With scenic views, vast stretches of wilderness, and active local clubs keeping trails in top condition, the Newfound watershed is a snowmobiling destination. Snowmobile sales grew by 16% in the U.S. last year, and a 2011 report by Plymouth State University’s Institute for New Hampshire Studies valued the economic impact of snowmobiling in New Hampshire to be $586 million annually. As with many human impacts, snowmobiling can take a toll on the environment, leading to increased erosion and damage to plant and wildlife habitat. As the snowmobiling season begins, we’re highlighting the connection between conservation and snowmobiling and have compiled tips and resources to help sledders new and experienced enjoy and protect our shared natural resources.
CONSERVATION AND RECREATION
Land conservation is the surest way to keep Newfound’s waterways clean, but it comes with many other important benefits: water resources like streams and wetlands, wildlife habitat, economic and wellness benefits for local communities, beautiful views and rural character, and opportunities for year-round recreation.
Many conserved areas offer the public benefit of snowmobile trails. NLRA holds the conservation easement for the Sugarloaf Ridge-Goose Pond Conservation Area and worked with conservation partners to protect the Kimball Hill Wildlife Management Area, both of which host popular snowmobile trails. From public lands open to an array of activities to private properties with special landowner agreements to allow snowmobile trails, conservation provides intact wilderness areas and land protection key to the snowmobiling experience. Learn more about local conservation.
SLEDIQUETTE
Review the laws – rules vary from state to state and can change mid-season. Review New Hampshire snowmobile laws here: https://www.eregulations.com/newhampshire/atvs-sport-vehicles
Follow trail courtesy
- Ride single file.
- Keep to the right when possible.
- Reduce speed on curves and corners.
- Pass on the left if a rider waves you by.
- If you plan to stop, pull sleds as far to the right as possible.
- On multi-use trails, be mindful of skiers, hikers, and horseback riders. Know who yields to who.
Respect the land, landowners, and local communities
- Don’t ride off trail and respect No Trespassing signs.
- Only ride when there is enough snow to protect soil and vegetation.
- Give wildlife plenty of space.
- Maintain your machine to reduce noise and emissions and be thoughtful when passing through neighborhoods and populated areas.
SAFETY
Snowmobiling comes with inherent risks. Manage these risks and get the most out of your experience by:
- Being prepared for harsh weather.
- Operating at a speed appropriate for trail conditions.
- Keeping ice safety in mind when riding on frozen lakes, rivers, or ponds.
Snowmobile safety education courses are available through New Hampshire Fish and Game. Learn more.
EXPERT ADVICE
The Newfound area snowmobile clubs maintain and groom hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails that interconnect with over 7,000 miles statewide. These trails are possible through the volunteers in the clubs and the generosity of hundreds of private and public landowners. Access to many local services such as restaurants, gas stations, repair facilities, and grocery stores is just off any of the region’s main trails.
When visiting our region we ask snowmobilers to respect our landowners by staying on designated trails, take all trash home with you, enjoy the scenic beauty, and respect the wildlife and environment.
– Dennis Ford, President, Alexandria Ledge Climbers Snowmobile Club
RESOURCES
Find trail maps, current conditions, and membership and volunteer opportunities through the watershed’s local snowmobile clubs:
Bridgewater Mountain Snowmobile Club
State-wide Resources: