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Coos County
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Explore Coos County, New Hampshire, for Mount Washington, northern forests, lakes, scenic drives, hiking, wildlife and historic mill towns.

Coos County occupies the northern tip of New Hampshire, a large, sparsely settled territory of forested mountains, broad river valleys, working towns and remote back roads. It extends from the Connecticut Lakes near the Canadian border southwards into the Presidential Range, encompassing the communities of Berlin, Gorham, Lancaster, Colebrook, Pittsburg and several smaller settlements. The county’s scale is easy to underestimate: distances between towns and trailheads can be considerable, while mobile coverage and services become less reliable in remote districts.
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The landscape changes markedly from south to north. Around Gorham, the Androscoggin Valley forms a gateway to Mount Washington and the Presidential Range, with hiking routes, scenic drives and winter sports centred on the White Mountain National Forest. Farther north, the country becomes quieter and more expansive. Pittsburg is known for its lakes, rivers, forests and traditional sporting camps, while the Connecticut Lakes region offers canoeing, fishing, wildlife observation and long stretches of open road. The Connecticut River marks much of the western boundary, separating Coos County from Vermont.
Mount Washington is the county’s most recognisable natural landmark and the highest summit in the northeastern United States. Its weather can change rapidly, and the apparently accessible mountain environment demands serious preparation. The summit may be reached on foot or, when operating, by the Mount Washington Auto Road from Pinkham Notch near Gorham; visitors should check conditions before travelling, as the road, trails and summit facilities are affected by weather and season. The surrounding Presidential Range provides some of New England’s most demanding hiking, while lower valleys offer gentler walks, paddling and cycle touring.
Coos County also has a strong industrial and working-landscape identity. Berlin grew around timber, pulp and paper production on the Androscoggin River, and remnants of railways, mills and company-era development remain important to the town’s story. Lancaster, the county seat, combines civic buildings, independent businesses and access to the northern White Mountains. Local food tends towards New England staples, maple products, game and trout, while the evening scene is generally based on pubs, restaurants and community events rather than a large club culture.
This is a destination for travellers who value space, four-season recreation and close contact with a mountainous environment. Summer brings hiking, paddling, fishing and scenic driving; autumn colours draw visitors along the valleys and upland roads; winter supports snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and other cold-weather activities. The most rewarding itineraries allow time for changing weather, slow roads and the differences between the busy southern gateways and the remote lakes and forests of the north.

When is the best time to visit Coos County?

Best: June–August · 20–23°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-580
February-470
March280
April890
May15100
June (best)20110
July (best)23110
August (best)22110
September17100
October1190
November690
December-180

Getting to and around Coos County

How to get there

Most visitors reach Coos County by road. U.S. Routes 2, 3 and 16 are the principal approaches, linking the county with the rest of New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. The nearest major commercial airports are outside the county, including Portland International Jetport in Maine and larger airports in southern New Hampshire, Vermont and Boston; driving from these gateways is usually necessary. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and Boston Logan International Airport offer broader flight networks but are substantially farther away. There is no regular passenger airline service serving Coos County itself, so allow extra time for mountain and rural roads.

Transportation

A car is the most practical way to explore Coos County because towns, trailheads, lakes and scenic viewpoints are widely dispersed and public transport is limited. U.S. Routes 2, 3 and 16 provide the main through routes, but smaller roads can be winding, seasonal or slow in poor weather. Taxis and rideshare availability is limited outside the larger communities, and visitors should not rely on finding transport at remote trailheads. Cycling is possible on quieter roads but requires preparation for hills, traffic, weather and long distances; winter driving demands particular caution and suitable equipment.

Destinations in Coos County

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Coos County

Coos County’s attractions are defined by the meeting of high mountains, deep forest and working communities. In the south, Gorham provides access to the Presidential Range, the White Mountain National Forest and routes towards Mount Washington, with hiking, scenic driving, wildlife viewing and winter recreation available in different seasons. Mount Washington itself is the county’s principal outdoor draw, but the surrounding valleys and lower-elevation trails offer alternatives when summit weather is unsuitable. The Androscoggin River corridor adds opportunities for paddling, fishing and exploring the industrial heritage of Berlin. Farther north, Pittsburg and the Connecticut Lakes region appeal to visitors seeking boating, fishing, hunting traditions, snowmobiling, wildlife observation and quiet forest roads. Lancaster’s historic civic centre and cultural institutions provide a useful contrast to the county’s wilder landscapes, while Weeks State Park offers views and an insight into the region’s early twentieth-century elite and political history. Families may also visit Santa’s Village in Jefferson, a seasonal amusement park with a long association with the northern New Hampshire tourism economy. Across the county, attractions are often separated by substantial distances, so a route organised around one valley or town is more practical than attempting to cover every district in a single day.

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Best landmarks in Coos County

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Best restaurants in Coos County

Dining in Coos County reflects northern New England’s rural and working landscapes rather than a highly formal restaurant scene. Restaurants, diners, cafés, pubs and inns in towns such as Gorham, Lancaster, Berlin, Colebrook and Pittsburg provide practical bases for meals before or after outdoor activities. Menus commonly draw on familiar New England cooking, including soups, chowders, roast meats, trout, burgers, baked goods and seasonal produce. Maple syrup and maple confectionery are important regional products, while locally sourced game may appear in some establishments without being available everywhere. Farm stands and independent shops are useful for provisions, especially when travelling towards the Connecticut Lakes, although opening arrangements can be seasonal. Craft beer and other New Hampshire drinks may accompany meals, but visitors should expect the widest choice in the larger towns and mountain gateways. Dining times and options can be more limited in remote areas, so planning ahead is sensible, particularly outside the summer season or during busy foliage weekends.

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Best bars in Coos County

Evening life in Coos County is centred on pubs, taverns, restaurants, hotel bars and community venues rather than a substantial nightclub circuit. Gorham has the most concentrated choice for visitors staying near the Presidential Range, with places where hikers and seasonal travellers gather for food and drinks. Lancaster, Berlin and Colebrook offer additional local bars, live music and social venues, while Pittsburg’s evening activity is closely tied to accommodation, outdoor clubs and seasonal visitors. Traditional New England pubs and casual restaurants are more representative of the county than late-night dance venues. Some establishments serve local or regional beer, but availability and hours vary considerably by town and season. In rural districts, distances between venues make a designated driver or accommodation within walking distance particularly important. Cultural events, small concerts and community gatherings may provide more meaningful evening entertainment than nightlife marketed specifically to tourists.

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Best nightclubs in Coos County

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Best shops in Coos County

Shopping in Coos County is concentrated in the high streets and independent businesses of Lancaster, Gorham, Berlin, Colebrook and Pittsburg, with the emphasis on practical supplies, outdoor equipment, gifts and locally made products rather than large shopping centres. Visitors may find maple syrup, maple sweets, smoked foods, preserves, local crafts, artwork, books, clothing and New Hampshire-themed souvenirs in small shops, farm stands and seasonal outlets. Outdoor retailers are particularly useful for hikers, anglers, snowmobilers and visitors travelling into remote parts of the county. Lancaster offers the strongest civic and independent-town shopping character, while Gorham’s businesses are closely linked to mountain travel and seasonal tourism. Pittsburg’s retail options are more dispersed and oriented towards outdoor recreation. Markets and farm shops vary with the season, so do not assume that a rural roadside business will be open every day. Buying regional food products is often a more characteristic souvenir than seeking luxury retail, especially in the northern lake and forest districts.

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Coos County essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the United States dollar (USD), as throughout New Hampshire and the United States. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in established hotels, restaurants, shops and fuel stations, and contactless payment is increasingly available. Cash remains useful for smaller businesses, roadside purchases, parking, tips and places where connectivity or card equipment is unreliable. In remote northern areas, do not assume that every fuel station or small supplier accepts cards, and arrange fuel and cash before heading towards the Connecticut Lakes or other sparsely settled districts.
Safety
Coos County is generally a low-density rural destination, but outdoor conditions create the main visitor risks. Mountain weather can change rapidly, trails may be exposed and winter conditions can persist at higher elevations after warm weather reaches the valleys. Carry navigation equipment, suitable layers, water and a charged phone, and leave a realistic route plan when hiking. Take care around rivers, lakes and steep terrain, and watch for moose and other wildlife on roads, particularly at dawn and dusk. Drive cautiously on winding roads, allow for wildlife and use extra care during snow and ice.
Emergency Situations
Call 911 for police, fire or ambulance emergencies anywhere in Coos County and give the clearest location possible, including a road number, trail name, kilometre marker or nearby landmark. Mobile coverage can be weak in mountain and wilderness areas, so do not depend on a phone for navigation or rescue. For serious incidents in the Presidential Range or other backcountry areas, emergency dispatchers can coordinate appropriate rescue resources; visitors should still carry essential equipment and avoid relying on a last-minute call for help. For non-urgent local information, contact the relevant town, park or land manager.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect private land, posted restrictions, trail closures and leave-no-trace principles, particularly around campsites, waterways and mountain paths. Do yield appropriately on narrow roads and allow working vehicles, snowploughs and logging traffic room to manoeuvre. Do not underestimate Mount Washington or assume that a short-looking hike is easy; prepare for conditions rather than valley temperatures. At restaurants and pubs, standard United States etiquette applies, including tipping for table service. Ask permission before photographing people, private property or working sites, and avoid approaching moose or other wildlife.
Local Tips
Gorham is a practical base for the Presidential Range, while Lancaster, Berlin and Colebrook provide different perspectives on the county’s civic, industrial and valley communities. Pittsburg is especially spread out, so check the location of accommodation and supplies before setting out. Autumn colour is popular and accommodation can fill quickly; winter visitors should confirm road and trail conditions rather than relying on summer travel assumptions. Scenic driving is part of the experience, but allow generous time for stops, weather changes and slower traffic on northern roads.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHowdy[haʊdi]
GoodbyeSee ya[si jə]
YesYup[jʌp]
NoNope[noʊp]
Please/You’re welcomeNo problem[noʊ ˈprɒbləm]
Thank youThanks[θæŋks]
Excuse me/SorrySorry 'bout that[ˈsɔri baʊt ðæt]
How are you?How ya doin'?[haʊ jə ˈduɪn]
Fine. And you?Good, you?[ɡʊd, ju?]
Do you speak English?Can ya talk English?[kæn jə tɔk ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ]
I don't understandI don't get it[aɪ doʊnt ɡɛt ɪt]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I’d like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[kæn aɪ si ðə ˈmɛnju]
I don’t eat meatI’m a vegetarian[aɪm ə ˌvɛdʒəˈtɛriən]
Cheers!Cheers![ʧɪrz]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the bill?[kæn aɪ ɡɛt ðə bɪl]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![hɛlp]
Go away!Get lost![ɡɛt lɔst]
Call the Police!Call the cops![kɔl ðə kɑps]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![ɡɛt ə ˈdɑktər]
I’m lostI'm lost[aɪm lɔst]
I’m illI ain't feelin' well[aɪ eɪnt ˈfilɪn wɛl]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I’d like to buy...I wanna buy...[aɪ ˈwɑnə baɪ]
I’m just lookingJust browsing[dʒʌst ˈbraʊzɪŋ]
How much is it?What’s the price?[wʌts ðə praɪs]
That’s too expensiveThat’s a bit pricey[ðæts ə bɪt ˈpraɪsi]
Can you lower the price?Can ya bring down the price?[kæn jə brɪŋ daʊn ðə praɪs]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[wʌt taɪm ɪz ɪt]
It’s one o’clockIt’s one[ɪts wʌn]
Half past (10)Half past ten[hæf pæst tɛn]
MorningMornin'[ˈmɔrnɪn]
AfternoonAfternoon[ˌæftərˈnun]
EveningEvenin'[ˈivnɪn]
YesterdayYesterday[ˈjɛstərdeɪ]
TodayToday[təˈdeɪ]
TomorrowTomorrow[təˈmɑroʊ]
1One[wʌn]
2Two[tu]
3Three[θri]
4Four[fɔr]
5Five[faɪv]
6Six[sɪks]
7Seven[ˈsɛvən]
8Eight[eɪt]
9Nine[naɪn]
10Ten[tɛn]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[wɛrz ðə]
What’s the address?What’s the address?[wʌts ði əˈdrɛs]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya show me on the map?[kæn jə ʃoʊ mi ɑn ðə mæp]
When’s the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[wɛnʔs ðə nɛkst bʌs]
A ticket (to ....)One ticket to...[wʌn ˈtɪkɪt tə]

History of Coos County

Indigenous Homelands and River Travel

Before European settlement, the region was used by Abenaki peoples, whose seasonal movements followed the Connecticut, Androscoggin and upper river systems and the abundant game of the northern forests. Lakes and waterways served as routes for travel, fishing and hunting, while mountain passes connected different parts of northern New England. European maps and later colonial claims did not erase these earlier relationships with the land. Present-day visitors encounter a landscape shaped by those long-established patterns of movement, although much of the county’s documented built heritage dates from later settlement.

Frontier Settlement and the Northern Towns

European-American settlement expanded gradually in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, with farms, trading posts and small communities developing along river corridors and transport routes. Lancaster became an important civic and commercial centre in the upper Connecticut Valley, while settlements such as Colebrook and Pittsburg grew in connection with agriculture, forestry and cross-border movement. The difficult terrain and harsh winters limited population growth, but the same remoteness later helped preserve large tracts of woodland and encouraged the development of outdoor recreation.

Timber, River Power and Berlin’s Industrial Growth

The Androscoggin River gave Berlin the power and transport advantages that supported a major timber and paper industry. From the nineteenth century, logging camps, river drives, mills, railways and associated businesses transformed the settlement into one of northern New Hampshire’s principal industrial towns. Work drew residents from different backgrounds and created a distinctive company-town landscape. Although the scale of manufacturing has changed, Berlin’s streets, industrial sites and local institutions continue to reflect the economic importance of forests, water power and paper production.

Railways and the Opening of the Mountains

Railways greatly altered access to Coos County during the nineteenth century. Lines following the Androscoggin and Connecticut valleys connected northern communities with markets and brought visitors towards the White Mountains. Rail travel supported the timber economy while also helping establish the region as a destination for mountain scenery, hunting and fishing. The railway legacy remains visible in former alignments, stations and museum collections, even though visitors now generally arrive by road. The county’s long distances and valley settlements still reflect the routes first strengthened by rail.

Mount Washington and the Rise of Mountain Tourism

Mount Washington’s reputation grew during the nineteenth century as improved roads, rail connections and organised tourism made the Presidential Range more accessible. Guides, inns, scientific observers and early recreational parties all contributed to the mountain’s national profile. The summit’s severe weather also became part of its identity, and the area developed a tradition of careful preparation and mountain expertise. Today, hiking routes and the Mount Washington Auto Road connect visitors with a landscape whose significance lies not only in its elevation but also in its demanding climate and cultural history.

Conservation and the White Mountain National Forest

Extensive logging and fires in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries prompted growing concern about watershed damage and forest depletion across the White Mountains. Federal acquisition and conservation programmes helped create the White Mountain National Forest, within which much of southern Coos County’s mountain landscape is managed for public recreation, wildlife and forest protection. This history explains the balance visitors see today between maintained trails, working forests, protected watersheds and developed gateways such as Gorham. Conservation remains central to how the county’s outdoor landscapes are used.

Changing Industry and the Modern Outdoor Economy

During the twentieth century, changes in manufacturing, forestry and transport reduced the dominance of traditional mill employment, although timber and forest-related work remain important. Communities adapted by developing tourism, outdoor recreation, heritage interpretation and small-scale enterprise. Gorham’s position near the Presidential Range and Pittsburg’s lakes, rivers and snowmobile routes became especially important to the visitor economy, while Berlin continued to confront the legacy and reinvention of its industrial landscape. Coos County today combines working communities with a regional economy strongly influenced by mountains, forests, water and seasonal travel.

Coos County in Photos

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Welcome to Coos County, New Hampshire, where natural beauty meets cultural heritage. With the Evendo app, your journey becomes seamless and enriched with curated guides to the best attractions, landmarks, and dining spots. Whether you're hiking the stunning White Mountains, visiting the historic Mount Washington Hotel, or exploring the quaint shops of downtown Lancaster, Evendo is your indispensable companion. Enjoy local culinary delights at the Black Bear Tavern or indulge in a unique dining experience at the Inn at Whitefield. Our app provides comprehensive information, vivid images, and local tips to ensure you don't miss a thing. Book hotels, tours, and activities directly through the app, eliminating the hassle of planning. Navigate Coos County with ease using our interactive maps and 'Near Me' feature, making sure you uncover every hidden treasure. Download Evendo today to transform your travel experience in Coos County.

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