

As winter wanes and the days warm up, sap begins to flow in sugar maple trees, signaling a sweet springtime tradition: boiling down the sap to make flavorful maple syrup at sugar houses across the region.

For a family-friendly, hands-on experience head to The Rocks Estate in Bethlehem for the New Hampshire Maple Experience, scheduled this year for March 11, 18, 19, 25 and 26 and April 1.

During The Maple Experience visitors are invited to tap a tree, stop by the sugar house to explore how maple syrup is made, and enjoy a tasting with the traditional pairing of syrup with donuts and sour pickles. Don’t miss the horse-drawn carriage ride through the magnificent 1,400 acre Rocks Estate where your interpretive guide will relate interesting facts about local history and sugaring.

Visit the Maple Museum to learn about all things maple, and join local chefs each day at noon for maple cooking demonstrations, including sampling the finished product and taking home printed copies of the recipes.

The Rocks and its gift shop will be open during Maple Experience days from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Maple tours are offered at 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:15 p.m., and 2 p.m. Reservations are recommended, with walk-in visitors welcome on a space available basis.

The Rocks staff will be selling mixes from the incomparable Polly’s Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill, and Kingdom Kernels Kettle Corn will be onsite, with their delicious fresh popcorn in a variety of flavors including maple.

Want to make your visit a weekend-long experience? The Rocks partners with local hotels and inns with a Maple Experience Vacation Package.

The Rocks will once again host its popular Maple Dinner fundraiser, featuring local microbrews and a menu showcasing maple recipes. Reservations for the April 1 event are required; e-mail [email protected] or call (603) 444-6228. For more information about The Rocks Estate and its maple tours, visit www.therocks.org.

The Rocks is the North Country Conservation and Education Center of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (www.forestsociety.org). The Forest Society is non-profit membership organization founded in 1901 to protect the state’s most important landscapes and promote wise use of its natural resources.