NH North Country Weekends to avoid - ATV Events

There are two major ATV festivals scheduled this year in Northern NH, both are centered around Jericho Lake State Park in Berlin but due to the size of the events they impact just about every piece of lodging north of RT 2. The first one is the Jericho ATV festival running August 5,6,7 and the second one is CampRZR the September 23rd and 34th. The Jericho festival in August is a regional event but last year there were about 6000 participants. Camp RZR is new national event and the expectations are over 5000 participants. Motels and campgrounds are probably already booked for both. ATVs are allowed to drive on many local roads (including RT 2 through most of Gorham), so traffic is going to be impacted.

The events shouldn't be an issue for hikes south of RT2 and possibly the RMC system but definitely not a great weekend to hike Cabot as the state park is just south of the York Pond area.

No problem hiking the Kilkenny Ridge or Cabot really. Either start at the North end at the Pond or drive up from Stark and hit Unknown Pond Trail. Both are better hikes than those from the fish hatchery and you will have no quad issues other than your own. Stay on the Rt 3 side and you should avoid the parade of ATV's.
Alternatively Percy Peaks and Sugarloaf are excellent hikes that will not be impacted by these events.

I hope you are right

Thread Bump

There is quite a bit of prep work going in on RT110 for the first event this weekend. I expect traffic along RT2 through Gorham is going to be backed up from late morning until after dark. Pinkham B/Dolly Copp road is a viable but very rough way to skip Gorham for those coming from the west who want to get to RT 16 south