Best Places of the Great North Woods

Looking for an opportunity to get out and explore the Granite State, but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Our curated “choose your own adventure” guide gives you the map to food, adventure, shopping, nightlife and culture spots in each region so that you can create your own getaway (our list is just the jumping off point!), discover hidden gems and well-known favorites, make new memories and fall in love with our beautiful state and the people within it all over again.

Best Places of the Seacoast
Best Places of the Monadnock Region
Best Places of the Merrimack Valley
Best Places of the Dartmouth/ Lake Sunapee Region
Best Places of the Lakes Region
Best Places of the White Mountains

When you think of the Great North Woods, aka the North Country, you think of the possibilities: endless fishing spots, white-water rafting, pristine hikes, tons of campgrounds and miles of fun. Even foodies can be wowed in this roomy and remote region. Experience the best that New Hampshire can offer by visiting these sites. 

Adventure: 

North Country Fly Shop  • Pittsburg
This fly-fishing shop provides much more than just flies and rods: Guide Chuck Degray offers fly-fishing tours, as well as drift and wade trips. Check their website for information on river flows and handy advice on fly fishing for northern pike in this area. northcountryflyshop.com

Ramblewood Cabins and Campground  • Pittsburg
This campsite, which also has cabins for rent, offers numerous seasonal activities. Summer visitors can look forward to activities like fishing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, swimming, ATV and kayak rentals.ramblewoodcabins.com 

Beaver Brook Falls Wayside • Colebrook
Beaver Brook Falls Wayside covers all the bases. In Colebrook, pick up Route 145, a picturesque and winding stretch of road, until you come to a quaint waterfall. Park here and have a picnic while watching the water flow by. Dogs are allowed here, too. nhstateparks.org/find-parks-trails/beaver-brook-falls-wayside

Points North Outfitters Adventurers • Pittsburg
New on the block, this fly fishing and supply shop offers guided outdoor adventures, including drift trips and casting lessons. Kayak, snowshoe and hiking tours abound. Upcoming “Outdoor Adventure Schools” will focus on fall foliage and compass and bow skills; a free outdoor adventure is offered for cancer survivors. pointsnorthnh.com

Hike the Fourth Connecticut Lake Trail and be in two countries at once
Coos County, in the northern tip of the state, is part of the Connecticut Lakes Region, which includes the First, Second, Third and Fourth Connecticut lakes. To hike the Fourth, park at the visitor parking section at the Canadian border and follow the signs. This scenic and remote hike that weaves through both countries brings opportunities for spotting pheasants and other wildlife, and you’ll be gifted with a beautiful view of the water toward the end. nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/fourth-connecticut-lake

Moose-watching
Gorham Moose Tours operates bus tours from the end of May through mid-September; their wildlife guides will help you safely spot this majestic animal. gorhammoosetours.org

Farther north, the stretch of Route 3 from Pittsburg north to the Canadian border, known locally as Moose Alley, is your best bet for spotting moose or deer that are crisscrossing the road in search of food and water. Dawn and dusk are the best times of day for moose-watching, though their numbers are dwindling. Watch for gawkers and bring your binoculars. wildlife.nh.gov/wildlife-and-habitat/moose-new-hampshire/moose-spotting-new-hampshire

Staycation: 

Coleman State Park  • Stewartstown
People visit the North Country mainly for outdoor adventures, and there’s no better way to experience that than by camping out under the stars. Coleman State Park has camper cabins, lodges, campsites and lean-tos, and is pet-friendly. About 25 miles away is Lake Francis, a great family-friendly option for a day out. nhstateparks.org/hidden-gems-lodges-great-north-woods

Food: 

1840 Restaurant • Pittsburg
This restaurant on Back Lake Road offers wood-fired pizza, pasta, salads and seafood. Specialty cocktails, draft beer and beer flights fill out the menu, and they also make killer wings in seven styles. 1840nh.com

 Tori’s Donuts • Colebrook
Go big or go home: This gem of a pastry shop serves homemade doughnuts and more with style. Just down the street from Colebrook Antiques and Uniques, Tori’s also serves other traditional fare: coffee and lattes, acai bowls and a fantastic “build your own breakfast.” Facebook

Coos Brewing Company • Colebrook
This spacious brewery and tasting room in an industrial setting serves craft beer, cans-to-go and tastings. Look for their patio on the river during warmer months. Recent eats include traditional nachos and wings, beef stew and taco salad. It offers live music some nights, and an open mic night is also hosted here. coos-brewing-company.square.site

Black Bear Tavern • Colebrook
This longtime sports bar and eatery on the main drag in Colebrook is a place for burgers, salads, wraps and even poutine. Other offerings include steak tips, maple glazed salmon and filet mignon, and there’s a selection of desserts like Mississippi mud cake and chocolate truffle bomb. Yum! blackbeartav.com

Shopping:  

Fiddleheads • Colebrook
The Fiddleheads gift shop sells whimsical items, handmade goods, jewelry and more. Some items are made by local and New England-based artisans. The shop has been around since 2007 and is still going strong. Fiddleheads also features art from CRAG: the Connecticut River Artisans Group. fiddleheadsusa.com

Young’s General Store • Pittsburg
The tagline for Young’s General Store, circa 1955, is “We sell generally everything,” and that is 100% true. Get your camping supplies, gas and propane tanks here, plus the deli meat for your picnic sandwiches and that crossword puzzle book you’ve been seeking. The walk-in beer cave is an added plus. Facebook

Colebrook Antiques and Uniques • Colebrook
The deceptively small storefront on Main Street in Colebrook may lead to big discoveries inside. You’re likely to find your own personal style among the rare sundries from several antiques dealers. Find pop culture items, WWII memorabilia, old photographs, vinyl records and more. Note: The shop is closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Facebook

The Old Appletree • Colebrook
This country-style gift shop sells yarn, clothing, antiques and other quality secondhand home goods at reasonable prices. Facebook

Green Acres Country Store • Pittsburg
This quaint shop sells lighthearted home décor, furniture and gifts. Their cinnamon rolls, cookies and pies should not be missed. greenacresnh.com