After a long winter, outdoor enthusiasts in the North Country have traded in their snowshoes and snowmobiles for kayaks, hiking boots and ATVs.

Summer is an exciting, lively time in the North Country, as the region comes alive with its abundant wildlife, scenic forest trails that beg to be explored, and plenty of exciting activities and events for the whole family. Here are a few experiences you should enjoy in the North Country this season.

Fishing

The North Country’s famed “Trophy Stretch” offers anglers some of its most exciting fishing at this time of year. The stretch is a roughly two-and-a-half-mile section of the Connecticut River between First Connecticut Lake and Lake Francis. It got its name because it is home to arguably the best fly fishing in the Eastern United States. Between late May and the middle of July, the rainbow and brook trout fishing along the Stretch is nothing short of amazing. To get the most out of your fishing experience, use one of the area’s fishing guides. Lopstick’s expert guides can show you the best places to fish and the best flies to use. And their special fishing packages make it easy and affordable. You’ll also find experienced guides with Osprey Fishing Adventures.

Whitewater Adventure

Whitewater rapids are like nature’s amusement park ride, and early summer is often when conditions are at their best. Visitors to the North Country can enjoy the adrenaline rush of whitewater rafting thanks to the region’s beautiful rivers and several wonderful outfitters. ELC Outdoors offers exciting whitewater rafting trips along the Androscoggin River in Errol. Raft NH, also in Errol, offers everything from relaxing rafting trips to exciting Class IV rapids. Mahoosuc Outdoors is an outdoor adventure center offering whitewater rafting during the summer.

Ride the Wilds

Northern New Hampshire’s Ride the Wilds trail system is an ATV rider’s paradise with more than 1,000 miles of interconnected trails. The trails open each year on Memorial Day Weekend and stay open through the end of September. The diverse trail system offers something for every kind of rider, whether you’re a novice looking for an easy, scenic ride, or an experienced rider looking for a rewarding challenge. The towns along the trails welcome riders, providing easy access to restaurants, stores and more. You don’t need to own an ATV to be able to ride these trails. Several local businesses rent ATVs, including Bear Rock Adventures.

Events

Whether you enjoy history, physical challenges or a celebration of the region’s biggest creature, the North Country has plenty of activities for you to enjoy this summer. If you’re an athlete – or just looking for a fun excuse to get off the couch – take part in the annual NH-VT Covered Bridge Half Marathon and Relay on June 16. The beautiful, looped 13.1-mile course passes through pastoral farmland and along the scenic Connecticut River. On June 23, the EcoVillage Institute– also referred to as La Cite Ecologique – will celebrate its 15th year in Colebrook with an open house. The EcoVillage is a sustainable farming community with a creative learning center, beautiful gardens, greenhouses and more.  On June 30, learn about what life was like for early trappers and traders of the West during the American Mountain Men Living History event hosted by the Poore Farm Historic Homestead and Museum. Period dressed re-enactors will demonstrate such skills as weaving, spinning, tanning hides and more. On July 7, Mohawk Falls will host its second annual Mohawk Falls Triathlon and Duathlon. The family-friendly, short-distance event takes place on a scenic 40-acre private estate. On August 24 and 25, cap off summer with one of the region’s biggest events – the annual Moose Festival. A North Country tradition since 1991, this year’s event will include a moose calling contest, moose chili, live music, horse drawn wagon rides, a dog show, a classic car show and much more. End the summer with Metallak, the North Country’s popular endurance adventure race, on September 15. During this race, you’ll run, bike and paddle through challenging terrain and beautiful scenery.

In many ways, the town of Colebrook is the southern gateway to New Hampshire’s Great North Woods. Located along the Connecticut River, Colebrook is home to a charming downtown that is as ruggedly beautiful as the surrounding natural scenery. While it makes an ideal base camp from which to explore the area and experience such outdoor adventures as hiking, hunting and fishing, it’s also a wonderful destination for anyone who enjoys the benefits of civilization, with enjoyable restaurants, interesting shops and impressive cultural attractions.

Outdoor Adventures
Colebrook offers easy access to the area’s many opportunities for outdoor adventure, from ATV riding and bird hunting to kayaking and fishing. Visitors can rent ATVs at Let's Ride Rentals, which is centrally located on the Ride the Wilds trail system, providing easy access to hundreds of miles of trails. One of the region’s must-see places is Beaver Brook Falls Wayside. This 7.3-acre state park is home to Beaver Brook Falls, which stands an impressive 80 feet high. The park is popular among hikers, and tables and restrooms make it a great spot for a picnic. Another beautiful state park in the area is Dixville Notch State Park  located just to the east of Colebrook. The park spans 127 acres and is popular for its scenic gorge, waterfalls and hiking trails.

Attractions and Diversions
With art galleries, museums and performing arts venues, Colebrook has a vibrant arts and culture scene. The Tillotson Center is home to a large art gallery, a museum devoted to the region’s history, and a 171-seat theater that regularly hosts a variety of live performances. Mohawk Falls is a beautiful 40-acres estate along the scenic Mohawk River. It hosts weddings and private functions, plus public festivals, concerts and other events. The Colebrook Historical Society has a museum in the Colebrook Town Hall and an annex at the Tillotson Center. There visitors can learn about the history of the region. The EcoVillage Institute also referred to as La Cite Ecologique – is a sustainable farming community with a creative learning center. The center welcomes visitors from May through October. It has an organic farm with beautiful gardens, greenhouses, and they offer seminars and workshops on sustainable farming practices. The North Country Community Recreation Center is open to the public and features an indoor pool, large playground, an ice rink and more. For a complete list of activities and events in the North Country, take a look at our events calendar.

Shopping
One of Colebrook’s most popular destinations, Fiddleheads is a unique artisan gift shop offering high-quality, handcrafted items. The shop primarily showcases artisans from New Hampshire and the rest of New England. North Country Marketplace features locally-grown produce as well as local jams, ciders, honey and locally-made crafts such as baskets, woodwork and handmade hats. The Old Appletree offers a unique selection of gifts, jewelry and home goods. Lin-Jo Creations is a popular arts and crafts store. Ducret’s Sporting Goods has been in business for more than 40 years and carries a wide selection of hunting and fishing supplies, plus canoes, life-jackets and more. Whether you’re looking for just the right tool for home repair or you just need a new ironing board, you’ll likely find it at Hick’s Hardware and Housewares.  Visit LaPerle's IGA, just north of downtown Colebrook, for all of your grocery, deli, and bakery needs. 

Accommodations
The Colebrook area has plenty of lodging options for visitors. Parsons Street offers several luxurious suites and a high-quality restaurant. Diamond Peaks Motel is located right along ATV and snowmobile trails. The Notch View Resort has a comfortable inn and a spacious campground with RV hookups. The Colebrook Country Club and Hotel not only offers visitors relaxing accommodations, but also a beautiful 60-acre, 9-hole golf course. Northern Comfort Motel features a heated swimming pool. The RiverEdge Inn offers several comfortable rooms and also has RV hookups available. It’s also conveniently located close to downtown. The Keazer Farm Bed and Breakfast is in a restored farmhouse dating back to 1840. It is located on 400 acres of woods and fields, and is surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Restaurants
You’ll certainly work up an appetite after a day spent in New Hampshire’s Great North Woods. Thankfully, Colebrook has a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.  Moose Muck Coffee House is a specialty coffee house in downtown Colebrook that offers delicious sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. The Black Bear Tavern is a sports bar and restaurant that not only offers flavorful, high-quality meals, but also has a fun atmosphere. Parsons Street offers some of the region’s best fine dining, with imaginative appetizers, mouth-watering entrees and tasty desserts. When you want to indulge your sweet tooth, Le Rendez Vous Bakery offers breads, pastries, cakes, cookies, chocolates and more. Grampy’s Drive-In serves lunch and dinner. And Diamond Peaks Motel & Store offers a delicious breakfast on weekends.

New Hampshire’s North Country is home to some of New England’s most spectacular waterfalls. And, thanks to warmer days and the region’s late snowmelt and spring rains, this is the best time of year to visit them.
Many of the region’s waterfalls make ideal spots to enjoy a picnic or even a swim. Several are in parks filled with fun, scenic hiking trails. All are inspiring and beautiful. Here are a few of the best.

BEAVER BROOK FALLS – These towering falls on Route 145 in Colebrook stand an impressive 80 feet high. A picnic area near the base of the falls makes a great place to enjoy lunch while appreciating Beaver Brook’s scenic beauty.
GARFIELD FALLS – Garfield Falls might seem a little out of the way, but this spot’s stunning beauty makes it well worth the trip. From Route 3 in Pittsburg, you’ll travel more than 12 miles down Magalloway Road before coming to the trailhead. A short hike through scenic woods takes you to Garfield Falls, which stands nearly 40 feet high. Bring a swimsuit so you can enjoy the falls while swimming in the cool, clear water below.
FALLS IN THE RIVER – This attractive, stepped waterfall is located in Pittsburg along the upper Connecticut River between First and Second Connecticut Lake. It’s an enjoyable 1.5-mile hike to the falls from Second Connecticut Lake Dam. Keep an eye out for moose, as they’re especially common in this area.
LITTLE HELLGATE FALLS – These beautiful falls have a dark history. Located deep in the woods, these falls are exceptionally attractive. But they are named “Hellgate” because many loggers died there trying to break up log jams. To get there, take Magalloway Road to Buckhorn Road which will be the second right. After more than three miles, you’ll pass a gate, and the road becomes Cedar Stream Road. Keep an eye out for snowmobile trail #137 on the left. Park and follow the trail to the falls.
HUNTINGTON CASCADES – These attractive falls in Dixville Notch State Park are made up of two distinct sections. The segmented lower falls stand 18 feet high and are surrounded by thick, green moss. The upper falls stand 50 feet high and drop steeply.
DIXVILLE FLUME –  Located in Dixville Notch State Park, Dixville Flume is a set of three drops in a narrow flume. The drops total about 18 feet, but what these falls lack in height they make up for with their idyllic beauty. The area is well-shaded, making it a cool place to picnic on warm summer days.