Take the road less traveled and explore NH’s Great North Woods this summer. This rural, rugged part of the state boasts a bounty of mountain views and pristine waterways. Truly the perfect place to unplug and explore the regions natural beauty.
Umbagog Lake (235 East Route 26, Cambridge) Considered one of the most pristine lakes in the state, Umbagog (pronounced um-BAY-gog) is part of the Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge so this is a perfect place for wildlife and waterfowl viewing. Moose, eagles, loons, ducks, and deer are all common here, so be on the lookout from the shore or from the water.
Poore Family Homestead Historic Farm Museum (629 Hollow Road, Route 145, Stewartstown) This historic homestead and settlement, with the original house, barns and buildings, portrays life in northern New Hampshire in the 1800s, pre-electricity. Stop by to experience this step back in time and explore the extensive collection of historic clothing, artifacts, diaries, farming tools and horse drawn wagons just to name a few.
Lake Francis State Park (439 River Road, Pittsburg) Offering a quiet, peaceful, serene setting, this lake is a paddler’s paradise. In addition to canoeing, the park is open for swimming, camping and there’s plenty of walking trails to explore too.
Full Send Bar & Grill (2772 N Main Street, Pittsburg) Hearty helpings of classic comfort food fill the menu at this local spot. Be sure to check out the creative options for poutine, a favorite French-Canadian dish. Their paninis and signature burgers are also popular with guests.
Moose Alley Cones (3 Partridge Road, Pittsburg) What sweeter place to stop for a summer time treat than Moose Alley Cones! Offering a wide variety of flavors and creative sundaes too! Grab a cone and enjoy lakeside views, or take it to go on the scenic drive up Route 3, also known as Moose Alley, said to be the best place around to spot moose.
First Connecticut Lake (Route 3, Pittsburg) The fifth largest lake in the state is not only home to trophy fish, but it boasts beautiful water views with rugged mountain backdrops too! Stop at one of several public access spots along the shore and grab your camera to capture the serene scenery.
Garfield Falls, (Garfield Falls Road, Pittsburg) Head out the Garfield Falls Trail for a quick hike to this awesome sight. The roundtrip trek is less than a mile, and while generally fairly easy, there are some roots and logs to navigate closer to the falls. The reward is an impressive 40-foot waterfall plunging into a scenic gorge.