Ride the Wilds

New Hampshire’s Ride the Wilds network of 1,000-plus miles of interconnected Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle (OHRV) trails is set to open Saturday, May 23.

OHRV enthusiasts rejoice as northern New Hampshire’s Ride the Wilds network of 1,000-plus miles of interconnected Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle (OHRV) trails is set to open Saturday, May 23. Ride the Wilds will host a grand opening event at Jericho Mountain State Park in Berlin on May 23, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. As part of the celebration, Ride the Wilds will raffle a 2015 Polaris Sportsman 570 4x4, valued at $6,559, from HK Powersports to raise funds for Ride the Wilds. The trail network is one of the largest OHRV Trail Systems in the country.

“What separates the Ride the Wilds trail network from other OHRV destinations in the country is not just the sheer size of the trail network, but the fact that the network provides easy and convenient access for riders looking to hit the trails, and also stop at restaurants, local shops, gas stations and other locations on main roads,” said Harry Brown, president of the North Country OHRV Coalition, the organization that facilitated the Ride the Wilds initiative. “The interconnected access, the endless riding opportunities and the breathtaking beauty of northern New Hampshire truly makes Ride the Wilds one of a kind.”

The grand opening celebration will offer food and beverages, made available by the Androscoggin Valley OHRV Club and the Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce. Raffle tickets cost $15, and all proceeds will support Ride the Wilds. For more information and to purchase OHRV raffle tickets, visit www.nhgrand.com/ride-the-wilds/raffle2015.aspx. 

“Ride the Wilds is a volunteer-based operation that generates its own funds through local fund raising, various foundations, and the New Hampshire Trails Bureau’s Grants in Aid and Recreational Trails Program, to support the incredible trail system—all at no cost to users,” Brown said. “Expenses mount quickly on a trail network of this magnitude, including signage, maintenance equipment, fuel, materials for bridges and much more.”

This past August, Governor Maggie Hassan, with local and state officials and leaders of the Ride the Wilds initiative, officially opened the final segment of Phase 1 of the Ride the Wilds network. With the entire first phase complete, OHRV riders can now travel from Lancaster to Pittsburg without trailering. Ride the Wilds leaders anticipate opening Phase 2—Corridor D—of the Ride the Wilds network early this summer.  This will connect the communities of Northumberland (Groveton), Stark, and Milan via an East/West connection in the Southern area of the system.

All 15 towns within the Ride the Wilds trail system allow OHRVs on town roads along with some state highways—riders should look for “OHRV Permitted” signs on open sections of highway. All OHRV trail openings are dependent on conditions. Visit www.nhstateparks.org/experience/atving/trail-information.aspx for a complete list of trail openings.

“What really makes Ride the Wilds unique is that it provides a direct connection to many of northern New Hampshire’s fantastic attractions, lodging, dining and shopping opportunities,” said Karl Stone, marketing manager for New Hampshire Grand. “To that end, Ride the Wilds has played a monumental role in driving economic activity throughout Coos County.”

Ride the Wilds is not just for those who own OHRVs. Several businesses along the Ride the Wilds trail network offer OHRV rentals, all necessary safety equipment, and guided OHRV tours.

“Ride the Wilds is the perfect vacation adventure for individuals and families looking to experience the thrill of OHRV riding, from OHRV enthusiasts who have been riding for years to those who have never been on an OHRV before,” said Corrine Rober, of Bear Rock Adventures in Colebrook, which provides OHRV rentals, guided tours and access to the Ride the Wilds network. “Ride the Wilds provides people of all ages with access to hundreds of miles of scenic trails and beautiful landscapes that truly define New Hampshire’s Grand North.”

For information on the Ride the Wilds trail network, where to rent an OHRV, or to enjoy a guided tour, visit RidetheWilds.org.