Jerry and Marcy Monkman
WHERE TO RIDE
Jericho Mountain State Park Berlin, New Hampshire If you’re looking for a place to ride your ATV in New Hampshire that would seem to have everything you need to have a great time, then head off to Jericho Mountain State Park near the town of Berlin. The 7,500-acre park boasts 75 miles of trails and more are being added. Officials hope to eventually have 140 miles of trails. The existing trails are suitable for riders of all skill levels. Whether you want a smooth, open road or a gnarly twisting trail for your ATV, Jericho has it. Many of the trails in this region are in timber and logging areas, so riders will want to use caution. The park operates on weekends only from May 11 to May 25 and then all week from May 25 to Nov 11. The operating hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The fees are $4 for adults a day and $2 for children ages 6 to 11. Children 5 and under, and New Hampshire residents 65 and over, are admitted free. Seasonal passes are also available, including a $60 individual pass, $105 family pass, and $25 child pass. To see other options, go to www.nhstateparks. org/explore/visiting/seasonal-passoptions.aspx. While the park has specific operating hours, when it is staffed, the park is always open for recreation. During off hours and the off-season the park is typically not staffed, comfort stations are not available and gates may be closed.
10 September/October 2013
Officials say the off-season “poses unique risks inherent when participating in outdoor recreational activities. Please be aware that many state park areas and trails are not staffed during the off-season, and day-use fees are not collected. Recreationists should possess the necessary knowledge, skill, and equipment to ensure their own safety. Users assume all risk while recreating in state park lands.” Visitors are treated to a number of scenic outlooks throughout the park. Park guests can also enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing or picnicking at Jericho Lake. Further development plans for the park include expansion of the ride-in/ride-out campground, several remote tent sites, group picnic pavilions, administrative offices and improved beach facilities. The park’s campground has 20 primitive campsites where only water and portable toilets are available: five cabins, six tent sites and nine RV sites. But the campground connects to the 75 miles of riding trails at the park, a day-use area with a beach for swimming, pavilion and boat launch. Campsite fees are $23 a night and cabin fees are $50 a night. The campground is open for reservations this year through Nov. 11. Reservations can be made online through ReserveAmerica at www.reserveamerica.com or by calling ReserveAmerica at (877) 647-2757. For those who don’t want to camp,
there are hotels and other lodging options within 20 miles. The park also hosts an annual ATV festival in the summer. For details go to www.jerichoatvfestival.com. The Jericho Mountain State Park is off State Route 110, just a few miles northwest of downtown Berlin, and a 3½hour drive from Boston. For more information about this great riding area, go to www.nhstateparks.org/ explore/state-parks/jericho-mountainstate-park.aspx.