Love the trails? Thank a trail club!
There’s a saying in town that sums up how most locals feel about the area: Gorham is a place where, “we treasure our trails.” From hiking trails to biking trails to ATV trails and more, this appreciation goes back a long time. In fact, the White Mountains is where the oldest outdoor group in the United States – the Appalachian Mountain Club – was established in 1876, and to this day is still one of the largest and most influential outdoor clubs in the country. With that much history, it’s no wonder Gorham is so committed to its trails.
But without those who do the work on the ground, none of this access to world-class recreation would be possible. Outdoor clubs play a critically important role when it comes to enabling those of us who love to play outside and enjoy the natural world around us. Without them, there would be no established or maintained trail system, nobody to draw up maps leading to the next big adventure, no organized group of committed individuals making sure these places are loved and well looked after for generations to come. Fortunately, Gorham – and the surrounding towns of Shelburne and Randolph – house a number of clubs that not only preserve the vast trail systems in the area, but continuously work to improve and grow them in thoughtful, sustainable ways.
Coos Cycling Club
The vision of the Coos Cycling Club (CCC) is not only about cycling but understanding and showing that cycling is an integral component of helping Northern New Hampshire communities thrive. The club envisions cycling as a key component of improving quality of life and contributing to a balanced outdoor recreation economy, helping to attract new residents and entrepreneurs to the region. Established only in 2015, the club has already built and/or improved over 22 miles of trail, catering to riders of all ability levels. The CCC is an entirely volunteer run organization, and holds group rides, trail work days, and many other community-focused activities throughout the year.
Presidential OHRV Club
The Presidential OHRV Club is a volunteer-run group of OHRV enthusiasts dedicated to improving the sport. Their moto – “Enjoy Don’t Destroy” – speaks to their understanding of the high-impact this sport has on the natural environment. Dependent upon membership fees to create and maintain trail, the club’s primary goal is to open and maintain a trail linking Gorham to Jericho State Park, where a large network of OHRV trails exists.
Presidential OHRV Club >>
Shelburne Trails Club
In the early 2000’s, residents of Shelburne began to recognize a loss of the town’s centuries-long hiking heritage, as trails were being dropped from maps, and thus, not hiked. In an effort to restore the “lost trail” systems, the Shelburne Trails Club was formed in 2010. Over the years this small group of dedicated volunteers restored miles of trail, and in 2016, they published their own map, restoring recognition of many of the formerly lost trails and reclaiming 40 miles of trail system within Carter-Moriah and Mahoosuc Ranges.
Shelburne Trails Club >>
Randolph Mountain Club
The Randolph Mountain Club (RMC) was established in 1910, but dedicated trail work and maintenance by area locals had been happening for close to 100 years before then. Founded to help rebuild and protect the work done by early path makers, the RMC has full time and seasonal staff who maintain over 100 miles of trail, signage, and backcountry shelters. In recent years the club has made concerted efforts to help educate the public on the importance of protecting the environment, finding it increasingly necessary to respond to changing conditions in the fragile mountain environment.
Lastly, trails don’t build themselves and sustaining them doesn’t happen on its own. It takes time, resources, dedication, and a whole lot of effort to create the miles of trail we all love and enjoy. Consider getting involved and giving back by volunteering or donating to one of these exceptional organizations!
Randolph Mountain Club >>
