10 Fun Things To Do Near Groveton, New Hampshire (Coos County)
If you’re looking for a laid-back North Country getaway,
Groveton, New Hampshire is a small mill village with a big backyard. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, and quiet back roads, it’s the kind of spot where you can still hear the wind in the trees and see stars at night.
Whether you’re road-tripping through
Coos County, planning a family vacation, or just want a peaceful weekend away, there’s plenty to do within a short drive of Groveton.
Below are
10 things to do near Groveton, NH that mix outdoor fun, local history, and classic New England charm.
1. Walk the Groveton Covered Bridge Over the Ammonoosuc River
Right in the village, the
Groveton Covered Bridge (also called the Northumberland Bridge) is a must-see.
Built in the 1800s, this wooden bridge once carried wagons and early cars across the
Ammonoosuc River. Today, it’s closed to vehicles, but you can walk right across it.
- Take a slow stroll and listen to the river flowing below.
- Snap some photos of the weathered wood and mountain backdrop.
- Visit around sunset for beautiful soft light.
If you like old-fashioned New England scenes, this spot delivers. It’s simple, free, and surprisingly peaceful.
2. Explore Nash Stream Forest for Hiking, Wildlife, and Quiet
Just west of Groveton, the huge
Nash Stream Forest offers thousands of acres of woods, trails, and back roads. It’s one of those places where you can feel like you’ve truly “gotten away.”
Here you can:
- Hike on old logging roads and lesser-known trails.
- Look for moose, deer, and plenty of birds.
- Try fishing in streams and small ponds.
- Enjoy fall foliage far from busy highways.
If you’ve ever wanted to wander in deep New Hampshire forest without big crowds, Nash Stream is a great choice. Just remember to bring a paper map or download offline maps—cell service can be spotty out there.
3. Ride ATVs and Snowmobiles on North Country Trails
Groveton sits in the heart of
New Hampshire’s ATV and snowmobile country. In the warmer months, you’ll see side-by-sides and four-wheelers rolling right through town, heading out to the trail network.
In winter, snowmobiles take over, turning local gas stations and diners into trail hubs.
Within a short drive you can:
- Hop on the Ride the Wilds ATV trail system (over 1,000 miles of connected trails across Coos County).
- Access snowmobile trails that link Groveton with places like Lancaster, Colebrook, and Berlin.
- Rent machines or book guided tours from nearby outfitters.
If you’re new to ATVs or snowmobiling, consider a short guided ride. It’s a fun way to see the North Country’s backwoods without getting lost.
4. Visit Weekends at the Market or Local Events in Town
In small towns like Groveton, everyday places become part of the experience. Depending on the season, you may find:
- Pop-up farm stands with local maple syrup, jams, and veggies.
- Community events at local parks or schools.
- Yard sales and church suppers along the main roads.
It’s worth asking at a local store or diner, “Anything going on in town this weekend?” You might stumble onto a craft fair, a fundraiser barbecue, or a classic car gathering you wouldn’t see in a big travel guide.
5. Head to Lancaster for Shops, Cafés, and Mountain Views
About 15–20 minutes south of Groveton, the town of
Lancaster, NH makes a great half-day trip.
In Lancaster you can:
- Walk the small downtown with its old brick buildings and white church steeples.
- Grab coffee, ice cream, or a casual meal at a local café.
- Visit local shops for North Country gifts, books, and outdoor gear.
- Enjoy sweeping views of the Presidential Range on a clear day.
Lancaster also hosts the popular
Lancaster Fair around Labor Day, with rides, animals, and a very “classic New Hampshire fair” feel. If your trip lines up, it’s worth going.
6. Drive the Connecticut River Scenic Roads
Groveton is just a short hop from the
Connecticut River, which forms the border between New Hampshire and Vermont. A simple drive along the river can be one of the most relaxing things you do on your trip.
Try:
- Heading north or south on the back roads that follow the river.
- Stopping at viewpoints to watch the water and the rolling farmland.
- Checking out small river towns like Northumberland Village or crossing a bridge into Vermont for a different view.
In fall, these roads light up with color—reds, oranges, and golds reflecting in the river. Even in winter, with snow covering the banks, it’s a quiet, beautiful drive.
7. Explore the Great North Woods Region
Groveton is a gateway to the wider
Great North Woods of New Hampshire—one of the state’s most rugged and remote regions.
From Groveton, you can head north toward:
- Stratford – Popular for ATVs, snowmobiles, and hunting.
- Colebrook – A small town with restaurants, shops, and access to more outdoor adventures.
- Pittsburg (farther north) – Known for fishing, lakes, and moose watching.
Even if you’re not a hardcore outdoors person, simply driving through this part of Coos County can feel like a road trip back in time—fewer chain stores, more forest, and plenty of quiet.
8. Day Trip to the White Mountains for Hiking and Scenic Drives
If you’re staying in Groveton for a few days, set aside one day for the
White Mountains, which are within an hour or so to the south and southeast.
Popular options include:
- Weeks State Park (Lancaster) – Tour a stone tower (in season) and take in mountain views.
- Franconia Notch State Park (about an hour) – Hike, ride the aerial tramway, or walk the Flume Gorge.
- Mount Washington area – Drive the Mount Washington Auto Road (seasonal) or explore nearby trails.
Think of Groveton as your calm home base. You can push yourself on a hike or a scenic drive in the White Mountains, then come back to a quieter place at night.
9. Enjoy Local Diners, Pizza Shops, and North Country Comfort Food
Part of traveling is tasting what locals eat. Groveton and nearby towns have that classic
North Country comfort food vibe—nothing fancy, just hearty and satisfying.
You might find:
- Diners serving big breakfasts with pancakes and home fries.
- Pizza and subs, perfect after a long day on the trails.
- Friendly bars or taverns where locals actually chat with you.
If you’re unsure where to go, just ask, “Where do you like to eat around here?” People are usually happy to point you toward their favorite spot—and you might discover a place you’d never find online.
10. Slow Down and Enjoy Small-Town New Hampshire Life
One of the best things to do in and around Groveton isn’t a single “attraction” at all. It’s the overall
pace.
Here are a few simple ideas:
- Grab a coffee and sit on a bench watching everyday town life go by.
- Take an evening walk and enjoy the quiet streets.
- Look up at the night sky—away from city lights, the stars really pop.
- Drive aimlessly on back roads and see where you end up.
If you’re used to busy schedules and constant phone notifications, spending a day or two in Groveton can feel like hitting a reset button.
Planning Your Trip to Groveton, NH
To make the most of your
Groveton, New Hampshire visit:
- Best time to go:
- Summer – great for ATVing, hiking, and river drives.
- Fall – amazing foliage and crisp air.
- Winter – snowmobiling and a true North Country snow experience.
- Spring – quieter, but can be “mud season” on some back roads.
- What to pack: Layers, a light jacket even in summer evenings, sturdy shoes, and a paper map or offline GPS.
- Getting around: You’ll want a car; this is a rural area with very limited public transportation.
Final Thoughts: Is Groveton Worth a Stop?
If you’re looking for nightlife, big resorts, or outlet shopping, Groveton probably isn’t your place.
But if you want:
- Access to forests, rivers, and mountains,
- Real small-town New Hampshire life,
- ATV and snowmobile trails right out your door,
- And peaceful drives through the Great North Woods,
…then Groveton, NH makes a great quiet base for your
North Country adventure.
What Would You Do Near Groveton?
Have you visited Groveton or anywhere in Coos County? Did you find a hidden swimming hole, a favorite diner, or a back road view you still think about?
Share your tips in the comments so other travelers can discover them too.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
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