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On the “New Hampshire Made” Trail: Featuring Local Products, Services & Attractions

Like many of you, when we travel we like to dine in unique local restaurants — maybe in a glam establishment, but just as often in a kitschy cafe, stay at historic hotels or cozy inns, meet local shopkeepers who know the story — and oftentimes the artisans — behind the items they sell, visit local attractions, and bring home a piece of local artwork, amazing food, or other memorabilia that will remind us of our vacation or weekend getaway long after it’s over.

As the official visitor information source for the Great North Woods and the Northern White Mountains of New Hampshire, at New Hampshire Grand we have the enviable job of introducing visitors to the diverse range of attractions, lodging, dining, events, and outdoor activities available in Northern New Hampshire.

And, in case you’re not acquainted with New Hampshire Made yet, we’d like to introduce you to this statewide organization that also promotes New Hampshire-made products and services, and familiarize you with some of the northern New Hampshire businesses that are members of both our organizations.

On your next visit to the northern reaches of the Granite State, make it a point to check out these wonderful points of interest. These businesses are well versed in offering the best of “New Hampshire Grand” and “New Hampshire Made.”

COLEBROOK

Anyone looking for American- and Canadian-made and Fair Trade products will fine a nice assortment of fine arts and crafts and carefully selected gift items at Fiddleheads – A Great North Woods Shoppe. The store has been voted “Best Customer Service” by Colebrook’s Downtown Holiday Shoppers. You’ll also find a small art gallery here, with all of the art created by local artisans.

GORHAM

The Mt. Washington Auto Road has been welcoming visitors since 1861 when horse-drawn wagons ferried guests to the top of the 6,288-foot peak. Today, you can drive yourself, hop aboard an Auto Road van for a guided tour, or hike to the top. You’ll be awestruck by the road’s spectacular twists and turns and the incredible views. At the summit on a clear day you can see several states, Canada and the Atlantic Ocean! And don’t forget to pick up the coveted bumper sticker that tells the world that you’ve climbed Mt. Washington! Winter adventurers can board the SnowCoach for an exhilarating ride to treeline.

LANCASTER

There’s nothing like the taste of sweet maple syrup on your pancakes or waffles! Open year round, Fuller’s Sugarhouse, an award-winning, family-owned business, produces over 4,000 gallons of pure maple syrup each year. The store stocks syrup in a variety of sizes, along with maple candy, custom-made gift baskets, and a hand-picked selection of gift items. Fuller’s also ships worldwide, so you’ll never run out!

WHITEFIELD

Luxurious accommodations, casual and fine dining, a 6,000-bottle wine cellar, an award-winning spa and panoramic views await guests at the historic Mountain View Grand Resort in Whitefield, where visitors have enjoyed the Grand Hotel’s unique brand of hospitality for over 150 years. This fall, kick back and relax over a glass of wine or a cup of hot chocolate after a day of resort activities, which include everything from visiting the animals at the Mountain View Farm, wine and beer tastings, and cozy campfires to golfing, swimming, tennis, mountain biking, and movies in the resort’s own theater. Hiking trails are nearby, and the Resort is also close to all major attractions.

BRETTON WOODS

Whether your approach is from the east or the west, your first sighting of the magnificent red-roofed hotel at the Omni Mt. Washington Resort, backed by the majestic Presidential Range of the White Mountains, is a jaw-dropper. The National Historic Landmark was built in 1902 by 250 master craftsmen in the Spanish Renaissance style and has been delighting visitors ever since. Along with the incomparable mountain views, the Resort offers exceptional accommodations in its 200 rooms and guest suites, a full-service spa, and several fine and casual dining options, including two Four Diamond dining rooms. The resort is a outdoor adventurer’s paradise, boasting an 18-hole Donald Ross-designed golf course, year-round canopy tour, Nordic and Alpine skiing, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, sleigh rides and more.

BETHLEHEM

The Rocks Estate is a great destination any time of year, but it’s especially fun to visit the Christmas tree farm during the holiday season when you can choose and cut your own Christmas tree or select one from the retail lot. Fragrant wreaths and garlands, made on site, are also available. Spring visitors are invited to take part in the New Hampshire Maple Experience, when the property’s maple trees are tapped and the sap is boiled down into sweet maple syrup. The Rocks is the North Country Conservation & Education Center for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, and is open year-round.

“Think Local, Buy Local” is a favorite slogan of the Local Works Marketplace and Gallery operated by WREN, the Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network. The Marketplace features the work of over 120 local artists who produce a wide variety of unique hand-crafted and high quality products. Pay the Local Works Marketplace a visit when you are looking for a special gift or something out of the ordinary for yourself. The store stocks an every-rotating display of jewelry, pottery, bath and body products, candles, textiles, baskets, photography, fine art, home décor, toys, and specialty food and wine items. Or visit the Local Works store in the lobby of the Omni Mt. Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods. The adjacent Gallery presents a new show every other month featuring the work of local artists, who have been selected by a juried committee.

August is Eat Local Month in New Hampshire

Did you know that if every New Hampshire resident spent just $5 a week on local foods an additional $358 million would be injected into the State’s economy? The North Country is home to many farm and food producers and businesses serving up local foods. Whether you are looking for good eats for your family, or to serve up to your customers, there is likely something local just around the corner — like berries, vegetables, local meats, maple syrup, and even local wines and brews.

Don’t know how to get your hands on local foods? Check out the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture’s website for links to local Community Supported Agriculture programs, farm stands, Pick-Your-Own’s, Farmers Markets, and wine, cheese, chocolate and ice cream trails.

Many of our New Hampshire Grand partners are growing, selling or serving local foods.

Want to know the best places to visit for local foods and great dining this month? Check out our highlights below.

Purveyors of Local Foods

Chances are if you’ve shopped at the Farmer’s Market in Littleton (Sundays, 10-1) or Lancaster (Saturdays, 9-noon) this summer, you’re familiar with the wonderful vegetables and meats grown at Meadowstone Farm. Meadowstone also operates a Farm Stand year-round at its farm in Bethlehem, where you’ll find eggs, chicken, pork, goat cheese and seasonal vegetables. Additionally, during the growing season you can find the farm’s veggies and meat for sale at the Littleton Co-op and The Healthy Rhino, on Littleton’s Main Street. Headed out for a restaurant meal? Look for Meadowstone’s produce and goat cheese used in items on the menus at Libby’s Bistro in Gorham; Cold Mountain Café, Maia Papaya, and Rosa Flamingos in Bethlehem; and Littleton’s The Beal House, and Shillings.

The historic Rocks Estate in Bethlehem is a fave destination year round. Stroll around the property and drink in the amazing views, visit the Christmas tree farm this fall where you can cut your own, and come for the NH Maple Experience on March weekends, with tours, tastings and more. And, you’ll never run out of that sweet pancake topper because you can order their delicious New Hampshire maple syrup and other maple products directly from the online store.

Stop by the country store at family-owned Fuller’s Sugarhouse in Lancaster for your choice of pure New Hampshire maple syrup in all its forms — the different grades of syrup are packaged in beautiful glass bottles or the more traditional jugs, and their maple candy, maple cream (butter), and maple sugar are all made-on-the-premises, and oh so sweet! If you can’t make it into the store, you’ll be happy to know that Fuller’s ships its products worldwide.

Delicious Dining Experiences

(These restaurants and cafes tap local food sources when possible. All are noted for preparing excellent food using the freshest ingredients.)

The Appalachian Mountain Club’s Highland Center is an outdoor education center and four-season lodge nestled into the dramatic landscape at the head of Crawford Notch, and makes a perfect home base for hiking the many nearby trails in the White Mountains. Accommodations range from private rooms with private baths to lodge bunk rooms with shared baths. The dining hall serves breakfast, lunch and dinner for lodge guests, through hikers, outdoor recreational enthusiasts and members of the public. The kitchen sources many of its menu ingredients locally and regionally and aims to continually expand its local offerings. As many fruits and vegetables as possible during the summer months are sourced from local farmers through Vermont’s Black River Produce. Some of the local/regional products in stock year-round include: Hatchland Farm Milk (NH), Cabot Cheese and butter (VT), Stonyfield Yogurt (NH), Blue Moon Sorbet (VT), Walpole Ice Cream (NH), Little Leaf Farm lettuce (MA), Backyard Farms tomatoes (ME), Aroostook County potatoes and flour (ME) and Grandy Oats Granola & Oatmeal (ME).

Libby’s Bistro & SAaLT Pub in Gorham is located in an old bank building, but there is nothing old-fashioned about the foods that Chef Liz Jackson, her husband Steve, and dedicated staff serve in the Bistro & Pub. Liz has been a pioneer in the Farm to Table movement and sources much of her ever evolving and eclectic menu from local farms and farmers, including Meadowstone Farm in Bethlehem (seasonal veggies, goat cheese and eggs); Prospect Farm in Lunenburg, VT (grass-fed heritage breed pigs and poultry); Moriah Valley Farm in Shelburne (sumptuous tomatoes); Wood Fire Farm & Gardens in Bethlehem (wild mushrooms, fiddleheads and ramps); Boothman Sugar Orchard and Scarinza’s Sugar House, both in Randolph (small batch maple syrup); Merrily’s Homemade Joys in Gorham (local eggs); Good Vibes Coffee in North Conway (custom-blended Italian style coffee); and Middle Intervale Farm in Bethel, ME (beef, pork, potatoes, corn and winter squash).

The elegant Mt. View Grand Resort & Spa in Whitefield is noted for its comfortable accommodations, spectacular views, and plentiful activities. What you might not know is that the Resort has a close relationship with many local farms, and almost all of its produce, cooking ingredients — like maple syrup — and products come from nearby farms. Resort dining includes the casual Harvest Tavern where guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner; fine dining in the 1865 Wine Cellar, where the menu is paired with selections from the Resort’s extensive wine cellar; the Club House where classic summer favorites hit the spot after a round of golf or other outdoor activity; and the Veranda, when your appetite calls for a refreshing drink or a cup of tea and a light snack.

Drop by the White Mountain Café & Bookstore in Gorham for a cup of Fair Trade coffee from Manchester-based Java Tree coffee roasters and a home-baked goodie, or choose from an array of sandwich specials and soups. The relaxed atmosphere features comfortable seating indoors and out, a collection of rotating artwork by local artists, and the adjacent bookstore with a nicely curated selection of books and a fun kids’ section. Check out the Good Karma board (it’s all about thankfulness and paying it forward).

The historic Omni Mount Washington Resort is a spectacular destination with 200 guest rooms and suites, a luxurious spa, 18-hole Donald Ross-designed golf course, zip line tours and numerous other resort activities like hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. The Resort’s dining experiences are crafted to appeal to a variety of tastes, and rely on fresh, locally and regionally sourced produce, meats and seafood — foods to delight every palate. Step into the graceful and stylish main dining room for breakfast and dinner; the Prohibition-era Cave for nightly entertainment and a full bar; Stickney’s Steak & Chop Pub for lunch or dinner; and the Rosebrook Bar where servers whip up a mean afternoon cocktail and light fare.

The Polish Princess Bakery & Café on Lancaster’s Main Street is a great place to stop for a morning cup of coffee accompanied by one of the bakery’s sweets, or a delightful destination for lunch — try the gourmet pizza or a slice of quiche. And it’s difficult to leave without taking home a loaf of freshly baked bread. Owner Magdalena Russell uses only the best ingredients — unbleached, un-bromated flours and freshly ground whole grain flours from local mills — in her baguettes, French breads, hearty ryes, sourdoughs, and a variety of other loaves and pastries.

Enjoy intimate fireside dining and graceful accommodations at the historic and romantic Adair Country Inn and Restaurant in Bethlehem, where rooms are named for the mountains in the nearby Presidential Range of the White Mountains and the expansive gardens, designed by the Olmstead Brothers, offer year-round interest. The Adair’s carefully designed menu incorporates foods from nearby and regional producers, including eggs from Bear Mountain Farm in Littleton, bacon and sausage from North Country Smokehouse in Claremont, seasonal vegetables from Mann’s Hill Farm in Littleton, mushrooms from Wood Fire Farm & Gardens in Bethlehem (wild mushrooms, fiddleheads and ramps), along with market fresh seafood, free range poultry and choice beef.

The Rainbow Grille & Tavern at Tall Timber Lodge in Pittsburg has earned accolades from Field & Stream as “a truly excellent restaurant,” The Boston Sunday Globe has called it “ The area’s standout dining,” and Yankee Magazine’s Travel Issue gave it an “Editor’s Choice” award. The exceptional Grille menu includes specialty game meats such as bison, elk and venison, fresh Maine seafood, organic poultry, and prime Texan Wagyu beef. Casual fare in the Tavern features appetizers, salads, sandwiches, ribs, meatloaf and hearth-baked pizzas, a great selection of micro-brewed draft beer, craft beer, wines, and specialty jumbo martinis.

For over 60 years, the Town & Country Inn & Resort in Shelburne, has been providing exceptional North Country hospitality to its guests. Amenities include 160 rooms, a dining room seating 180 guests, four banquet rooms, a lounge featuring live entertainment on weekends, an indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and a full health club facility. The resort serves breakfast and dinner daily and lunch on Sundays, and the dining room is open to the public. The Town & Country is famous for serving “the best prime rib ever,” and its extensive menu features favorite foods, along with delicious specials.

A popular breakfast spot, The Waterwheel Breakfast and Gift House in Jefferson is noted for fluffy pancakes as big as your plate, smothered in pure maple syrup, crispy bacon, eggs cooked the way you like them, savory French toast, and Belgian waffles topped with fresh whipped cream. The lunch selection includes comfort foods like Philly steak and cheese subs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, hot dogs, and homemade chicken salad. Save room for the homemade fudge!

Mud, Music & More at the Jericho ATV Festival Presented by Progressive in Early August

Get ready for a terrific line-up of Mud, Music & More at the Annual Jericho ATV Festival Presented by Progressive each year in early August. The Festival draws upwards of 6,000 visitors each year.

Beautiful Jericho Mountain State Park is the setting for dozens of daytime events.

Festival organizers work hard concocting just the right mix of earth and water to produce all the oozy mud necessary for the always fun and exciting mud pit competitions that include Mud Races and Grudge Runs.

Major manufacturers Polaris, Can-Am, Kawasaki, Textron Off-Road & Arctic Cat will be bringing along their new models for you to dream and drool about! Take a demo ride and see what a new model can do for you.

Helicopter rides, a Friday Night Downtown Block Party, Monster Truck Racing and much, much more guarantee lots of fun, entertainment … and MUD! during the weekend of events.

For more information about the Jericho ATV Festival Presented by Progressive, please call (603) 752-6060 or visit www.jerichoatvfestival.com.

Family Summer Road Trip: ATVing and White Water Rafting in NH’s Grand North

Every summer we take a family vacation but the challenge is trying to find a place to go with two active boys ages 19 and 20 who want high adrenaline pumping activities. This summer, we decided to go up to Northern New Hampshire. Here is a recap of our days adventuring in Northern NH.

ATVing with NorthEast ATV Rentals in Gorham, NH

My boys were in the single ATV’s while my wife and I paired up into a double with me driving of course. This was the highlight of the trip for my boys. We had two hours of fun ripping through miles of trails in the park. It’s was a great family activity as we sped through mud and puddles, down step trails, pits and the best part is we did not have to go with a guide. We were on our own tearing it up out there. A definite must do on your next adventure trip.

That night we headed to Sunday River Resort – our home for the next three days with gorgeous views of the mountains. One of the best parts of staying at Sunday River was the breakfast that was included and Chef Frank was fantastic especially with his made-to-order omelets.

White Water Rafting with Raft NH in Errol, NH

We got up early Friday to drive about 50 minutes to Errol, NH to Raft NH for our trip down the Rapid River for our white water rafting excursion. Another highlight of the trip going down the Rapid River – a couple mile stretch of Class IV rapids and the beauty of the wilderness the surrounded us.

We saw a couple of bald eagles during the trip and a deer along the water’s edge. The Rapid River only runs several times each summer because it is dam released which is one of the reasons why we choose it. Another unique feature about the trip is that there is no take out at the end of the river because it feeds into a lake. At the end of our trip, the owner Neil met us with the pontoon boat and took us on a nice 20 minute cruise across the lake. When we got back to the base we had a great catered lunch of sausage and peppers, baked beans, pasta salad and cookies. The staff was awesome and so was our guide Andy who did a great job providing us with great thrills and memories of our trip down the Rapid River.

When got back to our hotel we had dinner and decided to go to a movie at the Gem Theater in Bethel, ME. This is a great little theater that should be stop on your trip if you are in Bethel.

RapPelling Down Cloudland Falls, Franconia Notch NH with north ridge mountain guides

We got up Saturday to begin our hour drive Franconia Notch to hike up Mt. Lafayette in the White Mountain National Forest to rappel down Cloudland Falls. We met our guide Jamie in the parking lot and hiked about a mile and half passing smaller falls along the way. Once we reached our destination Jamie set up the ropes and gave us a demonstration and instructions. We all rappelled twice down the falls and it was something I will never forget.

Repelling down a waterfall in Franconia Notch area — Rappelling down a waterfall in Franconia Notch area

The rush of rappelling down a waterfall oftentimes with many hikers stopping to watch was a once in a lifetime experience. Surrounded by the beauty of the falls and the forest around us, my adrenaline was pumping so much I hardly noticed how chilly the water was until I reached the bottom of the falls. This is something I would highly recommend for the adventurer out there.

Ironically the one reason we decided to stay at Sunday River was because of the mountain biking there, but because we had to leave fairly early Sunday to catch our ferry we ran out of days to go mountain biking. Oh well I guess we will put that on the list for next year! We had an amazing action packed week long adventure vacation!

Littleton Welcomes Visitors To Its Friendly & Vibrant Downtown

A vibrant Main Street lined with interesting shops and historic buildings, an intriguing Riverwalk, a covered pedestrian bridge over the Ammonoosuc River, and the world’s largest candy counter are just some of the delights awaiting visitors to Littleton.

Littleton is a gateway community to the northern White Mountains and Great North Woods and the innumerable outdoor activities that encompass everything from hiking, rock climbing and white water rafting to fishing, snowmobiling, camping, ATVing, and bird and moose watching.

With plenty of dining and lodging options, and a variety of attractions and activities that appeal to young and old, Littleton was selected as one of the Best Small Downtowns in America by Best Choice Reviews. The community has also been named to Travel & Leisure’s America’s Greatest Main Streets list.

A small selection of some of our favorite things to see and do in Littleton follows, but visit yourself and discover all of the friendly shops and points of interest that give the community its old-fashioned downtown flavor, accented with a modern, upbeat vibe.

Shopping

Chutters

Let’s cut straight to the chase — what about that candy counter? If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, head to Chutters, the home of the Guinness Book of World Record’s Longest Candy Counter. At 112 feet, you’ll want to take your time checking out the multitude of glass jars brimming with every type of candy imaginable, over 500 sweet treats!

Lahout’s

Northern New Hampshire has some of the best skiing around, and it’s also home since 1920 to Lahout’s, America’s Oldest Ski Shop. The 4^th generation family-run business is a must-stop shopping destination for skiers, hikers and anyone who spends time in the outdoors.

Littleton Bike & Fitness

The shop is known for its great selection of bikes and biking accessories for everyone from tykes to the high-end cyclist, along with indoor fitness equipment and stand up paddleboards. Bike rentals include road, mountain, hybrid, and fat bikes. SUPs and snowshoes are available for rental, too.

Little Village Toy & Book Shop

Any day is a good day to visit a bookstore, but rainy days in particular lend themselves to browsing and lingering. Little Village Toy & Book Shop is stocked with a wide selection of kids’ books and inspiring and educational toys, complemented by a good variety of adult fiction, non-fiction and local reads.

League of New Hampshire Craftsmen

The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s colorful and eclectic gallery showcases some of New Hampshire’s finest craftsmen working in jewelry, clay, glass, fibers, wood, metal, photography, baskets, printmaking and mixed media. The gallery’s Studio School offers hands-on workshops and classes in pottery, jewelry making, basketry, painting, and more.

Just L Modern Antiques

Looking for the best in mid-century modern décor? Just L has assembled a collection of furniture, lighting, barware, vintage textiles and plenty of other intriguing items to whet your appetite. Eclectic, whimsical and unique!

Northern Lights Music

Everything music under one roof, from guitars and amplifiers to percussion instruments and accessories. Northern Lights has been a family-owned business for over 40 years. And if you find a guitar you like while on vacation, Northern Lights will ship it home for you, free of charge!

Aylakai

Wind chimes, garden statuary, candles and incense rub shoulders with colorful and comfortable clothing, crystals and a fine selection of jewelry at Aylakai.

Pentimento

A delightful boutique situated in an 1884 Victorian on the banks of the Ammonoosuc River, and filled to the brim with an amazing assortment of jewelry, hair accessories, candles, stationery and unique gift items.

Sights & Sounds

Pianos on Main Street

Stroll down Main Street and you just might hear a piano playing! A handful of colorfully decorated pianos are situated along the thoroughfare, inviting both the experienced player and novice to sit down and tinkle out a tune!

Pollyanna of Littleton Statue

Littleton is known as the “Glad!” town and for good reason. It’s the hometown of Eleanor H. Porter, author of the beloved children’s book “Pollyanna.” Pollyanna was known for her exceptional optimism, and that positive spirit is memorialized in a cheerful statue on the Littleton Library front lawn, making for a wonderful photo op!

Riverwalk

Look for Main Street’s two arched gateways to guide you to Mill Street and the town’s lovely Riverwalk along the banks of the Ammonoosuc River. Stroll the footpath along the river, and make a stop at Harmony Park and the outdoor musical instruments (a great kid magnet!).

Riverwalk Covered Bridge

Providing expansive views of the Ammonoosuc River, the 352-foot Warren Truss covered bridge connects to walking trails on both sides of the river.

Dine & Dream

The Beal House Inn & Restaurant

Grab a craft draft beer and a burger at The Beal House Inn or order from a menu that includes locally raised pork and local greens. The Inn’s six guest rooms are charmingly furnished and its location right on West Main Street makes it an easy stroll to downtown attractions.

Schilling Beer Co.

Small batch brews and Neapolitan-style, wood-fired pizza pies, served in an 18th century gristmill on the Ammonoosuc River. Weather permitting, snag a seat in the beer garden or the riverfront deck.

Littleton Diner

Who doesn’t love a diner meal? You’re in luck because The Littleton Diner is one of the best. Well-known for its home-cooked foods, generous portions and friendly staff, The Littleton Diner is a perennial favorite of locals and visitors.

Chang Thai Café

Open for lunch and dinner, the Café’s menu of traditional Thai cuisine will satisfy diners with its amazing variety of familiar Thai dishes, prepared with fresh herbs and other ingredients.

The Coffee Pot

Looking for a hearty and satisfying breakfast? Try The Coffee Pot Restaurant where the coffee’s always on, the food is always homemade and home-baked, and the service is excellent. Great lunches, too.

Littleton Food Co-op

You can’t beat the excellent selection of meats, seafood, cheeses, produce, wines and grocery items at this cooperatively owned supermarket, where an amazing number of items are locally sourced. The Co-op has a cafeteria where you can enjoy freshly prepared salads, sandwiches and soups in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. The store even has an electric car charging station.

Alburritos

Alburritos brings Mexican food to Littleton, NH with tons of flavor and just as much excitement. With Mexican cuisine ranging from tacos to burritos to ensaladas galore, Alburritos asks you to put them to the test to see if there isn’t something for you! Don’t like spicy? No problemo! Vegetarian or Vegan? They’ve got you covered. Just not sure? Have no worries. If you’re looking for a taste of south of the border, check out Alburritos the next time you’re in Littleton.

Bishop’s Homemade Ice Cream

A must-stop for ice cream lovers. Creamy scoops, delicious flavors — try the signature Bishop’s Bash — and an ice-cream parlor atmosphere make Bishop’s a welcome stop on a summer afternoon.

SIP & STAY

The InkWell Coffee & Tea House

The owners of The InkWell in Littleton want it to be more than just a place to grab an exceptional coffee or tea. They want their coffee house to be your coffee home. A place to connect, to unwind, relax, get inspired, to feel the welcome, to simply be. Coffees, teas and a nice selection of breakfast and lunch foods locally and regionally sourced whenever possible.

Kick Back, Relax & Enjoy Summer at Along the River Campground, Cabins & Ice Cream

Along the River Campground & Cabins (plus Ice Cream) on Route 302 in Twin Mountain, ticks off all the boxes for visitors looking for a close-to-nature experience with terrific amenities. Whether you are tenting, looking forward to sleeping in a cabin, or bringing your own RV, you’ll appreciate the friendly staff, fresh mountain air, beautiful views, and the campground’s location on the Ammonoosuc River.

Come for the night, enjoy a weekend away, relax during your vacation, or book a site for the season. The campground is open May-November. Choose from six cabins, tent sites with or without amenities, and RV sites with water, sewer and electricity (30 amp or 50 amp). The small family campground features both wooded and grassy campsites, some located at high and dry spots along the river. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring.

In addition to its central location, close to all of the popular White Mountain attractions — the Mt. Washington Cog Railway, Omni Mt. Washington Resort, Bretton Woods Adventure Center, Santa’s Village, Franconia Notch, Storyland and outlet shopping in North Conway, and outstanding hiking, biking and fishing opportunities — the campground boasts clean restrooms, FREE hot showers, and FREE campground-wide Wi-Fi.

Kids will enjoy the playground and the whole family can cool off in the pool or gather round for board games, pool or foosball in the Rec Hall or a rousing game of basketball, volleyball or horseshoes outdoors.

The campground is pet-friendly, so bring along your favorite pooch to enjoy the camping experience with you. Fifteen flavors of delicious creamy ice cream are served up at the on-site Ice Cream Shack, and it’s open to the public, too. The campground store is stocked with everything you need to make your visit enjoyable, from firewood to toiletries to snacks, along with maps and brochures. Just across the street, the 302 Grille a tasty selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites.

Camping is one of life’s simple pleasures. So the next time you want a chance to fall asleep in a tent under a canopy of sparkling stars, sit around a roaring campfire singing songs or telling scary stories, toast marshmallows on a stick, awaken to bird song, watch a moose walk through your campsite, and cook your meals over an open fire, book your spot at Along the River Campground & Cabins. Best of all, enjoy your time away from the hustle and bustle and stresses of daily life in the company of treasured family and friends.

Northern New Hampshire: Where the Arts & Outdoor Attractions Meet

The region’s beautiful mountain views and pastoral vistas first drew artists to the White Mountains and the northern reaches of the state in the early years of the 19th century, drawn here by a dramatic landscape of towering peaks, rushing rivers and stately forests, and capturing them forever on canvas. These 19th century artists gave rise to both the iconic Hudson River School and White Mountain School styles of painting.

Some artists, like Frank Shapleigh, had an affiliation with one or more of the Grand Hotels of the time. Visitors to Shapleigh’s studio at the Crawford House could observe him at work and purchase a painting to take home as a souvenir of their time in the mountains. These early artists were instrumental in promoting the region to visitors, with their gorgeous paintings serving much the same purpose as today’s brochures and websites for inspiring people to travel to northern New Hampshire to experience its natural splendors and other attractions.

Architecturally grand buildings, artful offerings, and musical and stage performances highlight the many cultural activities to be found today in New Hampshire’s Grand North. Round out your visit to the northern reaches of the Granite State with an arts-based itinerary combined with one or more of our exceptional recreational opportunities and featured attractions for an outstanding vacation experience.

Looking for lodging and dining opportunities while touring the countryside? The New Hampshire Grand website has a complete listing.

BRETTON WOODS

Artist Frank Shapleigh’s home and studio is now guest lodging at the AMC Highland Center. Continuing the tradition of using the arts to interpret the environment, the Highland Center hosts an impressive display of the mountain photography of explorer, mountaineer, and pioneering aerial photographer Brad Washburn. And the AMC’s series of Free Evening Programs introduce visitors to a variety of subjects, from musical evenings and visiting authors to tales of mountaineering in far away places and identifying the stars overhead.

If you’re traveling with the kids, let them loose on the AMC’s Big Mountain Playscape, with plenty of features like ladders, logs, rocks and a rope bridge to help them explore the outdoors.

Hiking the White Mountains is a wonderful summer or fall experiences, with many trails in close proximity to the Highland Center. Shuttle service is available from the AMC to nearby trailheads.

Don’t miss an opportunity to visit the magnificent Omni Mt. Washington Hotel, a National Historic Landmark. First opened in 1902, the hotel was built by 250 master craftsmen in the Spanish Renaissance style. Enjoy a glass of wine on the wide veranda with its sweeping views of the Mount Washington range, or cozy up in one of the elegant public rooms with a pot of tea and a selection of baked goods.

Delegates from around the world converged at the hotel in 1944 for the Bretton Woods Monetary Conference, which established the World Bank, set the gold standard and selected the American dollar as the foundation of international exchange following World War II. The handsome room in which the final documents were signed is just off the lobby, and includes an informational display outlining the importance of the conference in stabilizing the post-war economy.

Just across the road at the Resort’s Adventure Center, fly through the treetops on an exciting Canopy Tour for amazing views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range of the White Mountains, or try one of the other resort activities like river tubing, golf, and mountain biking.

The Mt. Washington Cog Railway is the world’s oldest mountain-climbing cog railway and has been ferrying passengers to the summit of Mt. Washington since 1869. Ride in an old-fashioned steam train or one of the newer bio-diesel models and spend time on the summit exploring the Weather Discovery Center, visiting the stone Tip Top House, and drinking in the amazing views. On especially clear days you can see the Atlantic Ocean!

Drummond’s Mountain Shop is locally famous for its ski and snowboarding sales and service, but during the summer months, bike rentals are available and make a great way to explore the region at a leisurely pace.

WHITEFIELD

Professional summer theatre in the North Country can trace its roots to 1934, when New York Times music critic Will Chase opened the Chase Barn Playhouse in Whitefield, the predecessor of today’s Weathervane Theatre. The summer playbill includes seven shows, both classic and contemporary, in alternating repertory. Families travelling with kids will enjoy the timeless tales and musical stories staged throughout the season by the Weathervane’s Patchwork Players.

No visit to Whitefield is complete without a stop at the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, which has catered to guests since the end of the Civil War. Sweeping mountain views and a variety of resort activities will appeal to every member of the family. Of special interest is the resort’s Mountain View Farm, where fiber collected from the farm’s flock of sheep is spun into Mountain View Farm Blend yarn. Take a needle felting class at the fiber studio, using fibers from the farm’s animals, which also includes goats, alpacas, llamas and Angora rabbits, and take home a wonderful souvenir of your visit.

The Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge in Whitefield and Jefferson, a noted bird-watching destination, is easily accessed by a 1.5 mile, almost flat walking trail leading to a viewing platform at Cherry Pond with magnificent views of the Presidential Range. The Little Cherry Pond hiking trail along the western edge of the pond also has a viewing platform.

LANCASTER & JEFFERSON

Weeks State Park is the legacy of Congressman John Wingate Weeks, a Lancaster native who, in 1911, sponsored historic legislation known as the Weeks Act, which led to the creation of the White Mountain National Forest. The Weeks State Park Association hosts free Thursday evening programs throughout the summer at Weeks’s handsome stucco Summit Lodge atop Mount Prospect, on topics as diverse as railroading, butterflies, wildflowers, and birds of prey, along with a musical evening or two to get your toes tapping. The drive to the top of the mountain along the rustic carriage road boasts outstanding scenery, and the stone fire tower next to the Lodge is worth a climb for its 360-degree views.

Drop by the William Rugh Gallery in downtown Lancaster to view the paintings of artist/painter Ed Widmayer (1923-2010) and award-winning photographer Fletcher Manley. Manley’s photography has taken him around the world, including photographing four Winter Olympics Games. Widmayer is known for his abstract expressionist works. The gallery also carries a line of locally made fine furniture and a selection of work by local artisans.

Lancaster is notable for its independent movie house, the Rialto Theatre, whose distinctive marquee advertises first-run movies, a free summer family film series, and a growing schedule of concerts and other community events. While improvements have been made over the years, the 1930s-era theatre still retains an old-timey feel, with a box office fronted by a brass rail, comfortable seats (with lots of leg room!) and dark red tapestries on the walls.

Santa’s Village is a premiere New England attraction with many kudos to its name, including being named as one of the nation’s outstanding amusement parks. Visit Santa at his summer home in Jefferson, feed his reindeer, enjoy unlimited rides on dozens of attractions, cool off at the Ho Ho H2O Water Park, watch live performances and much more at this top-rated park.

Can you say mush? At Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel, visitors can experience an exhilarating sled dog ride across the snow-covered landscape during the winter months and rolling sled dog rides in the summer. Muddy Paw also runs Raft NH, and many visitors opt for the Paws & Paddle package, a combo adventure that includes whitewater rafting and a rolling dog sled ride.

COLEBROOK, STEWARTSTOWN & PITTSBURG

Colebrook has embraced a lively arts scene centered on the Tillotson Center for the Arts, which includes a 175-seat performance and movie theatre, a community heritage museum and an art gallery. Formerly the Carriage Barn for The Balsams hotel stagecoach, and subsequently a Grange Hall with a theater and dance floor, the Center is now a magnet for cultural activities in the northernmost region of the state.

The Great North Woods Center for the Arts promotes musical, cultural and performing arts in northern New Hampshire in its indoor and outdoor performance spaces.

Quality hand-crafted items, including jewelry, pottery, home and garden, and wood products, can be found at Fiddleheads. The Colebrook shop specializes in U. S.- and Canadian-made products, along with Fair Trade items. The on-site art gallery promotes the talents of the more than 50 artists of the Connecticut River Artisan Group, whose members hail from New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and Canada.

The Poore Farm Historic Homestead and Museum is the last remaining, original 100-acre farm settlement of its kind in northern New Hampshire. The Stewartstown museum portrays one family’s life from the 1830s to the 1980s, including the house, barns and outbuildings, all in authentic condition. Displays include clothing, artifacts, newspapers, magazines, diaries and letters, hand tools, horse drawn wagons, farm implements, and a large collection of everyday items common to the period. The Museum and grounds host a variety of cultural events, demonstrations, field trips, concerts and social gatherings.

More than 1,000 miles of riding await ATVers on northern New Hampshire interconnected trail system that spans the northern region of the state. Bring your own machine or rent one from Bear Rock Adventures in Pittsburg, with its diverse fleet of 2-, 4- and 6-seat side-by-sides and ATVs. Take a self-guided tour or let an experienced tour guide lead the way.

Check into Tall Timber Lodge or the Cabins at Lopstick for a relaxing vacation or use the Pittsburg resorts as the base for your hunting or fishing adventures. Tall Timber Lodge has experienced fly fishing and bird hunting guides and hosts fly fishing schools each year. Lopstick is an ORVIS-endorsed outfitter and offers fly fishing guide service, casting lessons and upland hunting service.

BERLIN

The 500-seat St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts, is notable both for its architecture and its terrific performing arts series. Located in a former church, St. Kieran’s is on the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places. Built in 1895 in the baroque architectural style, it includes a central portal with a rose window and two elaborate stained glass accents. The Hook and Hastings pipe organ, donated in 1898, remains in excellent condition. The performing arts series takes place throughout the year, featuring local, regional and national acts.

Overlooking the city is the oft-photographed Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church at 20 Petrograd Street, with its six cross-topped domes and distinctive blue and white exterior. The interior includes Byzantine-style Icons, early 20th century oil paintings, framed imported prints and faux marble wainscoting.

History buffs will want to spend some time at the Berlin and Coos County Historical Society’s Moffett House & Genealogy Center. The Center contains the largest library of genealogical material north of Manchester, N.H.

Another bit of Berlin history can be found in the Berlin Murals, adorning a wall of the former Brown Company Research Building on Main Street, just south of the Service Credit Union Heritage Park. Twenty-four windows are covered with paintings created by students from the Plymouth State University art department. The images depict scenes from Berlin’s history including the city’s paper industry, logging, ski jumping and hockey.

ELC Outdoors in nearby Errol offers single or multi-day recreational packages to get your adrenaline pumping. Choose from whitewater rafting trips, high ropes aerial adventures, wildlife tours and a raft and float plane combo trip.

GORHAM

The beautifully restored Medallion Opera House (in the same building as the Town Hall) is the heart of the town’s cultural activities, with a year-round schedule of performing arts.

Grab a cup of coffee and check out the rotating art exhibits at the White Mountain Cafe & Bookstore . The bookstore carries a nice selection of books by local and regional authors, White Mountains maps and guides, and children’s books and toys.

Drive yourself or take a guided tour in a comfortable van up the Mt. Washington Auto Road to the top of Mt. Washington, the Northeast’s highest peak. Be prepared for jaw-dropping vistas, have your photograph taken on the craggy summit (6,288 feet), tour the historic stone Tip Top house, and visit the Mount Washington Observatory’s interactive Extreme Mt. Washington Museum.

Once you’ve conquered the summit, consider extending your stay and taking a guided tour of the paddling variety at Great Glen Trails, at the base of the Mt. Washington Auto Road. Enjoy a guided kayak trip along the scenic lakes and rivers of northern New Hampshire. Or rent a bike at Great Glen Trails and peddle along well-marked carriage trails through beautiful meadows and along scenic rivers, with dramatic mountain views at every turn.

It’s always exciting to spot a moose or two along the roadway. Let a knowledgeable guide take you on a tour to some favorite moose spots in the Androscoggin Valley by booking a seat on the Gorham Moose Tours. Along with moose, you might also spot deer, eagles, osprey, bears and raccoons.

The Gorham to Whitefield Presidential Rail Trail follows an abandoned Boston and Maine Rail Line and is chock full of beautiful mountain views and wildlife. The 18-mile, mostly flat trail, is open for biking and hiking (in winter, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and mushing).

Guided tours, group rides and ATV rentals are available at White Mt. ATV Rental, located at the southeast entrance to Jericho Mountain State Park, with access to over 1,000 miles of ATV trails in the Ride the Wilds trail system.

Mountain Biking Like a Local in the North Country

The Whites are well known for summer hiking. But sometimes it’s nice to step out of line and trade in your hiking boots, pump some adrenaline, and ride. Mountain biking is still fairly new in the North Country, which means the trails are generally quiet, even on peak weekends.

Parker Mountain Trails, known as PRKR MTN, serves up 22-miles of consistently challenging riding. A hand-built network in Littleton, NH, PRKR MTN trails will leave you sweaty, humble, and drenched in accomplishment. Every time I step away from PRKR my legs (and ego) are lined with bruises, yet my heart screams bring it on! Each ride makes me more technically proficient, and the view from Linda’s Lookout is worth every inch of the climb. PRKR is also working to expand its beginner network, and has a new pump track that’s a fun challenge for the whole family. The Littleton Bike Shop is right down the street, and no ride is complete without a visit to Schilling Beer Company, the brewery that put Littleton on the map.

Also on the mountain biking scene is Bethlehem Trails Association (BTA), just next door to PRKR MTN. BTA offers a bit of everything from double track with mountain views to entice beginners and families to single track switchbacks weaving up and around the many mountain peaks central to downtown. With Rek’-lis Brewing Company, the Colonial Theatre, and a number of local shops and restaurants right in BTA’s backyard, Bethlehem is a fantastic place to ride, sip craft beer, and fill up on dinner and live music without having to so much as move your car from its parking spot!

Last, but certainly not least, no mountain biking tour of the northeast would be complete without a trip to Kingdom Trails in East Burke, VT. Kingdom is where the crowds are, but they gather for a reason. Downhill flow trails like Kitchel and Troll Stroll leave you giddy like a child hopped up on birthday cake, and the ridgelines looking out over layers of rolling farmland make every ascent (even the one up Darling Hill) worth the tears. Set aside time to soak in the view from Heaven’s Bench, and be sure to kick back post-ride at Mike’s Tiki Bar with nourishment from neighboring food trucks.

The North Country isn’t just for hiking anymore! See you on the trails!

-Kelly McCann

North Country transplant and BTA board member

“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So… get on your way!”

The majesty and allure of Mount Washington hovers in the distance like a carrot on a rope. Being the tallest peak in the northeast, I know that getting to the summit of the mountain would offer amazing views for any family or visitor that would leave them saying “wow!”.

Of course, being able to Explore Mount Washington is a way for the entire family to enjoy and appreciate a list of different experiences and opportunities to take in the beautiful views, enjoy the wildlife and really get an experience and memorable journey to heights that offer supreme viewing angles of up to 5 states and into Canada!

A HISTORIC VOYAGE TO THE MOON

Topping the list is the premiere way to visit and experience Mount Washington: the Mount Washington Cog Railway. A three- hour roundtrip to the top and back on a beautiful steam or biodiesel train all the while having a guided narration? Count us in! And of course it’s entirely stress free and you can really take the vistas and surroundings in and not have to worry about anything else!

The Mount Washington Cog Railway starts at Marshfield Station in Bretton Woods. Enclosed in Marshfield Station is a free interactive museum about the history of the Mount Washington Cog Railway and a great gift shop offering the perfect souvenirs to remember the visit by even if you don’t ride the train!

The Mount Washington Cog Railway offers two types of locomotives to bring you to the summit of Mount Washington. Take a ride in the historic steam locomotives and feel like you’ve been teleported right back to the late 1800s! The smell of the coal and the chugging of the train will make anyone feel like they’re taking the first steps in exploring Mount Washington and being a part of living history!

Also available are the modern, eco-friendly and high-tech biodiesel locomotives. Offering a faster and cleaner way to the summit, these John Deere powered locomotives show that the future and the past can combine to create an experience that will dazzle everyone of all ages!

Voyaging to the summit of Mount Washington by train is an amazing experience in itself, taking approximately one hour to reach the summit. You’ll experience views and sights all along the way to the top, while a brakeman offers an educational and exciting narration to make sure you won’t miss a single thing!

Once you’re at the summit of Mount Washington you can enjoy the various exhibits and gift shops along with the fascinating weather and ecosystem that Mount Washington itself presents to its guests! There’s even a post office so you can send a postcard with a unique postmark showing it’s point of departure!

A FOREST STROLL

Another option is to ascend Mount Washington, via one of the hiking options available. The Jewell Trail and the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail offer sights to behold to explorers willing to ascend Mount Washington. Averaging around 6 hours one way, the trails wind and curve throughout beautiful lush forests and waterfalls graze the trails reminding one of a hidden jewel in the forest.

The hikes are extremely difficult and require full preparedness to make it up to the summit, but day trippers or folks who want to just take a quick jaunt up the trails to see some of the sights can have an everlasting impression and a thirst for more sights offered off the beaten path in the White Mountain National Forest! The Jewell Trail, which is the easier of the two, is a great entry trail for hiking Mount Washington and picks up right at the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Coming in at 5.1 miles, the beginning of the trail offers rest spots with scenic views, rushing streams of water and plenty of opportunities to see wildlife! But make sure you’re prepared!

If you’re a seasoned hiker looking for your next challenge, then Mount Washington is the perfect mountain for your New Hampshire voyages. The highest peak in the northeast, the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail is 4.5 miles to the summit with a fairly easy grade for the first 2 miles before ramping up. But the reward for this daunting hike is worth it with many waterfalls and scenic overlooks of the Presidential Mountain Range. A one-way trip is also offered to seasoned hikers who wish to either hike up or down the mountain and take a train ride right back to the parking lots. The best of both worlds!

Parking and trailheads are located on the east side of Mount Washington right at Marshfield Station at the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Before you enjoy your hike either up the Jewell or the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trails you can enjoy a nice breakfast bite at Peppersass Restaurant, get trail maps and essentials supplies at the Gift Shop or even enjoy the busy train operations. From there you can get right onto the two main hiking trails and start your exploration.

No matter which method you choose to Explore Mount Washington, you are guaranteed an experience of a lifetime. In the words of Dr. Seuss, “Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So… get on your way!”

Discover the Upper Connecticut River

by Rob Giannino | May 27, 2018

The Upper Connecticut Lakes and the headwaters of the 407 mile Connecticut River has a magical lore that draws you. I always knew I would get there, but for some reason that box just wasn’t checked yet. The fact is the Pittsburg area needs to be on every flyfisherman’s bucket list. The Upper Connecticut River along with the Connecticut Lakes, Back Lake and all the remote ponds is an amazing fishery so when that late season fishing bug hit me hard, that Pittsburg trip that hadn’t happened yet kept rolling around in my mind. I took action and connected with Tom Caron of Tall Timber Lodge. I had heard from several close friends that Tall Timber Lodge was a special place. Located on gorgeous Back Lake, Tall Timber is a fantastic launching point for just about any outdoor activity you could ask for. Best of all, it’s only a double haul cast away from the trophy section of the Upper Connecticut river.

It was just before dusk when I arrived at the Tall Timber Lodge. The grounds were manicured while still maintaining the rustic look. The lake was glass and the sunset spectacular just over the foliage covered hills. I was eating a delicious meal in in the Rainbow Grille, the tavern style restaurant within Tall Timber Lodge, when my guide, Chuck Degray came over to welcome me. We planned to meet in the lobby the next morning. Like a kid waiting for Christmas, I could barely sleep. Finally, I fell off and woke promptly without my alarm. I met Chuck in the lobby where he had a hot cup of coffee for me. We watched a beautiful sunrise over the lake. With the fall trees painted in an array of autumn colors, a light morning fog floated across the still water of Back Lake. I had a sense a long dream was about to become a reality!

The River

The Upper Connecticut river begins at the border of Quebec and New Hampshire near Chartierville, Quebec. As you head south on 257 you go through US Customs and come to Third Connecticut Lake, the smallest of the “Connecticut Lakes.” There are four lakes in the Upper Connecticut chain. Third Connecticut, Second Connecticut, First Connecticut and Lake Francis. Additionally, there’s Back Lake which is not part of the chain of lakes but since it geographically sits between Third Connecticut and Lake Francis it is often referred to in the same breath as the other Upper Connecticut Lakes. While many people enjoy fishing the lakes, the magic happens between the lakes in the river.

The Upper Connecticut River is considered one of the top fisheries in all the Northeast. After two full days on the water, I now know why. The “Trophy Stretch” is a fly-fishing only section of the river that starts at the outlet of First Connecticut Lake Dam and run 2.5 miles downstream to the inlet of Lake Francis. It is filled with riffles and pools providing some of the finest trout and salmon water in the region. There are 11 named pool along the Trophy Stretch., from the picturesque Judge and Jury pool with the cascading waterfalls towards the top of the stretch to The Skating Rink Pool which is down river near Lake Francis. Beyond the pools anywhere you find a seam, a ripple or a run, you have a chance to catch the fish of a lifetime.

Strategies & Techniques

Fortunately for me that was true twice that first day. Chuck and I hit the first pool and things started a little slow. Not for any other reason but I was sort of beating up the water. I have always been more of a streamer/dryfly fisherman. I would occasionally swing wet flies or put a nymph dropper off a dry. The fact is that those who know how to successfully fish nymphs seem to consistently have the best results and catch the biggest fish. I have always wanted to advance my skills in this area so when Chuck said let’s start out with a two-nymph rig I was ecstatic. We set up an 8’ leader tapered to 4X, fluorocarbon preferred, and we attached our first fly. Chuck recommended a weighed top fly like a stonefly nymph or a bead head. Below that we added about 8” of 5X fluorocarbon tippet and we tied one in a small sparkle pupa type nymph. We added a couple split shots about 4” above the top fly and completed the set up with a strike indicator. You want your strike indicator about 1.5X the water depth so you will need to move that around throughout the day based on the water depth of your pool. You want your nymphs “ticking” along the bottom. We didn’t catch anything out of that first pool but that was mostly on me because I was still getting use to this setup. I would make a comeback though.

Since we had a recent soaking Chuck had an idea. He said let’s head up to the inlet of 2nd Connecticut Lake as the recent rain could serve as just enough of a push of water to bring the salmon out of lake and into the river. We tied one of Chuck’s hand-tied personal favorites, a grey soft hackle streamer. Feeling back in my element, I made a few casts, down and across with a swing and a strip and POW, I was in! Feeling like this was a nice fish, I was being gentle. Taking some line and giving some line. It felt great to be hooked up but I knew I wanted that photo so I was being careful. I put the fish on the reel, angled him towards Chuck and he netted a beautiful landlocked salmon. BINGO BANGO is a term my brother and I coined after we land a nice fish and I certainly let out a hardy one after this fish hit the net. As happy as I was, Chuck was clearly happier for me. You see, that 21-inch salmon was the largest salmon I ever caught in New England. We snapped a couple pictures and released him back to his pool. Chuck’s “hunch” paid off and we landed a couple more before hitting our next spot.

We hit up some honey holes and found many cooperative rainbows and salmon. As it was getting towards lunch, with a wonderful morning completed, I suggested we head back to the lodge to relax and have a quick bite. Anytime I can eat and relax overlooking water and gorgeous water in this case, it fills me with great satisfaction. Chuck was telling me about the monster brown trout they catch below a dam a bit further down river. In passing I mentioned I have caught a lot of brown trout but never a real trophy. With that information, Chuck said let’s head back out.

I wanted to get back on the nymph rig because I was starting to get the feel of it. I was struck by the quality of the pools we were hitting. I was working a seam at the bottom of a “V” when the indicator disappeared. I set the hook and said WHOA, we’re into something. Then I saw that golden flash; this was unmistakably a brown trout and a big one! This fish was darting everywhere. Chuck was being so gracious to videotape the fight for me. Since he was holding the GoPro I said hand me the net. He said, “Are you sure?” With a laugh I said, yeah I got it. Clearly, I didn’t because this fish was all over the pool and then took a left turn and dove for the next pool over. I handed the net back to Chuck and he netted the biggest brown trout of my life, a 22-inch beautiful golden, fall brown trout. BINGO – BANGO! In one day I landed 2 of the nicest fish of my life. I had been dreaming of this place for so long and my dreams were coming true.

The next day we chased and caught more trout and salmon. I was fortunate enough to be invited to float the lower part of the river in a couple of drift boats. Chuck and I were join by Cindy and John Howe and we had a blast floating the river and catching beautiful trout. John Howe is a veteran guide of the area. He is basically retired from guiding now but still loves to fish and share his wealth of knowledge of the area. It was a privilege to fish with Cindy and John. Plus, when your nickname is “Old Man River,” you are sure to have a tale or two to share. I capped the trip by catching one last fish, a brook trout, completing the grand slam.

Time of Year & Flies

Because the dams between the lakes are bottom feed, the river stays cool throughout the summer. Spring time will bring smelt into the rivers from the lakes allowing a great time to hunt a trophy salmon. Summer brings great dryfly fishing both on the upper stretch and the lower which is fantastic from a drift boat. The fall will bring the salmon back into the river to spawn leaving another chance to land a hard fighting salmon.

I found softhackle streamers in grey or olive to be the most productive streamer. Under the nymph rig I had the most success with soft hackle, sparsely tied wet flies and beadhead caddis and mayfly nymphs in 16 and 18. Please check your regulations for the areas you plan to fish. Some parts of the river are fly-fishing only and some parts are catch and release.

Tall Timber Lodge
609 Beach Rd.
Pittsburg, NH 03592
800-835-6343
www.talltimber.com
[email protected]

North Country Fly Shop & Guide Service
Chuck Degray
9 Mountain Ash Drive
Pittsburg, NH 03592
603-331-1459
www.facebook.com/northcountryflyshop