12 Best NH Dirt Bike Trails: New Hampshire

New Hampshire is an outdoor adventurer’s dream. Wherever you may be in the state, you can find a forest, mountain, or beach within an hour’s drive. Residents take serious steps to conserve the land’s beauty.

Many dirt bike trails are available across New Hampshire and are maintained by dedicated clubs. You can find some exciting routes along the Sugar River Recreation Trail or in the Pisgah State Park. There are also MX tracks for those who want to hone their skills.

Here are the 12 best NH dirt bike trails:

1. Rockingham Recreational Trail
2. Hopkinton Everett Multi-Use Trail
3. New Durham Trails
4. Sugar River Recreation Trail
5. Pisgah State Park
6. Blackmount Line
7. Ammonoosuc Rail Trail
8. Canaan Lions Motocross
9. MX101
10. Warren Recreational Rail Trail
11. Hillsborough Recreational Rail Trail
12. The Rock Pile Motorsports Park

There is an abundance of dirt bike trails in New Hampshire. Let’s have a look at some of the best in the state.

12 Best NH Dirt Bike Trails

1. Rockingham Recreational Trail

Rockingham is easily the best trail in New Hampshire. This scenic forest trail runs for 18 miles from Fremont to Derry. The terrain is mostly flat with hard-packed dirt and sand trails. It’s perfect for all ages and skill levels. Just be ready to share with hikers and horseback riders. You may also run into ATVs and snowmobiles during winter.

2. Hopkinton Everett Multi-Use Trail

This multi-use trail system is sometimes called the “Clough” or “Hop-Ev.” It has 24 miles of trails winding through the reservoir. Its six loops range from easy to moderate in terms of difficulty due to its varying terrain. Some areas have hill climbs, rocky sections, and stream crossings. But most of them give a good view of the lake.

This is an excellent choice for dirt bikes, so get ready to share the trail with many other riders.

3. New Durham Trails

ATV clubs often maintain new Hampshire dirt bike trails. The New Durham Valley ATV club looks after 28 miles of wooded trails open from late May to November. However, you need to catch it during the day for two reasons. One, overnight camping and cabins are not available onsite. Two, it would be a shame to miss the picturesque views of the forest, mountains, and lakes in the area. Grab your dirt bike, ATV, UTV, or SXS, and enjoy the ride!

4. Sugar River Recreation Trail

Sweet memories are made along the Sugar River. The Sullivan County ATV Club presents one of the few trails open all year in New Hampshire. The 9-mile trail winds with the river and proves to be an easy ride even for kids. Take a break on their bridges and appreciate the forest and river views. As a multi-use trail, you may encounter hikers and ATV-riders along the way.

5. Pisgah State Park

With a whopping 13,300 acres of land, this park is easily one of the state’s biggest. Pisgah State Park in Winchester has six multi-use trails that lead you through different sections of the forest. Its dirt trails and paved roads are friendly for most vehicles. Experienced riders can ask around for the more technical routes, which include ponds and ridge climbs. While it is closed during mud season, you are free to visit the forest in the snow.

6. Blackmount Line

This is another rare trail that is open all year round. Black Mountain Trail in Grafton County accommodates most vehicles. With the colorful flowers and wild birds you can find, this rail-trail is also popular among hikers and dog walkers. The 5-mile gravel line weaves through cornfields, eventually connecting with the Ammonoosuc Rail Trail.

7. Ammonoosuc Rail Trail

Some rides are best taken slow. This trail will take you through several towns and historical bridges overlooking the river. Camping and overnight stays are encouraged in the towns, starting from Woodsville and ending in Littleton. The terrain shifts from dirt, sand, gravel, and ballast. Aside from dirt bikes and ATVs, skiers and dog sleds frequent the trail during winter.

8. Canaan Lions Motocross

Some dirt bike trails in New Hampshire have been around as early as 1971 – such as the Canaan Lions Motocross. The park has a dusty clay track with tight turns and jumps. It is typically used for racing and practices for the motocross season. This classic venue is perfect for racers as well as beginners who wish to hone their skills.

Their website has official schedules and suggested activities nearby. You can check it out here.

9. MX101

If you’re considering leveling up to be a racer, the New England Dragway and Motocross Park is for you. MX101 has several practice tracks in Epping for dirt bike, motorcycle, and ATV drivers. On Wednesdays and weekends, they provide track access and optional lessons. Children and beginners have a peewee track, while experienced riders have a longer track with whoops. For the complete schedule, visit their website or Facebook page.

10. Warren Recreational Rail Trail

What is the last thing you’d expect from New Hampshire dirt bike trails? The Warren Trail has a 70-ft NASA rocket as a landmark. Their 1970 Redstone Missile serves as the iconic start for the 4-mile rail trail. While this is the shortest trail on the list, it does not come up short in terms of the scenery. The hard-packed gravel trail gives you a good view of the peaceful Black Brook stream. While there are some bumpy areas, dirt bikes and motorcycles can power through.

11. Hillsborough Recreational Rail Trail

Nothing beats a ride through a nostalgic rural landscape. This 7.8-mile rail-trail brings you past three towns in Hillsborough county. Follow the woods that line the Contoocook River on a dirt and gravel trail. Do watch out – some sections have soft sand that can make it challenging for beginners.

12. The Rock Pile Motorsports Park

The RPM Motocross Park in Warren has a well-maintained track specifically made for dirt bikes. Visit them on Wednesdays and weekends and challenge yourself. The 1-mile track has twists and jumps that will surely improve your skills. While they don’t allow camping on the track itself, there are several campgrounds nearby so you can rest after a long day. Visit their Facebook page for updates.

Conclusion – 12 Best NH Dirt Bike Trails

To summarize, once more, here are the best NH dirt bike trails.

1. Rockingham Recreational Trail
2. Hopkinton Everett Multi-Use Trail
3. New Durham Trails
4. Sugar River Recreation Trail
5. Pisgah State Park
6. Blackmount Line
7. Ammonoosuc Rail Trail
8. Canaan Lions Motocross
9. MX101
10. Warren Recreational Rail Trail
11. Hillsborough Recreational Rail Trail
12. The Rock Pile Motorsports Park

Keep in mind that New Hampshire has state-wide regulations for offroading. First, both residents and non-residents need to have an NH OHRV sticker. Next, most trails have a noise limit. For safety, it is recommended to have a spark arrestor or silencer for the exhaust. Finally, trails are generally closed during mud season. They often open their doors from May through autumn.

There are plenty more New Hampshire dirt bike trails. If you want to know about trails and parks for your ATV, you can learn more about them here.