With nearly 7,000 miles of snowmobile trails in New Hampshire, and more than 700 miles of snowmobile trails in the Great North Woods alone, New Hampshire’s North Country is one of the best snowmobile destinations in the Northeast. Every winter thousands of locals and out-of-staters visit the region to ride pristine groomed trails with incredible wildlife and mountain views. With many lodging options on the trails or nearby, a snowmobile vacation in the North Country is fun and easy to do.
Best Views in the North Country
While many snowmobile enthusiasts love to hear the purr of their engine and speed along the miles of trails, many enjoy the beautiful views from many of the local trails. Pittsburg is often referred to as the “snowmobile capital of New England.” With more than 200 miles of trails and an extensive lodging network, it’s hard to argue its status. All the trails are groomed by the local snowmobile club, Pittsburg Ridge Runners, and you can connect to trails in Vermont, Maine, and Quebec. Since Pittsburg is the most northern town in New Hampshire bordering Canada, you can bring your passport and cross over to Chartierville for lunch. Take a selfie at the border and brag to all your friends that you snowmobiled to Canada and back in a day.
For more scenic views, Diamond Ridge in Pittsburg offers incredible views of the wooded forest below. Standing at 3,230 feet, you can ride perfectly groomed, wide trails to the summit of the mountain. On bluebird days, you can see for miles. Be sure to pack some snacks for the Canadian Grey Jays that will happily eat out of your hands. Don’t be surprised if you see a moose! For more seasoned riders, Shatney Mountain has some of Pittsburg’s steepest trails, but riders are rewarded with breathtaking views of Back Lake. It’s a local favorite.
Located in Coleman State Park, Sugar Hill in Stewartstown may be a little smaller than Diamond Ridge, but it still offers great views of the North Country’s wilderness. The Swift Diamond Riders maintain all the trails in Stewartstown, including the spruce-covered Sugar Hill. They also have a warming hut open on the weekends that serves up hot dogs and hamburgers trailside.
For those up for the challenge, follow the trail to Dixville Notch. A steep and challenging ride to an amazing view just below the windmills is worth the effort. No matter where you go in the North Country, you’ll find great trails and views.
Trailside Lodging
Snowmobilers from all over New England and Southern Canada are not only attracted to the North Country because of its extensive trail network of beautifully maintained trails, but also its trailside lodging options. All the lodging in the area has plenty of parking so you can leave your truck and trailer and take off on your snowmobile adventure. Many of the local accommodations offer snowmobile rentals so if you don’t have one or want to bring yours, you can rent a high-performance machine in New Hampshire.
Lopstick in Pittsburg has been providing refuge for outdoor lovers since 1928. With 57 cabins of various sizes located on or near a snowmobile trail, the Lopstick is a great place to call your home base for a week or stop by for a night or two along your route. Lopstick also offers snowmobile rentals for one or two riders, including full coverage snowmobile helmets to help keep you safe and warm.
Satisfy Your Hunger
Colebrook Ski Bees maintains the trails into the town of Colebrook where you can dine at the Black Bear Tavern at River Edge Inn. The Black Bear is right on the Rail Trail Corridor that leads to all points north. If you need to refuel, there is easy access to gas at Lemeiux’s Garage and Service. Colebrook Country Club, located on the trail, is a perfect place to lay your head at night. With ample parking and a local watering hole, it’s the perfect place to rehash the stories from the day on the trails.
If it’s just the two of you, Parsons Street is a hop, skip, and a jump away from the trail. Relax in a luxurious suite and have an elegant meal at their in-house fine dining restaurant. Ask Linda and John, the gracious owners, to be seated at “the nest” for a truly romantic experience.
Murphy’s Steakhouse at Bear Tree in Pittsburg offers fine dining in a casual, comfortable and rustic setting. Their cozy fireplace, beautiful views of First Connecticut Lake and fantastic food make for a memorable experience.
Located on Snowmobile Trail #142, Buck Rub Pub is a family owned and operated pub and lodge in Pittsburg. It features hearty food at a great value and fresh cold beer from the tap.
Local Snowmobile Events
Throughout the winter, the North Country hosts several big snowmobile events. The annual Kiwanis Winter Carnival is held in February at the Colebrook Country Club and is lots of fun for all ages. The annual GoNorth Snofest (formerly SnoDeo) is held in early March at three locations — Coleman State Park, the Coleman Estates and the Swift Diamond Riders Club House. It’s the only event in New England where you can demo the newly released sleds for next year. For more information on snowmobile events, check out of events calendar.
Come Discover Why the North Country is New England’s Snowmobile Capital
Whether you’ve been riding snowmobiles for decades or just once, come discover why New Hampshire’s North Country is called the snowmobile capital of New England. With a network of over 700 groomed trails, plenty of great lodging, and breathtaking views, you’ll quickly fall in love with the North Country.