Located in far northern NH on US Route 3, Colebrook is the gateway to Quebec and a major center of commerce for the North Country with a vibrant downtown and a good diversity of retail shops. Just outside Colebrook is the 45th parallel, marking the half-way point between the equator and the North Pole. In days past, timber was chopped all winter, and then the logs were floated downstream in spring to the mills along the Connecticut River.

A logging town, Colebrook was the "end of the line" for the railroad for a number of years. Its visitor center is located on a scenic bend of the Connecticut on US Route 3, 1.5 miles north of the town center.

"It's your typical New England town" says Arnold Goodrum, President of the Colebrook Historical Society. "Colebrook also serves towns in Vermont, and nearby townships in Quebec. It's really the center of the North Country."

Colebrook has the North Country Community Recreation Center which includes a pool, an ice rink and a variety of outdoor activities. "We also have a theater which is very nice," say Sylvia Goodrum, Secretary of the town's historical society. "The theater is part of the Arts Center, and can seat 170 people. We are very proud." It inexpensively offers an eclectic mix of quality entertainment: do check out their schedule.

Dining includes the Moose Muck Coffee House, 25 Parsons Street, offering coffee, sandwiches and snacks. Wilderness Restaurant at 181 Main Street serves homemade food with 1950s flair. Le Rendez Vous Bakery, at 121 Main Street, serves gourmet French Food for bargain prices. Mostly Muffins, 51 Parsons Street, offers a variety of bakery goods, including the New England favorite, whoopee pies.

For drinks in an amazing facility, try the Black Bear Tavern at the former Colebrook House Inn. We would dare say there is no more attractive pub for 75 miles. They also have a large dining room that is extraordinary for the area.

Golfers will find two nine-hole courses on Route 26, Coushaukee Golf Course and the Colebrook Country Club. Private pilots will enjoy knowing that Colebrook is home to Gifford Field.

Lodging is available at several locations:

•  Bear Rock Suites
•  RiverEdge Inn & RV Sites, formerly the Colebrook House Inn
•  Monadnock Bed & Breakfast
•  Northern Comfort Motel

Fishing is good on the Connecticut River, and upstream, the four Connecticut Lakes offer great fishing opportunities, especially if you fish with flies. Be sure to check NH Fish & Game regs as certain sections have differing rules, size or quantity limits. To check water flow rates on the Connecticut River, click here.

The area is also famous for moose, both moose watching and moose hunting, and also the annual Moose Festival. Snowmobilers come to Colebrook in droves for winter recreation because of the abundance of trails and the predictable conditions.

For current snowmobile conditions, check out the Colebrook Ski-Bees Snowmobile Club website. Snowmobile rentals are available in nearby Pittsburg.


The Balsams Resort in neighboring Dixville Notch is currently under renovation. Built just after the Civil War, the property has been a magical setting for tennis, swimming, and enjoying the incredible scenery. The swinging 1960s furthered The Balsams place in history, as television reporters were housed in swanky rooms to record footage of the first town to casts votes in Presidential elections.

The former stables for the Balsams resort serve today as home for the historical society, gallery, and community meeting space.