LANCASTER, N.H. — Northern New Hampshire’s Ride the Wilds network of 1,000-plus miles of interconnected off-highway recreational vehicle trails opened for the season on Saturday.

A grand opening event for one of the largest such trail systems in the country was being celebrated at Jericho Mountain State Park in Berlin.

“What really makes Ride the Wilds unique is that it provides a direct connection to many of northern New Hampshire’s fantastic attractions, lodging, dining and shopping opportunities,” said Karl Stone, marketing manager for New Hampshire Grand, which promotes the state’s North Country.

The final segment of the network’s first phase opened in August, enabling riders to travel from Lancaster to Pittsburg.

Ride the Wilds leaders anticipate opening the second phase early this summer, to connect Northumberland, Star and Milan via an east-west connection.

All 15 towns within the trail system allow off-highway recreational vehicles on town roads along with some state highways. Riders should look for signs that allow the vehicles’ use on open sections of highway. Several businesses along the trail network offer off-highway recreational vehicles rentals and guided tours.