2022 Summer Safari

NEK Overland led the way into parts of Vermont and a bit of New Hampshire most will never see

- By Joshua Elzey

Northeast Kingdom (NEK) Overland, headquartered in Concord, Vermont, held its first event in 2022-the Summer Safari-a two-day, three-night off-road extravaganza that explored some stunning backcountry trails in portions of Vermont and New Hampshire.

The focus of the event, in addition to the great off-road exploring, is to expose participants to local products, outstanding scenery, vivid terrain, and the historical significance of Vermont's ancient roads. With this in mind, the event is friendly to 4x4s of all years and from dealership stock to heavily modified. The camp area on the NEK grounds is surrounded by Class 4 roads and family-friendly tourist hot spots, so the ways to explore are endless. The site accommodates multiple camping spots that are perfect for various sizes and types of rigs and the area is surrounded by fields that provide a secluded area. There's also a nearby fire pit and watering hole for participants to socialize. Even the winding roads through the valleys leading to the site are scenic.

The lupine flowers were in full peak bloom at the time of Summer Safari and gave a tease of the scenery that was on tap for the upcoming off-road adventures. NEK is bordered by the Connecticut River and Green Mountains and is surrounded by many White Mountain tourist towns. It's worth noting that in 2006 the Northeast Kingdom was listed by the National Geographic Society as the most desirable place to visit in the U.S.

Participants traveled long distances, some from the far reaches of the southern East Coast to claim and set up their campsite before preparing for the two days of overland trailing amongst the scenic Vermont Class 4 roads.