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Major problem · 04-22-2011, 07:22 PM

My first and best advice is to join a 4WD club.

One that I know of is: http://nea4wd.org/ You'll learn alot, you'll meet some great people, find places where you're welcome, and you won't have to go alone.

There are many good people that enjoy the activity and have respect for the areas that they're allowed to access. Unfortunately, they've been made unwelcome in many places due to the actions of a few.

The lakes region has had it's share of incidents in recent years where locked gates where destroyed (not the locks, whole gate assemblies ! )

Trails that are maintained by snowmobile and/or ATV clubs generally do so with the permission of the land owners and abutters according to formal agreements and often monitored by the Bureau of Trails. The landowners have the say about who and what may travel there. Most don't allow jeeps and trucks except for authorized maintenance activity.

These trails often utilize some class VI road as a portion of their trail system. A lot of old class VI roads now end up at private roads and trails.
Some signs may be damaged or missing. You may come upon some unlocked and open gates. That usually indicates an intent to restrict access. Anyone that has done trail maintenance has encountered "visitors" on the trail and, Murphy's law says its always a mile up the trail where there's no way to turn around and the trail is blocked by the back-hoe.

I know you're trying to do the right and responsible thing by asking here.

The reason I'm rambling on is that I'm an ATVer and I'm familiar with the folks from New Durham Valley ATV Club http://www.newdurhamvalleyatvclub.com/ that help maintain trails in the vicinity of Devil's Den/ Mount Caverly and it raised a red flag in my mind. It used to be a very popular area for 4WD jeeps and trucks.

I'm not sure, as it's been a while since I've researched the area, but the actual Devils Den may still be publically accessible while much of the surrounding area is now restricted.

Joining a 4WD club would be a good investment. I'm betting that many of their rides and activities are novice level and family oriented. Avoid mishaps and embarrasment. Go with some folks that actually know.

Enjoy.

04-22-2011, 07:22 PM	#1
Major problem Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Brockton,Ma, N Conway & Guilford,NH Posts: 53 Thanks: 24 Thanked 7 Times in 6 Posts	My first and best advice is to join a 4WD club. One that I know of is: http://nea4wd.org/ You'll learn alot, you'll meet some great people, find places where you're welcome, and you won't have to go alone. There are many good people that enjoy the activity and have respect for the areas that they're allowed to access. Unfortunately, they've been made unwelcome in many places due to the actions of a few. The lakes region has had it's share of incidents in recent years where locked gates where destroyed (not the locks, whole gate assemblies ! ) Trails that are maintained by snowmobile and/or ATV clubs generally do so with the permission of the land owners and abutters according to formal agreements and often monitored by the Bureau of Trails. The landowners have the say about who and what may travel there. Most don't allow jeeps and trucks except for authorized maintenance activity. These trails often utilize some class VI road as a portion of their trail system. A lot of old class VI roads now end up at private roads and trails. Some signs may be damaged or missing. You may come upon some unlocked and open gates. That usually indicates an intent to restrict access. Anyone that has done trail maintenance has encountered "visitors" on the trail and, Murphy's law says its always a mile up the trail where there's no way to turn around and the trail is blocked by the back-hoe. I know you're trying to do the right and responsible thing by asking here. The reason I'm rambling on is that I'm an ATVer and I'm familiar with the folks from New Durham Valley ATV Club http://www.newdurhamvalleyatvclub.com/ that help maintain trails in the vicinity of Devil's Den/ Mount Caverly and it raised a red flag in my mind. It used to be a very popular area for 4WD jeeps and trucks. I'm not sure, as it's been a while since I've researched the area, but the actual Devils Den may still be publically accessible while much of the surrounding area is now restricted. Joining a 4WD club would be a good investment. I'm betting that many of their rides and activities are novice level and family oriented. Avoid mishaps and embarrasment. Go with some folks that actually know. Enjoy.