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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.