ATV Adventures in New Hampshire

March 1, 2025

New Hampshire’s Lakes Region isn’t just about boating and hiking — it’s also a premier destination for ATV enthusiasts. With hundreds of miles of well-maintained trails winding through forests, hills, and along scenic lakes, the region offers exciting off-road experiences for all skill levels.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxed ride through wooded paths or a more challenging technical trail with steep climbs and rocky terrain, New Hampshire’s ATV network has something for every rider. In this guide, we’ll cover the best ATV trails, local regulations, and tips to make the most of your ride.

Why New Hampshire is a Top ATV Destination

New Hampshire’s state and local governments have created one of the most extensive trail systems in the Northeast, thanks to partnerships with private landowners and trail organizations.

Over 1,200 Miles of Trails: The state’s interconnected trail network allows for long-distance rides without needing to trailer your ATV.
Seasonal Access: Many trails are open year-round, with some converted for snowmobiling in winter.
Trailside Amenities: Rest stops, fuel stations, and lodging are located near major trailheads.
Variety: From smooth gravel trails to challenging rock climbs, New Hampshire’s trails cover a wide range of terrains.

ATV Regulations and Licensing in New Hampshire

To ride on New Hampshire’s trail system, you must:

Register your ATV with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.
Display registration decals on both sides of your vehicle.
Wear a helmet if you’re under the age of 18.
Stay on Marked Trails: Riding off-trail can result in fines and trail closure.

Tip: Non-resident permits are available for out-of-state riders.

Best ATV Trails in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region

1. Jericho Mountain State Park (Berlin)

Distance: Over 80 miles of trails
Difficulty: Easy to Difficult
Type: Loop and out-and-back

Jericho Mountain State Park is the heart of New Hampshire’s ATV network, offering wide gravel paths, rocky hill climbs, and water crossings. The park also hosts the annual Jericho ATV Festival — one of the largest ATV events in New England.

Trail Highlights:
- Scenic views of Jericho Lake.
- Long-distance loops and short technical climbs.
- On-site camping and parking available.

Tip: The trails are well-marked and beginner-friendly, but experienced riders can find challenging terrain in the higher elevations.

2. Ride the Wilds (Coos County)

Distance: Over 1,000 miles of connected trails
Difficulty: Easy to Expert
Type: Interconnected trail network

Ride the Wilds is one of the largest ATV trail networks in the United States. Covering Coos County and extending into neighboring areas, the trail system includes everything from flat, wide gravel paths to steep, technical climbs through forested mountains.

Trail Highlights:
- Multi-day riding options.
- Direct access to towns for fuel, food, and lodging.
- Connects to other trail systems.

Tip: Download the trail map ahead of time — cell service can be limited in the mountains.

3. Pisgah State Park (Winchester)

Distance: Over 20 miles of trails
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Type: Loop

Pisgah State Park offers a mix of wide forest trails and challenging rocky climbs. The park’s trails wind through dense forests, with steep descents and technical rock features.

Trail Highlights:
- Heavily forested trails provide good shade.
- Small creek crossings add to the technical challenge.
- Less crowded than Jericho Mountain State Park.

Tip: Pisgah’s trails are rocky and prone to mud — bring proper tires and protective gear.

4. Hopkinton-Everett Reservoir (Weare)

Distance: 26 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Type: Loop

Hopkinton-Everett Reservoir offers a relatively easy trail system with wide gravel paths and minimal elevation gain. It’s one of the most family-friendly ATV destinations in New Hampshire.

Trail Highlights:
- Smooth trails with minimal technical sections.
- Open fields and views of the reservoir.
- Good for group rides and beginners.

Tip: This trail system is open year-round but can close during wet weather to protect the trail surface.

5. Ammonoosuc Rail Trail (Littleton to Woodsville)

Distance: 19 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Out-and-back

The Ammonoosuc Rail Trail follows the path of an old railroad bed, creating a wide and flat trail that’s ideal for relaxed rides and families with younger riders.

Trail Highlights:
- Runs parallel to the Ammonoosuc River.
- Multiple river crossings on restored railroad bridges.
- Several trail-accessible restaurants and lodges nearby.

Tip: This is one of the best trails for leaf peeping in the fall.

Trailside Lodging and Camping

Many trail systems offer direct access to lodging and camping, making it easy to spend a weekend exploring the trails.

Best ATV-Friendly Lodging:

Jericho Mountain State Park Cabins: Located on-site with direct trail access.
Bear Rock Adventures (Pittsburg): Offers guided tours and cabin rentals.
Colebrook Country Club: Direct access to Ride the Wilds trails.

Best ATV-Friendly Campgrounds:

Mountain Lake Campground (Lancaster): On-site ATV parking and direct trail access.
Umbagog Lake Campground: Offers rustic tent and RV sites near the trails.
Jericho Mountain Campground: Provides RV hookups and tent sites.

Best Time to Ride in New Hampshire

Spring: May through June — cool temps and limited crowds.
Summer: July through August — busiest time, but ideal for longer rides.
Fall: September through October — beautiful foliage and cooler temps.
Winter: December through March — some trails convert to snowmobile use.

Tip: Check for trail updates — many trail systems close during wet conditions to prevent damage.

ATV Safety and Trail Etiquette

Ride Within Your Skill Level: Don’t attempt difficult trails without proper experience.
Stay on Marked Trails: Avoid damaging natural areas or private property.
Yield to Hikers and Mountain Bikers: Some trails are multi-use.
Carry a First Aid Kit and Tool Kit: Basic repairs and medical care can make a big difference.
Watch for Wildlife: Moose and deer are common in the Lakes Region.

Top ATV Rental and Tour Companies

If you don’t have your own ATV or you’re new to the sport, there are several reputable outfitters in the Lakes Region:

Bear Rock Adventures (Pittsburg):

Offers guided and self-guided ATV rentals.
Provides safety gear and trail maps.

DirtVentures ATV Rentals (Lincoln):

Half-day and full-day rentals available.
Guided tours through Franconia Notch and surrounding areas.

White Mt ATV Rentals (Gorham):

New fleet of ATVs available for rent.
Direct trail access from the shop.

Why New Hampshire’s ATV Trails are Worth the Trip

New Hampshire’s Lakes Region offers one of the best off-road riding experiences in the country. With its combination of scenic views, varied terrain, and a well-connected trail network, it’s easy to see why the state attracts ATV enthusiasts from all over New England.

Conclusion

Whether you’re cruising through Jericho Mountain State Park or tackling the challenging climbs at Pisgah, New Hampshire’s ATV trails provide an unmatched mix of adventure and natural beauty.

Ready to hit the trails? Book a lakeside rental and start your New Hampshire ATV adventure today!