Most state parks are built around hiking trails, but Jericho Mountain State Park in Berlin, New Hampshire, makes off-road riding a major attraction. Its mountain trails welcome ATVs and side-by-sides, with connections to a larger regional trail network and designated routes leading into town.
The park offers more than motorized adventures. Visitors can spend time at Jericho Lake, relax on a sandy beach, explore walking trails, or stay overnight at the campground.
What makes Jericho different is how much you can do in one place. You can explore mountain routes during the day, stop in Berlin for lunch, and return to the lake without leaving the area.
A Mountain Playground in Berlin
Berlin, New Hampshire, has a state park where engines are part of the plan. Jericho Mountain State Park sits at 298 Jericho Lake Road in Berlin, NH, in the far northern part of the state.
The park is best known for its off-highway riding trails. ATVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, and Jeeps all have room to roam here.
In winter, the trails turn into snowmobile routes.
I like that the park does not force you to choose one kind of trip. It also has a lake, a beach, a campground, and walking paths.
A family with mixed interests can split up in the morning and meet again for lunch by the water.
The park is run by New Hampshire State Parks. The North Country setting means lots of trees, wide views, and fewer crowds than busier southern spots.
Opening hours change by day and season, so it helps to check the official state parks page before driving up. Weekends often run later than weekdays during the riding season.
Once you know where the park is, the next question is simple. Where do all those trails actually go?
Trails That Reach Far Beyond the Park
Picking a trail here can feel like choosing a road on a giant map. The park’s routes link into a much bigger regional network of riding trails across northern New Hampshire.
That connection lets riders travel long distances without trailering their machines again. Some people ride all the way toward Pittsburg near the Canadian border and back in one long day.
That kind of trip can top 150 miles, so it takes planning, fuel, and a sore back afterward.
Most riders keep things shorter. The trail system includes loops of different lengths, so you can spend an hour or a full day out there.
Trails are marked by difficulty, much like ski slopes. Green, blue, and black ratings help you pick a route that matches your skill level and your machine.
My advice is to grab a trail map before heading out. Cell service can be spotty in the woods, and a paper map never runs out of battery.
Those color ratings deserve a closer look, though. A green trail here may not mean what first-time riders expect.
Easy Trails With a Rocky Surprise
Green usually signals easy. At Jericho, riders often say even the green-rated trails can be challenging.
The mountain terrain includes rocks, roots, steep spots, and loose dirt. A stock Jeep with no upgrades may struggle on some sections.
Drivers who bring full-size vehicles often recommend carrying a winch, just in case.
Dust is another thing to expect in dry summer weeks. Goggles, a face cover, and a helmet make the ride much more comfortable.
None of this means beginners should stay away. It just means they should start slow, ride with a buddy, and turn back if a section looks too rough.
Staff at the park store can point new riders toward gentler routes. Asking a quick question before you leave the parking lot can save you a long afternoon of stress.
Experienced riders sometimes have their own tip. Heading out early in the morning can mean quieter trails before rental machines start rolling.
Speaking of rentals, you do not need to own a machine to try this place.
No Machine at Home, No Problem
Plenty of visitors arrive without any off-road vehicle at all. Local rental businesses in the Berlin area offer side-by-sides and ATVs for hourly or daily trips.
Renting is a smart way to test the hobby before spending big money on a machine. Couples and families often book a side-by-side for several hours and explore together.
Rental outfits usually give a short safety talk and explain the basic rules. They may also suggest routes based on how long you have.
A few practical points help. Bring a valid driver’s license, wear closed-toe shoes, and dress in layers that can get dusty.
New Hampshire also has rules about registration and age limits for riders. Rental companies handle most of the paperwork, but it is still good to know the basics.
Reserving ahead is wise in summer and during holiday weekends. Machines can book up when the weather is nice.
With your ride sorted out, there are a couple of trail destinations worth adding to the route, and one of them hums in the wind.
Riding Up to the Wind Turbines
Giant white blades turning on a ridge make a pretty great trail goal. The wind turbines above Berlin are a favorite stop for riders exploring the Jericho area.
Getting up close shows just how tall these machines are. Standing beneath one makes an ATV feel like a toy.
The ridge also opens up wide views across the North Country. On clear days, you can see layers of mountains stretching toward the White Mountains.
I find this mix of old forest and modern energy kind of interesting. It is not every day that a trail ride ends beside working wind power.
Bring a camera or phone with a full battery. Riders love snapping pictures with their machines lined up in front of the towers.
Weather can shift quickly on higher ground. A light jacket tucked under the seat helps if clouds roll in.
Not every stop is about the big view, though. Another trail spot is all about taking a cozy break.
A Warming Hut for Chilly Breaks
Cold fingers and a long ride do not mix well. That is why riders talk about the warming hut as a welcome trail stop.
Simple shelters like this give people a place to rest, stretch, and warm up out of the wind. They matter most in winter, when snowmobilers cover long distances in freezing air.
Jericho turns into a snowmobile area once the snow piles up. The same mountain routes that see dirt bikes in July carry sleds in January.
Winter riding takes extra planning. Dress in warm layers, check trail conditions, and tell someone your route before heading out.
Summer riders also visit the hut as a landmark. It gives a group a clear meeting point on a big trail system.
I would treat it as a checkpoint for snacks and a quick head count. Making sure everyone is still together is never a bad idea in the woods.
After a big loop, though, many riders want something more than a shelter. They want lunch in a real town.
Riding Straight Into Berlin for Lunch
Few places let you drive an ATV from the forest right into downtown. Berlin has opened some of its streets to off-highway vehicles, connecting town to the trail system.
Riders can head into the city for lunch, fuel, or supplies. Visitors often say this small-town connection is one of the most fun parts of the whole trip.
It also helps local shops and restaurants. Berlin was long known as a paper mill city, and outdoor recreation has become an important part of its newer story.
Riding in town comes with rules. Follow posted routes, obey speed limits, and keep the noise down near homes.
Being polite matters here. The welcome riders enjoy depends on everyone treating the town with respect.
I like the idea of parking a muddy side-by-side outside a diner. It feels relaxed and very North Country.
Once the engines cool down, though, the park has a much quieter side waiting by the water.
Jericho Lake and the Sandy Beach
Not everyone wants dust in their teeth. Jericho Lake offers a calm change of pace for swimmers, paddlers, and people who just want to sit in the sun.
The park has a sandy beach area, and families often spend afternoons splashing around. Swings near the shore give kids something extra to do.
Kayaks and canoes are a nice way to see the lake. Paddling along the edge lets you take in the trees and mountains from the water.
Fishing is also allowed in the lake. A New Hampshire fishing license is required for anglers of the right age.
Picnic spots make it easy to pack a lunch and stay awhile. The lake area feels like a separate world from the busy trailheads.
One word of advice comes up again and again. Bring bug spray, especially near sunset when mosquitoes get busy.
A loop path also circles the lake, and it leads to a small waterfall worth the short walk.
A Short Walk to Jericho Falls
Here is a quiet bonus many riders skip. A short and easy hike leads to a small waterfall in the park.
The walk works well for families with young kids or anyone wanting a break from engines. It does not take special gear, just sturdy shoes.
A loop trail also circles Jericho Lake. Hikers and mountain bikers use it, though parts are shared with ATVs, so stay alert and listen for motors.
Pets are welcome in the park, which makes these walks easy for dog owners. Keep dogs leashed and away from machine traffic.
Wildlife sightings happen here too. Visitors have spotted black bears and deer, so keep a safe distance and never feed animals.
I would save this hike for early morning or late afternoon. The light through the trees looks softer, and the trail is calmer.
After a full day outdoors, the obvious question is where to sleep. The park has some good answers.
Camping Under Big North Country Skies
Waking up steps from the trailhead changes the whole trip. Jericho Mountain State Park has a campground with tent sites, RV sites, cabins, and cottages.
Newer campsites include full hookups and room for large rigs. Many riders stay in a cabin and head out on their machines right from camp.
Amenities make longer stays easier. Visitors mention clean bathrooms and showers, laundry machines, firewood, and a camp store with snacks and drinks.
The store also works as a handy stop for riders passing through. Staff there are known for helping with trail advice.
Night brings another treat. Far from big city lights, the open sky can fill with stars, and some campers stay up for meteor showers.
Reservations go through New Hampshire State Parks and can fill fast in summer. Midweek stays often mean quieter trails and an easier booking.
For me, this is where Jericho makes the most sense. You can ride hard all day, swim at the lake, then sit by a fire as the mountains go dark.
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