Ride the Wilds™, the New 1,000-Plus Mile Interconnected ATV Trail System throughout Northern New Hampshire Holds Grand Opening at Coleman State Park

Ride the Wilds™ is open for business!  The new 1,000+ mile interconnected ATV trail system throughout northern New Hampshire held its grand opening celebration on June 15^th at Coleman State Park with more than 300 people in attendance, including Governor Maggie Hassan.  More than a dozen off-road vehicle clubs worked with state agencies and local communities for years to complete the project.  Building on that success, the state Legislature this year passed a pair of bills aimed at attracting more off-road vehicle enthusiasts to the state: One would allow the construction of a separate obstacle course for modified trucks and jeeps at the park; and the other would allow larger, two-passenger motorized vehicles on state-owned trails.

“Ride the Wilds is more than a trail system; it is an economic engine which will drive business to local shops, restaurants, and properties,” said Harry Brown, president of the OHRV Coalition.  “ATV riders are loving the experience of the connecting trails and not having to trailer their vehicles from one location to another.  They will be able to head out for a day or more, with opportunities to stop and stay along the way.  It will not only help existing small businesses, but it will also encourage new tourism related businesses to open up, from restaurants to lodging properties, and from services to rental and repair shops.  Members of the OHRV Coalition believe that connecting the trails will help bring ATV riders from around the region and the Northeast into many North Country communities such as Gorham, Berlin, Errol, Pittsburg, Stewartstown, Colebrook, Stratford, Groveton, and Lancaster.”

The North Country OHRV Coalition recently received a $15,000 grant from the Coos Economic Development Corporation to develop and execute a marketing plan to promote the initiative.  New Hampshire Grand will aid in the marketing effort, along with the development of a website and common signage, easily accessible maps, and possibly a mobile app. 

About New Hampshire Grand

“Experience New Hampshire’s Grand North” is the brand of New Hampshire’s North Country marketing initiative – also known as NH Grand -- and is the official visitor information source for the Great North Woods and the Northern White Mountains.  New Hampshire Grand is an initiative of the Northern Community Investment Corporation to promote Coos County to potential visitors. This outreach effort includes introducing visitors to the diverse range of lodging, dining, events, and outdoor activities available in Northern New Hampshire.

For more information on NH Grand, visit www.nhgrand.com, New Hampshire Grand on Facebook, and NH Grand on Twitter. To sign up for the monthly e-newsletters, visit http://www.nhgrand.com/newsletter-sign-up/default.aspx