Coos can be discovered from many different perspectives: The Ride the Wilds OHRV trail system in Coos County comprises more than 1,000 miles of interconnected trails. There are also hikes, mountain panoramas, paddling opportunities and cultural sites that reveal different sides of the region. The contrast between outdoor experiences and traces of history makes the range of choices particularly interesting.

Trails, Gorges and Waterfalls

Jericho Mountain State Park offers trails for ATV, UTV and trail bike riders, as well as snowmobilers. Those who prefer to explore on foot will find hiking trails to Table Rock and the surrounding mountains in Dixville Notch State Park. The landscape there also includes a scenic gorge and waterfalls on two mountain streams.

One specific waterfall is Baby Flume: It is less than 0.1 miles from a roadside parking area and drops a total of 18 feet in three stages. A very different route is the Cohos Trail, which runs from southern Crawford Notch through the Great North Woods to the Canadian border near Pittsburg. There are numerous opportunities for day hikes along the entire trail. This means both individual natural attractions and an extensive long-distance hiking trail offer different ways to explore the area.

Wide-Open Views and Winter Trails

The summit area of Weeks State Park offers a 360-degree panorama of the Presidential Range, the Green Mountains, the Kilkenny Range, the Percy Peaks and the upper Connecticut River Valley. The observation tower at Milan Hill State Park offers a different view: From there, you can see mountain ranges in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and Canada.

Milan Hill pairs these views with winter activities: The state park has more than 9 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails. Experiences can therefore vary considerably even within a single park—here, the focus is on both views across several regions and getting out on groomed trails.

Water, Paddling and Wildlife Watching

Lake Francis covers 2,000 acres and is located near the Connecticut Lakes. From Lake Francis State Park, you can explore the upper Connecticut River by canoe. The Androscoggin River near Mollidgewock State Park offers canoeing and kayaking for beginners and experienced paddlers; canoes and kayaks can be rented there.

The waters also offer different opportunities for swimming and fishing. Jericho Lake has a swimming area. At Moose Brook State Park, the swimming area is fed by Moose Brook. Forest Lake State Park has a 200-foot sandy beach on Forest Lake and offers mountain biking. Coleman State Park, at Little Diamond Pond and nearby streams, is a place to fish for trout; Moose Brook State Park offers fishing on the Peabody River and Moose River.

There are more landscapes to explore for wildlife watching: At Umbagog Lake State Park, you can see birds, deer and moose. It also has remote campsites and cabins that can only be reached by boat. The Fourth Connecticut Lake Preserve protects an important boreal habitat. Animals that can be seen there include moose, beavers, waterfowl, spruce grouse and American three-toed woodpeckers.

History and Culture in Berlin and the Region

The Nansen Ski Jump combines sports history with a specific construction period: The City of Berlin and the National Youth Administration built it together with the Nansen Ski Club from 1936 to 1938. For many decades, the jump hosted major ski jumping championships. The Moffett House & Genealogy and Sports Museum explores Berlin’s sports history, including the NH Hockey Legends Hall of Fame and the Nansen Ski Club.

Other chapters in the region’s history are presented at the Berlin Falls House Museum Heritage Center. Its artifacts and exhibits cover immigrants who settled in Berlin and the surrounding area, William Wentworth Brown and the Brown Company. The Maynesboro and Thompson Barns are also part of this history: They are the last surviving remnants of Brown Company logging.

The Great North Woods Center for the Arts welcomes visitors to concerts, theater performances, art exhibitions, educational programs, community events and cultural celebrations. Its history begins in 1789, when Hezekiah III and Margaret Parsons built a log cabin and a log barn on this property. Berlin also hosts the annual Riverfire Festival every fall.

Regional Produce and Crafts

The Lancaster Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays from May through October. Vendors offer regional produce, baked goods, cheese, eggs and milk, as well as work by local craftspeople. Along with the museums and events, the market shows another side of the region: In addition to hiking trails, water and winter sports, local products and cultural encounters are also part of what there is to discover in Coos.

Discover more destinations: Gorham, Colebrook, Lancaster, Errol, Whitefield, Groveton, Berlin, Dixville Notch, Dummer, Carroll, Milan.

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