If you want to enjoy nature and adventure, you might want to visit Jericho Mountain State Park. Located in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, the park covers over 7,500 acres of forests, wetlands, and mountains.
The park was established in 2005 and has since become a popular destination for trail riding, swimming, fishing, canoeing, and picnicking.
In this article, we will explore the park’s main attractions and activities and give you some tips and advice on planning and preparing for a trip to this NH ATV park.
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Jericho Mountain State Park Trails
One of the main features of this park is the trail system, which is a must and special mention while talking of NH ATV trails. This off-road paradise provides opportunities for ATV, UTV, trail bike, and snowmobile enthusiasts. The park has the only central state-owned ATV riding area in New Hampshire and has over 80 miles of trails that vary in difficulty and terrain.
The trails connect to other trails in the region, such as the Ride the Wilds network, which spans over 1,000 miles across northern New Hampshire. You can enjoy scenic outlooks and landmarks along the trails, such as the Jericho Mountain Fire Tower, the Head Pond Dam, and the Berlin Fish Hatchery.
You can also spot wildlife like moose, deer, bears, and birds. The trails are open year-round, but some may be closed or restricted depending on the season and weather conditions. You can check the trail status and Jericho Mountain State Park map on the park’s website or at the visitor center.
The Jericho Lake: A Serene Oasis
Another key attraction of the park is the Jericho Lake, a 40-acre artificial lake that was created in the 1970s. Recreational facilities, include a beach, bathhouses, picnic sites, and a shelter surround the lake.
The lake is a great place to relax and have fun, as you can swim, fish, and canoe on or near the lake. The lake is stocked with trout, bass, and perch; you can fish from the shore or boat.
However, you need to have a valid fishing license and follow the rules and regulations for fishing. You can also rent canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats at the park or bring your own. A matching name dedicated for fishing and fun in water is St. Mary’s Shoals Park.
Another OHV park offering a plethora of fun activities is Revolution off-road.
Going back to Jericho, it is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and there is a small fee for using the beach and the boat launch.
Jericho Mountain State Park Camping
If you want to stay overnight at the park, you have several camping options to choose from. Like Croom ATV park in Florida, Jericho State OHV park has dedicated setting for camping – 20 primitive campsites, 18 RV campsites, and 5 cabins.
The primitive campsites are located along the trails and have fire pits, picnic tables, and outhouses. The RV campsites near the lake have water, electricity, fire pits, picnic tables, and restrooms.
The cabins are located on the park’s east side and have beds, electricity, heat, fire pits, picnic tables, and restrooms. The cabins can accommodate up to 6 people and have a minimum stay of 2 nights.
To make the most of your camping experience, bring your bedding, cooking equipment, food, water, and trash bags.
Events and Programs in Jericho Off-road Park
The stand-out features of NH ATV parks and trails are their love to festivals and events. Even the newest off-road zone like Mountain mud run has its highly favorite event like Blizzard Baja.
This off-road park also hosts various events and programs throughout the year, such as the Jericho ATV festival, the first-day hikes, and the nature programs.
Jericho ATV festival
The Jericho ATV festival is an annual event that celebrates the thrill and excitement of off-road riding. It takes place at Jericho Mountain State Park in Berlin, New Hampshire, which has over 80 miles of trails and connects to over 1,000 miles of other trails in the region. The festival features various activities and attractions, such as:
- Mud pit grudge runs, where riders compete to see who can get through the muddy obstacle course the fastest and the furthest.
- Manufacturer demo rides, where riders can test drive the latest models and brands of ATVs, UTVs, trail bikes, and snowmobiles.
- Helicopter rides, where riders can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the park and the surrounding area.
- JBR Best Whip is where professional riders perform spectacular stunts and tricks like backflips, whips, and jumps.
- Ronnie Mac is a mysterious and charismatic rider who always puts on a show with his reckless and raunchy riding style.
- Live music, vendors, food, kid’s zone, and more.
The festival is usually held in August, and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the country. It is a fun and family-friendly event showcasing the best off-road culture and community. You can find more information about the festival on its official website or its Facebook page. You can also buy tickets online or at the gate.
First Day Hikes/Jericho Mountain State Park Hiking
The first-day hikes are guided hikes on January 1st every year. They offer a chance to start the new year with fresh air and exercise and enjoy the beauty and diversity of the park’s trails and scenery. The hikes are led by park staff and volunteers, who provide information and interpretation on the park’s wildlife, plants, history, and ecology.
They are suitable for all ages and abilities, ranging from easy to moderate in difficulty and length. The hikes are free, but registration is required. You can register online or by phone. You should dress appropriately for the weather, bring water and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes or boots.
You should also follow the park’s rules and regulations for hiking, such as staying on the trails, respecting the environment, and leaving no trace. The First day hikes are a fun and healthy way to kick off the new year and discover the wonders of Jericho Mountain State Park.
Nature Programs: Educational and Interactive Sessions
Nature programs teach visitors about the park’s wildlife, plants, history, and ecology. Like First Day Hikes, they are guided and led by park staff and volunteers with knowledge and experience in various natural and cultural topics. The programs are usually held on weekends and holidays and vary in theme and format. Some examples of nature programs are:
- Animal Tracks and Signs: Learn how to identify and interpret the tracks and signs left by different animals across this large off-road park, such as moose, deer, bears, and birds. You will also learn about the behavior and adaptations of these animals and how to respect and protect them.
- Wild Edibles: Discover the edible plants and mushrooms that grow in the park and how to harvest and prepare them safely and sustainably. You will also learn about these plants’ medicinal and nutritional benefits and how to avoid poisonous ones.
- History Hike: Explore the historical and cultural aspects of the park, such as the logging industry, the creation of the lake, and the development of the trails. You will also learn about the people and events that shaped the park’s past and present and how to preserve and appreciate its heritage.
- Nature Photography: Learn the basics and tips of nature photography, such as how to use your camera, how to compose and frame your shots, and how to capture the beauty and diversity of the park’s scenery and wildlife. You will also be able to practice and share your photos with others.
Thus, nature programs enhance the enjoyment and education of the visitors and are suitable for all ages and abilities. You can check the park’s website or social media for updates and announcements on these programs and register or buy tickets if required.
Plan Your Visit to Jericho ATV Park in New Hampshire
When planning your visit, consider the time of year that best suits your interests on top of guessing the Jericho mountain state park map. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and vibrant foliage, while summer brings opportunities for swimming and sunbathing.
Winter transforms the park into a wonderland for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing and gear for the season, and check the park’s website for weather updates and trail conditions.
Pre-book Your Jericho Mountain Park Cabins
You can make reservations for the campsites and cabins online or over phone, and you need to pay a fee depending on the type and duration of your stay. You can find more information about the cabins and the park on the official website.
Alternatively, you can look for other cabin rentals near the park, such as those listed on Rent By Owner or Vrbo. These websites offer a variety of cabins with different sizes, prices, and amenities. The cabins offer beds, electricity, heat, fire pits, picnic tables, and restrooms.
You can filter your search by location, availability, and preferences. As an added opportunity, you can read reviews and ratings from previous guests and contact the owners directly. However, you should be aware of the terms and conditions, cancellation policies, and fees of each rental before booking.
Remember, you should also follow the park’s rules and regulations for camping, such as keeping your site clean, quiet, and safe.
Jericho Mountain State Park – Get Prepared
Whether you want to ride the trails, swim in the lake, camp in the woods, or learn about nature, you will find something to suit your taste and preference at the park.
However, you need to be aware of the potential challenges and drawbacks that you might face. Weather changes, trail closures, equipment failures, or wildlife encounters may come your way.
So, you should plan and prepare for your trip accordingly, such as checking the trail and lake status, making reservations, packing the essentials, and following the rules and regulations. Respect the park’s environment and resources, and leave no trace behind.
Doing so will ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to the park and create lasting memories with your friends and family. As the park’s motto says, “Come play in our backyard.”