New Hampshire Bill Would Open Newest State Park to More Off-Roaders

Jericho Mountain State Park in New Hampshire is the state’s newest state park. As such, there are areas of the park and rules and regulations concerning park usage that are still being developed. The New Hampshire legislature is currently considering a bill that will expand the number of trails that are open to larger off-road vehicles.

Looking at What Jericho Mountain State Park Currently Allows

Looking at the New Hampshire State Parks website, one finds that there are a number of trails currently available for ATVs, UTVs, and trail bikes, but the number of trails open to larger vehicles, such as Jeeps and 4X4 trucks, is basically nonexistent. Off-road enthusiasts in the state want to change that.

New Hampshire House Bill 1170 to the Rescue

New Hampshire House Bill 1170, currently being studied by the House Resources, Recreation, and Development Committee would change that. The bill would change New Hampshire statutes to allow vehicles that weigh up to 2,000 pounds unladen dry weight and are no wider than 65 inches on specifically designated trails within the park, “provided that, in addition, the bureau of trails may permit operation of wider or heavier four-wheel drive vehicles, as referenced in the Jericho Mountain state park master development plan, registered as OHRVs, at specific times and on specific trails.”

Under the current plan for the park, the only off-highway vehicles that are allowed on trails in the park are, as mentioned, smaller four-wheelers, quads, and trail bikes. Those that would like to let their representatives, or the committee as a whole, know their thoughts on this issue, can contact the House Resources, Recreation, and Development Committee directly. However, you need to hurry, the bill is scheduled to leave committee and go up for vote in front of the full chamber on the 19th.