Free Sullivan County Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Sullivan County with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Sullivan County
Sullivan County photo 2
Sullivan County photo 3
All photos

Explore Sullivan County, New Hampshire, for Lake Sunapee recreation, forested hills, historic villages, arts heritage and Connecticut River landscapes.

Sullivan County occupies a varied corner of western New Hampshire, running from the Connecticut River on the Vermont border to the wooded uplands around Mount Sunapee and Lake Sunapee. It is a rural county, but not an isolated one: Claremont provides an urban and industrial counterpoint in the south, while Newport, Sunapee and the surrounding villages offer access to lakes, forests, historic buildings and four-season recreation. The county's landscape is shaped by the Sugar River, the broad Connecticut River valley and a succession of low, forested hills.
Read more about Sullivan County
Claremont is the largest community and the county's principal centre for arts, heritage and services. Its nineteenth-century mills reflect the importance of the Sugar River, whose waterpower supported textile and paper manufacturing. The city's historic districts contain substantial brick industrial buildings, churches and civic architecture, while the restored Claremont Opera House remains a significant venue for performances and community events. In the south-west, Charlestown and the Connecticut River valley preserve a more agricultural character, with long-settled roads, farmsteads and views across to Vermont.
The northern and central parts of Sullivan County are defined by water and woodland. Lake Sunapee is the best-known recreational centre, with boating, swimming, lakeside walks and access to Mount Sunapee State Park. Sunapee village and Newbury lie around the lake, while nearby towns such as Goshen, Washington and Grantham provide quieter routes into the hills. The county is well suited to walking, cycling, paddling, snowshoeing and skiing, although many attractions are dispersed and a car makes it easier to combine them in a single itinerary.
History is unusually visible here. At Cornish, the Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park preserves the home, studios and gardens of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and reflects the artistic community that developed in the area during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. At Charlestown, the Fort at Number 4 interprets a reconstructed eighteenth-century frontier settlement. Covered bridges, village greens, old meetinghouses and former mills add smaller but important layers of architectural history.
Food and drink are closely connected with the landscape. Farm stands, maple producers, independent cafés, traditional New England diners, breweries and restaurants using regional produce appear across the county, with greater choice in Claremont and around Lake Sunapee. The atmosphere changes with the seasons: summer brings boating and lakeside activity, autumn brings coloured hardwood forests, winter supports skiing and snow sports, and spring is associated with mud season, maple sugaring and quieter roads. Sullivan County rewards visitors who allow time for short drives between communities rather than treating it as a single resort destination.

Getting to and around Sullivan County

How to get there

Sullivan County is reached mainly by road. Interstate 89 runs through the eastern part of the county and connects the area with Concord and the Upper Valley; US Route 4 and state routes including 10, 11, 12 and 103 serve the principal towns and rural districts. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and Boston Logan International Airport are outside the county and offer the broadest scheduled air connections, while Lebanon Municipal Airport, also outside Sullivan County, is a closer small-airport option. Passenger rail is not generally available within the county; visitors using Amtrak commonly travel via stations outside the county, including Windsor or White River Junction in neighbouring Vermont, and continue by road.

Transportation

A car is the most practical way to connect Claremont, Charlestown, Newport, Lake Sunapee, Mount Sunapee and the smaller hill towns. Roads are generally straightforward but can be winding, narrow or poorly lit in rural areas, and winter conditions can affect travel. Local taxi and community transport availability is limited compared with larger New Hampshire centres, while scheduled public transport does not provide comprehensive access to dispersed attractions. Walking and cycling work well within individual towns and on routes such as the Sugar River Rail Trail, but cyclists should expect long stretches of road without urban-style facilities. Allow more time than map distances suggest when travelling between lakes and upland villages.

Top city travel guides in Sullivan County

The cities of Sullivan County, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Sullivan County

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

Best attractions in Sullivan County

Sullivan County's attractions range from outdoor recreation to carefully preserved cultural sites. Mount Sunapee State Park is the county's main four-season recreation area, offering access to hiking, winter sports and views over the surrounding lake country, while Lake Sunapee supports boating, swimming and lakeside exploration. The Sugar River Rail Trail provides a gentler way to experience the countryside on foot or by bicycle. History is represented by the reconstructed Fort at Number 4 in Charlestown, where living-history interpretation explains eighteenth-century frontier life, and by the buildings and landscapes of old village centres. Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park in Cornish is the county's most distinctive arts attraction, preserving studios, gardens and sculpture linked to one of America's leading nineteenth-century artists. Claremont adds historic mills, cultural programming and the Claremont Opera House, while farm stands, covered bridges, trails and rural roads create smaller-scale reasons to explore beyond the principal destinations.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Sullivan County

The Connecticut River forms Sullivan County's western boundary and is its most important geographical landmark, creating a broad valley with views towards Vermont and a long history of settlement and transport. In Charlestown, the Fort at Number 4 site recalls the county's eighteenth-century frontier position, while the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, approached from the New Hampshire side at Cornish, links the region's landscape with neighbouring Vermont. Mount Sunapee and Lake Sunapee provide the county's most recognisable natural profile, combining a forested mountain with a long, irregular lake and prominent seasonal viewpoints. Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park in Cornish is both an architectural and cultural landmark: Aspet, the sculptor's home, stands among studios, gardens and monumental works. Claremont's former mills, churches and civic buildings form a substantial industrial-era townscape, and village greens, meetinghouses and covered bridges across the county preserve the architectural character of earlier rural communities.

Show more landmarks

Explore Sullivan County on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Sullivan County

Dining in Sullivan County reflects the foodways of rural New England, with traditional diners, family restaurants, cafés, pubs and seasonal farm outlets alongside more contemporary establishments around Claremont and Lake Sunapee. Maple syrup, apples, berries, pumpkins, baked goods and locally raised meat appear in farmside shops and seasonal menus, while cheese and craft beverages are common regional purchases. Lake Sunapee and the Connecticut River valley provide settings for relaxed summer dining, although menus commonly draw on ingredients from the wider New Hampshire and New England food region rather than a single county-specific cuisine. In small towns, breakfast cafés and inns can be important social and practical stops, while Claremont offers the broadest choice for an evening meal. Visitors should expect some rural establishments to operate seasonally or on limited days and should check arrangements before making a long drive.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Sullivan County

Evening life in Sullivan County is centred on traditional pubs, restaurants, breweries, live performances and community venues rather than a large nightclub scene. Claremont has the county's strongest concentration of cultural and evening activity, including performances at the historic Claremont Opera House and a selection of bars and restaurants. Newport and the Lake Sunapee communities offer smaller-scale places to eat and drink, with activity increasing during the warmer months and around seasonal visitors. In rural towns, evenings are generally quiet and often revolve around an inn, local pub, dinner or community event. Craft beer and New England-style tavern culture are more characteristic than late-night clubbing, and visitors should arrange a designated driver or accommodation transport because public transport is limited outside the main settlements.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Sullivan County

Evening life in Sullivan County is centred on traditional pubs, restaurants, breweries, live performances and community venues rather than a large nightclub scene. Claremont has the county's strongest concentration of cultural and evening activity, including performances at the historic Claremont Opera House and a selection of bars and restaurants. Newport and the Lake Sunapee communities offer smaller-scale places to eat and drink, with activity increasing during the warmer months and around seasonal visitors. In rural towns, evenings are generally quiet and often revolve around an inn, local pub, dinner or community event. Craft beer and New England-style tavern culture are more characteristic than late-night clubbing, and visitors should arrange a designated driver or accommodation transport because public transport is limited outside the main settlements.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Sullivan County

Shopping in Sullivan County is small-scale and locally oriented. Claremont has the county's broadest selection of independent shops, galleries, antiques, books, everyday services and food businesses, while Newport and the villages around Lake Sunapee provide smaller clusters of local retail. Farm stands and seasonal markets are useful for maple syrup, apples, pumpkins, preserves, baked goods, honey and other New England produce. Craft and practical souvenirs may include pottery, woodwork, textiles, artwork and locally made foods, particularly in communities associated with the Connecticut River valley and Lake Sunapee. The county is not a major destination for department stores or luxury retail, so visitors seeking extensive commercial shopping will find more choice outside the region in larger New Hampshire or Vermont centres. Buying directly from farms, studios and independent producers offers a more representative souvenir of the county than generic tourist merchandise.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Sullivan County, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Sullivan County essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the US dollar (USD), as throughout New Hampshire and the United States. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, larger shops, restaurants and visitor businesses, especially in Claremont and the Lake Sunapee area. Carry some cash for farm stands, small seasonal sellers, rural cafés, parking arrangements and occasional events, as connectivity and payment facilities can be less reliable in remote areas. Tipping is customary in American table-service restaurants and for many personal services; the expected amount is normally calculated before tax on the bill.
Safety
Sullivan County is predominantly rural, with ordinary precautions appropriate in towns, car parks and seasonal visitor areas. Outdoor visitors should prepare for uneven trails, ticks, changing weather, slippery ground and limited mobile reception in wooded or hilly areas. Lake activities require suitable flotation equipment and attention to weather and water conditions. Drive carefully on narrow country roads, particularly at night, during autumn leaf season and in winter. Do not block farm entrances or assume that an unmarked track is a public road, and follow posted rules in state parks and conservation areas.
Emergency Situations
Call 911 for police, fire or ambulance emergencies anywhere in Sullivan County and give the dispatcher the town, road name, nearest landmark and, where relevant, trail or lake location. Mobile coverage can be inconsistent in wooded and hilly areas, so download maps and tell someone your plans before longer walks. For non-emergency public-service guidance in New Hampshire, 211 can help direct callers to appropriate local services. In immediate outdoor trouble, remain in a safe visible location where possible and follow instructions from emergency responders rather than attempting an unfamiliar route out.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect private property, farm operations, marked trails, posted lake regulations and quiet residential areas. Do keep dogs under control and remove waste, and do leave natural and historic sites as you found them. At heritage properties, follow photography and access rules rather than touching objects or architectural features. In restaurants, tipping is a normal part of service culture, and queueing and courteous road behaviour are expected. Do not enter closed trails, abandoned industrial buildings or unfenced land without permission, and do not assume that a rural setting means every shoreline, field or woodland is publicly accessible.
Local Tips
Base yourself in different parts of the county according to your interests: Claremont suits arts, historic buildings and access to the southern valley, while the Lake Sunapee area is more convenient for water activities and Mount Sunapee. Combine Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park with a drive through Cornish and the Connecticut River valley, and allow time for village stops rather than relying only on major attractions. In autumn, popular roads and lakeside areas can be busy, whereas spring is quieter but may bring muddy trails and reduced seasonal opening arrangements.
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
HelloHi[hai]
GoodbyeSee ya[si ya]
YesYep[yehp]
NoNope[nohp]
Please/You're welcomeSure thing[shur thing]
Thank youThanks[thangs]
Excuse me/SorrySorry 'bout that[sorree bout that]
How are you?How's it going?[how's it goin]
Fine. And you?Good, you?[gud, you?]
Do you speak English?Do ya speak English?[duh ya speak English?]
I don't understandI don't get it[I don't get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[can I see the menu?]
I don't eat meatI'm a vegetarian[I'm a vege-tarian]
Cheers!Cheers![cheers]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?[can I get the check?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help]
Go away!Leave me alone![leave me alone]
Call the Police!Call the cops![call the cops]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![get a doctor]
I'm lostI'm kinda lost[I'm kinda lost]
I'm illI'm not feeling well[I'm not feelin well]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...[I wanna buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[just browsing]
How much is it?What's the price?[what's the price?]
That's too expensiveThat's a bit pricey[that's a bit pricey]
Can you lower the price?Can you give me a better deal?[can you give me a better deal?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time ya got?[what time ya got?]
It's one o'clockIt's 1 o'clock[it's 1 o'clock]
Half past (10)Half past 10[half past 10]
MorningMorning[morning]
AfternoonAfternoon[afternoon]
EveningEvening[evening]
YesterdayYesterday[yesterday]
TodayToday[today]
TomorrowTomorrow[tomorrow]
1One[one]
2Two[two]
3Three[three]
4Four[four]
5Five[five]
6Six[six]
7Seven[seven]
8Eight[eight]
9Nine[nine]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the nearest...?[where's the nearest...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[what's the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?[can you point it out?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[when's the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...[a ticket to...]

History of Sullivan County

Indigenous Landscapes and Early Settlement

Before European settlement, the Connecticut River, Sugar River and Lake Sunapee region formed part of the homeland and travel networks of Indigenous peoples, including communities associated with the Abenaki peoples of northern New England. Rivers and lakes provided routes for movement, fishing and seasonal activity. European settlement expanded during the eighteenth century, bringing cleared farms, mills and roads, but also disrupting Indigenous communities through disease, warfare, land loss and colonial policy. The county's later towns developed along waterways and transport routes that had long structured movement through the region.

The Fort at Number 4 and the Colonial Frontier

Charlestown occupies the site of Fort at Number 4, a fortified settlement established in 1744 beside the Connecticut River. It was the northernmost permanent English settlement in New Hampshire at the time and became a strategic point during the tensions and conflicts involving British colonists, French interests and Indigenous nations. The original fort no longer survives, but the Fort at Number 4 Living History Museum reconstructs the settlement and interprets daily life, defence and frontier relations in the eighteenth century. Its history reflects both colonial expansion and the contested nature of the region's borderlands.

Farms, Villages and the Development of Towns

During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, farms and compact villages spread through the county's river valleys and uplands. Meetinghouses, town greens, general stores and small industries formed the civic centres of communities such as Cornish, Newport, Sunapee and Washington. The Connecticut River supported transport and trade, while local roads connected farms with mills and markets. Many surviving houses, barns, churches and civic buildings date from this period of agricultural growth. The settlement pattern remains visible in village centres separated by extensive woodland and working farmland.

Waterpower and Industrial Claremont

Claremont grew into the county's principal industrial town because the Sugar River supplied dependable waterpower. Textile, paper and other manufacturing enterprises expanded during the nineteenth century, supported by improved roads and rail connections. Mill complexes, workers' housing and commercial buildings transformed the town and connected it to wider markets in New England. Industrial investment also produced civic institutions, churches and cultural venues, including the Claremont Opera House. Although manufacturing has declined from its nineteenth-century prominence, the surviving mill architecture and historic districts preserve the physical record of the city's industrial era.

Railways and Regional Connections

Railways reached Sullivan County during the nineteenth century and strengthened links between Claremont, Newport, the Connecticut River valley and larger New England markets. Rail transport carried agricultural goods, timber and manufactured products while encouraging the growth of commercial centres. Stations and railway corridors helped define the county's economic geography, although later road transport reduced the importance of passenger and freight rail for local communities. Today, former railway routes have found new life as recreational corridors, including the Sugar River Rail Trail, which follows part of the historic landscape through the county.

Augustus Saint-Gaudens and the Cornish Art Colony

Sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens established his summer home and studio at Aspet in Cornish in the late nineteenth century. His presence attracted writers, painters, architects and musicians who formed the loosely connected Cornish Art Colony. The group was not a formal institution, but its members shaped the cultural reputation of the Connecticut River valley and brought national attention to the area. Saint-Gaudens's home, studios, gardens and works are preserved at Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, providing an unusually complete view of an American artist's working environment and of the cultural life of the period.

Tourism, Conservation and the Outdoor Economy

In the twentieth century, improved roads and changing leisure habits encouraged tourism around Lake Sunapee and Mount Sunapee. Summer boating, lakeside holidays and winter skiing gradually became important complements to farming, manufacturing and forestry. State protection of Mount Sunapee and the preservation of historic buildings and cultural sites helped maintain public access to landscapes and heritage. The county now combines small-town services, conservation areas, outdoor recreation, heritage tourism and seasonal agriculture rather than relying on a single industry.

Sullivan County in Photos

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

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Sullivan County

The closest regions to Sullivan County, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

New Hampshire
More of the region

Explore more of New Hampshire

Discover New Hampshire: Explore the majestic White Mountains, serene lakes, and historic towns in the heart of New England's enchanting landscapes.

Explore New Hampshire
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Sullivan County

Discover Sullivan County's hidden gems with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering top attractions, landmarks, dining, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Seamless booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences.
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore the beauty and culture of Sullivan County, New Hampshire with Evendo, your comprehensive and free travel guide app offering detailed insights and seamless trip planning.

  • Comprehensive history of Sullivan County and travel essentials.
  • Local advice and tips to maximize your visit.
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature for discovering nearby attractions.
  • 100% free to use with no hidden charges.

Welcome to Sullivan County, New Hampshire, a destination teeming with natural beauty, historical landmarks, and vibrant cultural experiences. With Evendo, your travel companion app, navigating this picturesque region becomes a breeze. Imagine strolling through the enchanting trails of Mount Sunapee or exploring the rich history encapsulated in the Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge, all guided by real-time tips and insights from Evendo.

From the bustling streets of Claremont to the serene landscapes of Pillsbury State Park, Evendo ensures you never miss a beat. Discover the culinary delights at local favorites like the Common Man Restaurant or indulge in the eclectic menu at Dusty's Café. Each location is enriched with images, comprehensive descriptions, and insider tips, ensuring you experience Sullivan County like a true local.

Take advantage of the app’s seamless booking capabilities, allowing you to reserve hotels, tours, and experiences directly, eliminating the hassle of separate searches. With the 'Near Me' feature, uncover hidden gems and attractions right around the corner, no matter where your adventures take you.

Download Evendo today and transform your travel experience in Sullivan County. Whether it's planning your itinerary or finding spontaneous adventures, Evendo puts the world of Sullivan County at your fingertips.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.