There’s a particular kind of freedom that comes with exploring the woods on four wheels.
Instead of sticking to the pavement, an ATV lets you follow rough forest roads, climb into the mountains, cross remote sections of the North Country and reach places that would take considerably more effort to access on foot. In northern New Hampshire, that experience is available on a massive scale.
The Ride the Wilds trail system encompasses more than 1,000 miles of interconnected ATV trails across northern New Hampshire, making the region one of the premier destinations in the Northeast for off-road riding.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a multi-day adventure, the Great North Woods offers enough terrain to keep you exploring long after the novelty of your first ride has worn off.
A Thousand Miles of Trails
Ride the Wilds connects ATV trails across communities including Pittsburg, Stewartstown, Colebrook, Stratford, Errol, Milan, Berlin and beyond.
The trails take riders through an impressive variety of North Country terrain: dense forests, open fields, mountain slopes, streams, ponds and remote stretches of wilderness. Some sections are relatively easy and scenic, while others offer considerably more challenging terrain.
One of the great advantages of the system is its connectivity. Rather than riding one isolated trail before turning around and heading back, riders can string together different trail sections and travel between communities.
That also means you can make a full day—or even several days—out of your ride.
The network includes trails maintained by numerous local ATV clubs, including the Great North Woods Riders in Pittsburg, Metallak ATV Club in the Stewartstown and Colebrook area, North Country ATV Club in Stratford and others throughout the region.
Pittsburg: A Great Place to Start
For a first Ride the Wilds trip, Pittsburg is hard to beat.
Located at the northern end of New Hampshire, Pittsburg sits amid the Connecticut Lakes region and provides access to an extensive network of ATV trails. Riders can head out into the surrounding forests and mountains and connect with trails leading toward other North Country communities.
Pittsburg also makes a particularly good base for a longer trip because there are numerous lodging, dining, fuel and other services available in town.
And don’t be surprised if wildlife becomes part of the adventure. This is moose country, and riders exploring the back roads and trails have a chance of seeing moose, deer and other wildlife.
Of course, wildlife encounters require patience and caution. If you encounter an animal on the trail, slow down and give it plenty of room.
You Don’t Need to Own an ATV
One of the best things about riding in northern New Hampshire is that you don’t have to own a machine to experience the Ride the Wilds system.
Several businesses in the region rent ATVs and side-by-side UTVs, making it possible to turn an ATV adventure into a vacation without towing a machine hundreds of miles to New Hampshire.
Bear Rock Adventures — Pittsburg
Bear Rock Adventures is one of the area’s largest ATV rental operations. Based in Pittsburg, the company offers Polaris RZR and Ranger side-by-sides, including two-, four- and six-passenger machines. Rentals are available by the hour or for multiple days, and Bear Rock has direct access to the Ride the Wilds system.
The business also offers lodging and camping, making it possible to combine your rental and accommodations in one trip.
Lopstick — Pittsburg
Lopstick offers Can-Am Maverick side-by-side rentals from its Pittsburg properties. Rentals include helmets, goggles and current trail maps, and riders can access the local trail system as well as the larger Ride the Wilds network. Half-day and full-day rentals are available.
For visitors already planning a stay at Lopstick, renting a machine there can be an especially convenient option.
Trailside Rentals — Pittsburg
Located directly on the ATV and snowmobile trail on Route 3 in Pittsburg, Trailside Rentals offers another convenient option for riders staying in the Connecticut Lakes region. The business rents both ATVs and snowmobiles and is open seven days a week during its operating season.
Its location makes it particularly appealing if you want to get on the trail without spending much time transporting a rental machine.
Jericho Adventures — Berlin
If you’re basing your trip farther south, Jericho Adventures in Berlin offers UTV rentals just minutes from Jericho Mountain State Park.
From its location, riders can access Jericho Mountain and connect with the broader Ride the Wilds network. The company offers two- and four-seat Can-Am UTVs, making it an option for couples, families and small groups traveling together.
Jericho Mountain State Park itself is another major destination for off-road enthusiasts, with extensive ATV/OHRV trails and scenic mountain terrain.
Northeast ATV Rentals — Gorham
For riders approaching the region from the south, Northeast ATV Rentals operates a location in Gorham with direct access to Jericho Mountain State Park and the Ride the Wilds network.
The company’s Gorham location provides access to road-connected trails leading toward other communities, making it possible to plan longer rides rather than simply exploring a small trail system around the rental shop.
It’s another option worth considering if your trip includes Gorham, Berlin or the Presidential Range area.
Plan a Multi-Day Ride
One of the biggest mistakes a first-time visitor can make is trying to experience Ride the Wilds in a single day.
With more than 1,000 miles of interconnected trails, there’s enough terrain here for a multi-day trip. You can ride from one community to another, stop for lunch, refuel, spend the night and continue exploring the following day.
The system’s connection to local communities is part of what makes northern New Hampshire different from many off-road destinations. Approved roads and trail connections allow riders to reach restaurants, fuel stations, lodging and other businesses along the way.
For a longer adventure, consider choosing a base in Pittsburg, Colebrook, Berlin or another trail-connected community and building a series of day rides around it.
When to Go
The traditional ATV riding season in northern New Hampshire runs from late spring through the fall, although exact opening and closing dates can vary by trail and club.
The riding season generally coincides with some of the best weather of the year in the North Country. Early summer brings lush forests and long days, while late summer and early fall offer cooler temperatures.
Fall can be particularly spectacular. Riding through the woods as the foliage begins changing adds an entirely different dimension to the experience, although conditions and trail availability should always be checked before heading out.
Trail conditions can change quickly, and individual trails may have temporary closures or restrictions. Check current conditions with the appropriate ATV club or New Hampshire State Parks before your trip.
Ride Responsibly
The scale of Ride the Wilds is impressive, but keeping it open for future generations requires responsible riding.
Stay on designated trails, obey posted restrictions and respect private property. Follow local speed limits and road rules when trails use approved town roads, and be courteous when passing through communities.
If you’re renting a machine, take advantage of the orientation and trail information provided by the rental company. You don’t need to be an expert rider to have a great time, but understanding the machine and the terrain before heading deep into the woods can make the experience considerably more enjoyable.
And remember that you’re not simply riding through an obstacle course. You’re traveling through a landscape shared by residents, landowners, wildlife, hikers, anglers, hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Your Next North Country Adventure
There’s a reason ATV riders keep coming back to northern New Hampshire.
The appeal isn’t just the machinery or the thrill of navigating a rocky climb. It’s the ability to spend an entire day moving through the North Country, following a trail around the next bend and wondering what you’ll find over the next ridge.
With more than 1,000 miles of interconnected trails, plenty of places to stay and eat, and a growing selection of rental options, Ride the Wilds makes it possible to experience some of the Northeast’s most expansive backcountry by ATV or UTV—even if you don’t own one.