Free Great North Woods Travel Guide & Mobile App

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Great North Woods
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Explore New Hampshire’s Great North Woods for remote lakes, moose country, logging heritage, scenic drives and four-season outdoor adventures.

The Great North Woods occupies the northern reaches of New Hampshire, a sparsely settled landscape of forests, rivers, lakes and high upland roads extending towards the Canadian border. Much of the region lies in Coos County, where small communities are separated by broad tracts of spruce, fir, birch and maple woodland. The principal centres include Berlin, Gorham, Lancaster, Colebrook, Errol and Pittsburg, but the character of the area is shaped as much by its uninhabited spaces as by its towns.
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Water is central to the region’s geography. The Connecticut River rises in the Connecticut Lakes near Pittsburg and forms part of the western boundary with Vermont, while the Androscoggin River flows through Berlin, Gorham and Errol. Umbagog Lake, Lake Francis and the First, Second and Third Connecticut Lakes provide opportunities for paddling, fishing, boating and wildlife watching. Wetlands and forest margins support moose, black bear, loons, eagles and other northern species, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and should be approached with care.
The landscape changes noticeably from north to south. Around Pittsburg and the Connecticut Lakes, long roads lead through remote forest and open water towards the Canadian frontier. Colebrook and the Upper Connecticut River valley offer farmland, small-town services and access to surrounding trails. Berlin and Gorham retain a more industrial and rail-oriented heritage, while Dixville Notch presents a dramatic passage through steep, forested mountains at the southern edge of the region. The boundary with the White Mountains is close, but the Great North Woods has a quieter, more remote identity than the better-known mountain resorts farther south.
Human history is closely connected with Indigenous travel routes, river corridors, timber harvesting, paper manufacture and transport. Logging shaped both the economy and the settlement pattern, while Berlin’s mills made it one of northern New Hampshire’s major industrial towns. Reminders of this past remain in former mill landscapes, railroad infrastructure, museums, historic buildings and working communities. In Dixville Notch, the Balsams resort and New Hampshire’s distinctive first-in-the-nation presidential voting tradition form another part of the region’s public identity.
Visitors come for long-distance driving, canoeing, fishing, hunting where permitted, snowmobiling, hiking, birdwatching and the chance to experience a genuinely rural corner of New England. Services are widely spaced, mobile coverage can be inconsistent and weather can change quickly, particularly in the colder months. A thoughtful itinerary combines a practical base such as Berlin, Gorham, Colebrook or Pittsburg with time on the water, along forest roads and in the region’s small towns.

When is the best time to visit Great North Woods?

Best: June–August · 22–24°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-370
February-165
March475
April1080
May1785
June (best)2290
July (best)2495
August (best)2390
September1985
October1480
November875
December170

Getting to and around Great North Woods

How to get there

The Great North Woods has no major commercial airport or regular intercity passenger railway within the region. Most visitors drive via US 2 from the west or east, US 3 through the Connecticut River valley, NH 16 from the south-east and NH 26 towards Dixville Notch and Colebrook. Lebanon and Manchester in New Hampshire, Portland in Maine and Burlington in Vermont are outside the region and may serve as air gateways, although each requires a substantial onward drive. Montréal, Canada, is another possible international gateway, but border-crossing requirements and road conditions should be checked before travelling.

Transportation

A private car is generally the most useful means of reaching dispersed lakes, trailheads, wildlife areas and small communities. Main roads are paved, but forest roads can be rough, seasonal or unsuitable for ordinary vehicles; check local conditions before setting out. Taxi and limited local transport options are concentrated in the larger towns rather than remote lakes and camps. Cycling is possible on quieter roads but distances, hills, heavy vehicles and limited shoulders require preparation. Winter visitors should expect snow and ice, allow extra time and use a properly equipped vehicle.

Destinations in Great North Woods

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

Best attractions in Great North Woods

The Great North Woods is an outdoor region first, with attractions spread across a large, lightly populated landscape. Around Pittsburg, the Connecticut Lakes and Lake Francis provide a setting for paddling, fishing, boating, wildlife watching and scenic drives towards the Canadian border. Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, reached from the Errol area, protects wetlands, islands and forest habitat important to loons, waterfowl and other wildlife. The Androscoggin River corridor offers opportunities for water-based recreation and links the communities of Errol, Gorham and Berlin. Dixville Notch adds a more dramatic mountain setting, with trails, viewpoints and the historic Balsams complex. In Berlin, local museums and heritage sites interpret logging, paper manufacture, railways and the lives of the workers who built the industrial north. Small-town galleries, historical societies and seasonal outdoor bases provide a useful cultural counterpoint to the region’s lakes and forests. Activities change with the weather: summer favours boating, hiking and fishing, autumn brings foliage drives and wildlife observation, and winter supports snowmobiling, snowshoeing and Nordic-style outdoor pursuits where conditions and access permit.

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Best landmarks in Great North Woods

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Explore Great North Woods on the map

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Best restaurants in Great North Woods

Dining in the Great North Woods reflects its working rural communities and outdoor culture rather than a concentrated restaurant scene. Berlin, Gorham, Colebrook, Lancaster, Errol and Pittsburg provide the broadest choice, while roadside diners, cafés, general stores, pubs and seasonal establishments serve visitors travelling between lakes and trailheads. Menus commonly draw on wider New England traditions, including hearty breakfasts, soups, sandwiches, baked goods, burgers, fried seafood and maple products, with locally sourced ingredients varying by season and supplier. Freshwater fishing is important to the region’s recreational identity, although visitors should distinguish between locally caught fish and food simply described as New England style. Farmers’ markets and farm stands can offer eggs, vegetables, preserves, baked goods and maple syrup during the warmer months. Remote camps and cabin areas require more planning: shop in the larger towns, check kitchen facilities and do not assume that a late meal or takeaway service will be available far from the main roads.

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Best bars in Great North Woods

Evening life in the Great North Woods is centred on traditional pubs, taverns, restaurants, cafés and lodge-based social spaces rather than a major nightclub circuit. Berlin and Gorham offer the widest choice of places to eat, meet and hear occasional live music, while Colebrook, Pittsburg, Errol and Lancaster have smaller, community-oriented scenes. In snowmobile season, establishments may become informal gathering points for riders, but opening patterns can be seasonal and should not be assumed. Craft beer and spirits from New Hampshire are available in some venues, alongside familiar American drinks, yet the region’s evening appeal is more often conversation, local food, music and dark-sky calm than late-night entertainment. Visitors staying in remote cabins should plan transport in advance and avoid driving after drinking, since distances are long and roadside services are limited.

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Best nightclubs in Great North Woods

Evening life in the Great North Woods is centred on traditional pubs, taverns, restaurants, cafés and lodge-based social spaces rather than a major nightclub circuit. Berlin and Gorham offer the widest choice of places to eat, meet and hear occasional live music, while Colebrook, Pittsburg, Errol and Lancaster have smaller, community-oriented scenes. In snowmobile season, establishments may become informal gathering points for riders, but opening patterns can be seasonal and should not be assumed. Craft beer and spirits from New Hampshire are available in some venues, alongside familiar American drinks, yet the region’s evening appeal is more often conversation, local food, music and dark-sky calm than late-night entertainment. Visitors staying in remote cabins should plan transport in advance and avoid driving after drinking, since distances are long and roadside services are limited.

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Best shops in Great North Woods

Shopping in the Great North Woods is practical and locally oriented, with the strongest concentrations in Berlin, Gorham, Lancaster, Colebrook and Pittsburg. Independent shops, general stores, outdoor outfitters, bookshops, galleries and small gift stores serve both residents and visitors, while farm stands and seasonal markets offer maple syrup, preserves, baked goods, honey and other New Hampshire products. The region is a useful place to buy supplies for a camping, paddling or snowmobile trip, but it is not a destination for extensive department-store or luxury retail. Crafts, local artwork, photographs, wood products and nature-themed gifts are more characteristic souvenirs than mass-produced merchandise. Historic and cultural institutions may sell books about logging, railways, wildlife and northern New Hampshire, providing more meaningful mementoes of the area. Because villages are widely spaced and some businesses operate seasonally, combine shopping with fuel and food stops rather than assuming that every community will have late-opening services.

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Great North Woods essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the United States dollar (USD), as throughout New Hampshire and the United States. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in established shops, accommodation and restaurants in towns, but smaller businesses, fuel stations, camps and rural services may have limited connectivity or prefer cash. Carry some US currency for remote areas, outdoor operators and unexpected roadside needs. Visitors using Canadian cards should be aware that exchange rates and foreign-transaction fees are set by their card provider.
Safety
The region is generally quiet, but remoteness creates practical risks. Tell someone your route for hikes, paddling trips and forest-road drives, carry water and basic supplies, and do not rely entirely on mobile reception. Moose and deer can appear suddenly, especially at dawn, dusk and in autumn; reduce speed and never stop in a dangerous position to watch them. Lakes and rivers can be cold, currents can be deceptive and weather can change quickly. In winter, check snow and ice conditions before travelling or going onto frozen water.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 for police, fire or ambulance assistance, using the national United States emergency system. Give a clear location, road number, nearby town, trail name, lake or landmark because addresses and mobile coverage can be limited in remote areas. For outdoor emergencies, contact 911 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions; local fire departments, law-enforcement agencies and trained search-and-rescue personnel may coordinate a response. Do not assume that a remote trail or forest road can be reached quickly, and download maps before leaving a connected area.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect private land, posted boundaries, hunting seasons and marked trails, since much of the forest is a working landscape rather than public parkland. Do keep dogs under control and pack out rubbish. Do give snowmobiles, logging trucks and other large vehicles ample room on rural roads. Do not approach moose, bears or other wildlife, and do not feed them. At historic sites and small community institutions, follow photography and access rules. Tipping in restaurants and for customary service remains a broader United States practice, not a special Great North Woods custom.
Local Tips
Use Berlin, Gorham, Colebrook or Pittsburg as bases according to your route, rather than assuming one town can conveniently serve the entire region. The Connecticut Lakes and Umbagog area reward an early start for birdwatching and quiet water, while autumn colour and snowmobile season are particularly busy periods. Ask locally about road conditions, boat launches and fuel before heading into remote country. The New Hampshire side of Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge is best appreciated with patience: wetlands, coves and forest edges may reveal more through quiet observation than through a hurried circuit.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

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/]
NoNah[/nɑː/]
Please/You're welcomeSure thing[/ʃʊr θɪŋ/]
Thank youThanks a bunch[/θæŋks ə bʌŋtʃ/]
Excuse me/SorryPardon me[/ˈpɑrdən mi/]
How are you?How ya doin'?[/haʊ jə ˈduɪn/]
Fine. And you?Good. And you?[/ɡʊd. ənd ju/]
Do you speak English?Ya speakin' English?[/jə ˈspiːkɪn ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ/]
I don't understandI ain't followin'[/aɪ eɪnt ˈfɑloʊɪn/]
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 ain't eatin' meat[/aɪ eɪnt ˈiːtɪn miːt/]
Cheers!Cheers![/tʃɪrz/]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?[/kæn aɪ ɡɛt ðə tʃɛk/]
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 ˈdɒktər/]
I'm lostI'm turned around[/aɪm tɜrnd əˈraʊnd/]
I'm illI ain't feelin' well[/aɪ eɪnt ˈfiːlɪn wɛl/]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...[/aɪ ˈwɒnə baɪ/]
I'm just lookingJust browsin'[/dʒʌst ˈbraʊzɪn/]
How much is it?What’s the price?[/wʌt ðə praɪs/]
That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep[/ðæts ə bɪt stiːp/]
Can you lower the price?Can ya knock down the price?[/kæn jə nɒk daʊn ðə praɪs/]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time ya got?[/wʌt taɪm jə ɡɒt/]
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[/təˈmɔroʊ/]
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 addy?[/wʌts ðə ˈædi/]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out?[/kæn jə pɔɪnt ɪt aʊt/]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[/wɛn's ðə nɛkst bʌs/]
A ticket (to ....)One ticket to...[/wʌn ˈtɪkɪt tu/]

History of Great North Woods

Abenaki Homelands and Northern Travel Routes

The Great North Woods lies within the wider homeland of Western Abenaki peoples, whose communities used the rivers, lakes and forest corridors of northern New England for travel, hunting, fishing and exchange. The Connecticut and Androscoggin river systems connected the region to neighbouring valleys, while lakes and passes provided practical routes through difficult terrain. European settlement and colonial land claims later disrupted Indigenous lifeways, and disease, warfare and displacement profoundly affected Abenaki communities. Visitors should understand that the apparent wilderness is not an untouched landscape but part of a much older cultural geography.

Timber, Rivers and Early Settlement

European-American settlement expanded slowly into northern New Hampshire because the terrain was heavily forested, remote and difficult to reach. Rivers supplied movement and water power, while the abundance of spruce, fir and hardwood encouraged timber cutting. Communities such as Lancaster, Colebrook, Pittsburg and Berlin developed around farms, river crossings, logging operations and small manufacturing. The timber trade altered the forest, created seasonal employment and established the north-south transport patterns that still influence roads and settlements today.

Railways and the Industrial North

Railways transformed the Great North Woods during the nineteenth century by linking remote timber districts with larger markets in New England. Lines reached Berlin and other Coos County communities, carrying logs, finished lumber, paper and passengers. Improved transport accelerated settlement and enabled Berlin to develop into a major paper-making centre. Rail travel also brought visitors to northern resorts and hunting country. Although much passenger rail service disappeared during the twentieth century, railway corridors, bridges, station buildings and industrial sites remain important evidence of the region’s economic transformation.

Berlin’s Paper-Mill Era

Berlin’s identity was shaped by the large paper mills established along the Androscoggin River, particularly from the late nineteenth century onwards. The mills drew workers, investment and immigrant communities, and they made the city an important industrial centre in an otherwise rural county. Paper production depended on timber, water power, rail transport and demanding industrial labour. Mill closures and restructuring later brought economic hardship, but the surviving industrial landscape and local heritage institutions help explain how forestry and manufacturing shaped northern New Hampshire society.

Dixville Notch and the Balsams

Dixville Notch became known as both a dramatic mountain passage and a resort destination. The Balsams, developed from the nineteenth century, attracted visitors to the remote setting and became one of New Hampshire’s best-known grand hotels. Dixville Notch also acquired a distinctive political role when its tiny community began opening New Hampshire’s presidential primary poll at midnight, a tradition that gained national attention. The resort’s later closure and proposed redevelopment reflect the continuing challenge of maintaining large-scale tourism infrastructure in a remote northern landscape.

Modern Conservation and Outdoor Recreation

During the twentieth century, parts of the region increasingly balanced timber production, private landownership, wildlife management and outdoor recreation. Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, the Connecticut Lakes area and other protected waters and forests helped conserve habitat for moose, loons, waterfowl and migratory birds. Snowmobiling, paddling, fishing, hunting, hiking and scenic driving became important visitor activities alongside traditional forestry. The contemporary Great North Woods therefore combines a working rural economy with conservation landscapes and a tourism culture based on access to large, relatively undeveloped spaces.

Great North Woods in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

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The closest regions to Great North Woods, if you have time for more than one.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Great North Woods

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Welcome to the Great North Woods, New Hampshire, an adventurer’s paradise nestled in the heart of New England. With the free Evendo app, your journey through this stunning region becomes seamless and memorable. Whether you're drawn to the majestic beauty of the White Mountains, planning a visit to the historic town of Lancaster, or eager to explore the endless trails of the Nash Stream Forest, Evendo is your indispensable travel companion.

Evendo offers detailed insights into all the must-see attractions and hidden gems. Visit the stunning Dixville Notch State Park and marvel at the breathtaking views, or explore the rich history of the Northern Forest Heritage Park. Delight your taste buds at local favorites like the Black Bear Tavern or indulge in fine dining at the Wilderness Restaurant. The app provides comprehensive information on landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, ensuring you won't miss a thing.

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