We are part of six local organizations linking arms for the first time in a unique alliance to bring change to the North Country trail system, Ride the Wilds™, while raising industry standards for motorsport riding nationally. Through a generous $100,000 grant from The Polaris Foundation our alliance will create and install 1,000 new ATV trail signs throughout the trail system.
#Ridingtowardchange focuses not only on providing directional guidance throughout the trail system, but also aims to improve the ATV experience for riders and community members alike. We expect the project to be completed by May 2019.
Organizations included in the alliance are Bear Rock Adventures, Great Northwoods Riders ATV Club, Metallak ATV Club, Millsfield ATV Club, The North Country Chamber of Commerce and Umbagog ATV Club.
#Ridingtowardchange focuses not only on providing directional guidance throughout the trail system, but also aims to improve the ATV experience for riders and community members alike. We expect the project to be completed by May 2019.
Organizations included in the alliance are Bear Rock Adventures, Great Northwoods Riders ATV Club, Metallak ATV Club, Millsfield ATV Club, The North Country Chamber of Commerce and Umbagog ATV Club.
What are others saying about this project?
- “The project to improve ATV trail signage, which is one of the most significant areas of improvement needed on the trails, is a tremendously positive initiative, and we look forward to working on these improvements with the local clubs and chambers," said Gamache, chief of the New Hampshire Bureau of Trails.
- “The new initiative will improve navigation, decrease improper access and enhance the overall quality of the trail system,” said Corrine Rober, owner of Polaris Adventures® Certified Outfitter, Bear Rock Adventures and marketing chair for North Country Chamber of Commerce. “Bear Rock is on the front lines when it comes to customer feedback, and one of the most consistent recommendations from our guests is to improve ATV trail signage. With tourism growing in our community, it’s our job to provide these improvements and ongoing education so locals and tourists alike can properly utilize our trails.”
- “Ride the Wilds is an iconic trail system that provides thousands of miles of trails where riders can create memories, discover adventures and spend time with friends and family,” said Lucy Clark Dougherty, president of the Polaris Foundation. “Polaris is honored to support this community’s collaborative effort to enhance off-road riding experiences.”
Why is this project important?
According to New Hampshire’s Office of Strategic Initiatives, data shows tourism is a driving factor of economic growth in Coos County. Largely due to off-roading, Ride the Wilds has been the only economic initiative in the county since 2013. From 2012 to 2017, spending on lodging and meals increased 34 percent annually, which rose to 37 percent during months when off-road trails were open. This added spending helps support local economies through jobs and the generation of additional tax revenue.
Communities benefitting from the new signage include Clarksville, N.H; Colebrook, N.H.; Columbia, N.H.; Dixville Notch, N.H.; Errol, N.H.; Millsfield, N.H.; Pittsburg, N.H.; West Stewartstown, N.H.; Averill, Vt.; Beecher Falls, Vt.; Canaan, Vt.; and Lemington Vt.
Communities benefitting from the new signage include Clarksville, N.H; Colebrook, N.H.; Columbia, N.H.; Dixville Notch, N.H.; Errol, N.H.; Millsfield, N.H.; Pittsburg, N.H.; West Stewartstown, N.H.; Averill, Vt.; Beecher Falls, Vt.; Canaan, Vt.; and Lemington Vt.
We hope you will join us in #ridingtowardchange. For more information, visit