Jericho’s 75 Miles of Trail
Jericho Mountain’s roughly 75 miles of trails can make for a full day of riding, but the mileage doesn’t mean every route forms one continuous loop or suits every machine. The key is matching your ATV or UTV to the trail system, checking what is open, and planning where you’ll start, refuel, and turn around. Here’s how to make a visit to Jericho Mountain State Park in Berlin go more smoothly.
What to expect from Jericho Mountain’s trail system
The 75 miles are a network, not one guaranteed loop
Jericho Mountain State Park sits in Berlin, in New Hampshire’s North Country. Riders come for a network of off-highway recreational vehicle trails that can connect into longer outings, with terrain and ride length depending on the routes you choose. Think of the mileage as a system to explore, not a promise that you can follow one marked circuit and cover every mile in a day.
That distinction matters if you’re trying to plan around a meal, a fuel stop, or a group with mixed experience. A short ride on the map can feel very different once you account for slower trail conditions, stops, and navigation. And if a connector is closed, your planned loop may no longer work as drawn. Check the trail map and current notices before setting out, then keep a backup route in mind.
For a broader picture of the park and its riding options, see [Jericho Mountain State Park at Berlin]. If you’re comparing places to ride around the area, [New Hampshire ATV Trails Near Berlin] can help you put Jericho in context with nearby options.
Trail conditions can change the ride you planned
A route that looks straightforward on a map may include rough, rocky, muddy, or narrow sections. Recent rain, seasonal thaw, maintenance work, or a temporary closure can change what’s passable. A sunny forecast doesn’t necessarily mean the whole route is dry, especially in shaded stretches or low areas.
Before you unload, look for current trail notices and follow posted signs once you’re on the system. Don’t assume an old map, a familiar route, or a track saved on your phone reflects today’s conditions. [New Hampshire Trail Status Before You Ride] is a useful reminder to check access before you leave home, rather than discovering a closure after you’ve driven to Berlin.
| Planning question | Why it matters at Jericho | A practical check |
|---|---|---|
| Is the route open? | Closures can interrupt a loop or make a connector unavailable. | Review current trail notices and follow signs at the trail. |
| Will my machine fit? | Width limits and narrow sections can rule out some routes for wider machines. | Confirm the route’s limits and measure your machine. |
| How long will the ride take? | Terrain, stops, and group pace affect the day more than map mileage alone. | Pick a shorter first route and leave time to return. |
| What will access cost? | Park day-use charges may be separate from registration requirements. | Check the current park information before arrival. |
| Where can I start? | Parking and unloading arrangements affect how easily you can get underway. | Confirm the appropriate staging and parking details. |
Choose a machine and route that fit
Check width before bringing a UTV
A machine’s advertised width is not always the whole story. Accessories, tires, mirrors, or other modifications can affect the overall measurement, and a trail’s posted limit is what matters. If you’re visiting with a side-by-side, verify that the intended routes allow your machine before hauling it north. Some New Hampshire trails have width restrictions, and they can vary by trail or club area.
This is especially important when a group includes both ATVs and UTVs. It’s easy to assume that because one machine fits, the other will too. Measure the widest part of each machine as it will be ridden, and compare that number with the trail information. [New Hampshire Trails for a Wide Machine] and [Measuring Your Machine Before You Drive North] cover the checks that can prevent an unpleasant surprise at a gate.
A navigation app can help you organize routes and keep track of where you are. Some riders use onX Offroad to plan and follow tracks, but treat any app as a planning aid—not as permission to ride a closed or restricted trail. Cross-check the route against current local trail information and obey signs on the ground.
Match the route to your group’s pace
A first visit is usually easier when you plan a moderate outing rather than trying to cover the whole network. That gives you room to learn the terrain, confirm how your machine handles the route, and take a break without worrying that you’ve committed to a long return. If your group includes newer riders, children, or people who haven’t ridden together before, agree on a turnaround point and a regrouping plan before leaving the staging area.
For a group with different machines, plan around the route that every vehicle can legally and comfortably use. A wide UTV can limit route choices; a smaller ATV may be able to take trails that aren’t suitable for the larger machine. Don’t split up casually just to let each rider choose a different trail. If you do separate, set a clear meeting place and time, and make sure each group has navigation and a way to communicate.
onX Offroad can be useful for keeping a planned track visible, especially when riders are trying to regroup after a stop. Save the route before you ride and bring a backup navigation option, such as a paper map or an offline map on another device. Cell service can be inconsistent in the North Country, so don’t rely on a live connection to find your way back.
Plan the day before you unload
Confirm access, fees, and registration
A trip to Jericho involves more than choosing a route. Check the park’s current access information, including any day-use requirements, before you go. The park’s charge, if applicable, is separate from making sure your machine is properly registered for riding. New Hampshire’s registration and access rules can be confusing to visitors, particularly if they assume a registration from another state automatically covers riding here. [Jericho's Day Use Fees in New Hampshire] explains why park access and registration should be treated as separate planning questions.
New Hampshire generally does not sell a separate statewide trail pass, but that does not mean every riding location is free to enter. Park-specific access charges and local rules may apply. Review the current details for Jericho rather than relying on what a friend paid on a previous trip. For a wider explanation of how registration relates to riding access, see [Why New Hampshire Has No Separate Trail Pass].
Before leaving home, check that the registration paperwork and decals are in order and that the machine is ready for the ride. Carry the required documents, and make sure the decal is visible as required. If you’re bringing a machine registered elsewhere, review the state’s rules for visitors instead of assuming your home-state paperwork is enough.
Sort out parking, fuel, and essentials
A little preparation at home makes the staging area less hectic. Know where you plan to park and unload, bring the tie-downs and tools you may need, and avoid blocking access for other riders. If you’re towing a trailer, confirm where parking is permitted and whether there are any restrictions for the area you intend to use. [Parking a Trailer at a Club Staging Lot] offers useful general planning considerations, though you should always follow Jericho’s own parking instructions.
Fuel planning deserves attention, too. Don’t set out assuming you’ll find a convenient fuel stop mid-ride. Start with a full tank, estimate range conservatively, and account for slow going, idling, and detours. A route that looks short on a screen may take longer than expected if conditions are rough or the group stops often.
Pack water, weather-appropriate layers, basic tools, and a first-aid kit. Secure loose items so they won’t shift or fall onto the trail. Make sure everyone in the group understands the route and the plan if the group gets separated. If you use onX Offroad, download maps or tracks for offline use ahead of time and keep your phone protected from dust, vibration, and weather.
Ride responsibly and leave room for a better return trip
Follow signs and respect closures
Trail signs are not suggestions to weigh against a preferred route. A closed connector can protect a wet section, accommodate maintenance, or reflect an access issue. Riding around a closure can damage the trail and create problems for the land managers and clubs working to keep routes available. If a trail is marked closed, turn around and use an open alternative.
Stay on designated routes. Cutting across vegetation or taking an unmarked shortcut can damage land and may take you onto private property. New Hampshire’s trail systems depend on continued landowner permission, so responsible riding helps protect access for everyone. The same goes for noise, litter, and speed: ride in control, give other trail users room, and carry out everything you bring in.
If your group encounters a maintenance crew, a work vehicle, or another trail user in a tight spot, slow down and communicate clearly. Dust, blind corners, and uneven ground make it harder for people to see and react. A patient pace is safer—and often makes the ride more enjoyable than rushing to add miles.
Leave a buffer in your schedule
It’s tempting to plan the day around reaching a particular mileage number. In practice, the better goal is a ride that your group can finish comfortably. Leave time for breaks, unexpected route changes, and a slow return. If you’re getting tired or the weather is turning, shorten the plan rather than pressing on because the map says you’re close.
For a longer North Country itinerary, Jericho can be one part of a broader regional ride, but connections and access rules need to be checked carefully. [Ride the Wilds in Coos County] provides a wider view of riding in the region, while [Jericho's Run to the Hills Four-by-Four Trail] is a separate option to research if you’re specifically interested in four-by-four riding. Don’t assume those routes share the same access arrangements or machine requirements as Jericho’s ATV and UTV trails.
A good Jericho day starts with an open route, a machine that fits, and a realistic plan. Check trail status, confirm access and registration requirements, prepare for limited cell service, and be willing to change course when conditions call for it. That approach gives you a better chance of enjoying the miles you ride—and of helping keep the trail system open for the next visit.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
