Pittsburg NH Winter Weekend
- Laura
- Oct 31
- 6 min read
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Pittsburg NH in the Great North Woods is beautiful in all four seasons. This 3 day Working Joe Travel Itinerary includes our suggestion for exploring Pittsburg, and the surrounding wilderness area, in the winter.
Careful planning is a must for trips to Pittsburg, New Hampshire. Just a short distance from any main road the remote terrain turns rugged. Expeditions into the woods can be dangerous, especially in the cold. For those willing to brave the elements, the winter months, when snow blankets the ground and ice sparkles on spindly branches, are a striking and majestic time of year.
GREAT NORTH WOODS NH
Pittsburg is located in an area referred to as the Great North Woods NH. Close to the Canadian border, the countryside around the town is dotted with alpine peaks, one-room camps, and pristine lakes (aka the 'Connecticut Lakes Region'). Ice fishermen, hunters, and hikers are drawn to Pittsburg NH.
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. The area is well known for its extensive network of state and club-supported snowmobile and ATV trails. There is little public transportation in the region. Click this link for information on car rentals in New Hampshire.
NEW HAMPSHIRE TOURS & EXCURSIONS
PITTSBURG NH WEATHER
In the winter months of December, January, and February the daily high temperature averages around 24' F. Expect some form of precipitation (snow, rain, or freezing rain) about 12 days out of the month.
PITTSBURG NH HOTELS
Due to its rural nature, Pittsburg NH hotel options are limited and tend to be rustic. Many are cabin-style set in beautiful natural surrounding. Some lodgings shut down in the winter season. These Pittsburg NH hotels are open year-round:
Tall Timber Lodge (see below for detailed description)
Tall Timber Lodge
When in the North Country we often chose to stay at the Tall Timber Lodge. Tall Timber is a sporting lodge with rooms, cottages, and onsite dining at the Rainbow Grill and Tavern. The cabins at Tall Timber Lodge are perched on the shore of beautiful Back Lake. Many have full kitchens, whirlpool tubs, and a gas fireplaces. We find the Tall Timber cabins clean, cozy, and appointed with everything needed for a comfortable stay.
There are several reasons Tall Timber is a good choice for lodgings. In the winter, it is convenient to have a restaurant and tavern onsite to compliment an in-cabin kitchen. After a long day of outdoor play, it is nice to have the option of eating in (or out) without having to drive anywhere.
Tall Timber also rents snowmobiles onsite and allows patrons to use the lodge’s snowshoes for free. Lastly, its proximity to the lake allows patrons to snowshoe or cross-country ski off their cabin's front porch as well as to access a vast network of snowmobile trails directly from the resort. Check prices at Tall Timber Lodge.
PITTSBURG NH WINTER WEEKEND ITINERARY
DAY 1 Snowshoeing
Enjoy a scenic drive through New Hampshire's forests to Pittsburg, NH (a private vehicle is a must in Great Woods). Check in to your lodgings and look for a snowmobile map ($5), and brochures on XC Skiing and snowshoeing trails in Pittsburg.
Unpack, strap on your snowshoes and go for a hike around Back Lake. Park at the Philbrook Town Park and Beach on Beach Road. The lake is small. Plan on around 3 hours to do the perimeter. Or, cut across the lake whenever you are tired.
Spend the evening mapping out snowmobile and snowshoe trails for the rest of the week.
NEW HAMPSHIRE TOURS & EXCURSIONS
DAY 2 Snowmobiling
Rise early, have a hearty breakfast. Then, pick up your snowmobile rental (helmets and a a map should be included with the price of the rental). Don’t forget some antiseptic wipes for the inside of the helmet. Unless you are a seasoned snowmobiler, opt for 4-hour ride over an 8-hour. Whatever route you chose, we suggest including the Diamond Ridge Scenic Vista (it’s breathtaking). See the TRAVEL TIPS section below for more suggestions for a day out snowmobiling.
This afternoon, settle in for an afternoon of movies and board games.
DAY 3 Snowshoe or X-Country Ski
Pack some water, snacks, and snowshoes (or cross-country skis) and head out for a trek through the woods. Try either a portion of The Falls in the River Trail or The Moose Alley Trail. Both of these trails are easy to moderate, and have parking. They are well marked, and snowmobiles are not allowed on the trails so traffic is not a worry.
Later that afternoon, take a nap and then ready for dinner at the Rainbow Tavern and Grill. The restaurant is located at the Tall Timber Lodge (reservations recommended). The menu is packed with fish and game items. The dress is winter-sporting-casual, and the dining room is warm and comfy.
TRAVEL TIPS
Pittsburg NH Restaurants & Dining Tips
There are a number of taverns and diners located in the North Woods. Some are closed in winter, or open weather-permitting. Depending on where you stay, eating out can involve a bit of a ride (and the weather changes quickly). We suggest booking a place with at least an efficiency kitchen. Bring food from home, or stop for groceries on the ride up. Lancaster is about an hour south of Pittsburg, and the last town with a good-sized grocery store.
TRUSTED TRAVEL RESOURCES
If you plan to eat out, research restaurants close to your lodging. A plus for us in booking at Tall Timber Lodge is having a full service restaurant onsite (serves dinner only in the winter months). Even it you don't book at the Tall Timber, consider dining at the Rainbow Grille. If you do, be sure to make reservations online prior to leaving home.
Pittsburg NH Snowmobiling
Reserve your date and time ahead. Arrive early, to get a sled with heated hand grips and a helmet screen.
Think about the time of day you want to be on the trails. A morning booking means the air will not have had time to warm. An afternoon booking means you will have to plan wisely so you won’t get caught on the trails in the dark. The trails are well marked, but directions can be confusing.
Consider a mid-week trip. The trails on the weekends can become very crowded, and at times chaotic.
Dress warmly. Bring a hand and foot warmers, good boots, and something to protect your neck area. Protect your knees from the wind with ski or snowmobile pants. Use a face protector and goggles if your helmet does not have a shield.
Pack for an emergency including at a minimum a first aid kit, an emergency snow blanket, extra map, extra cell phone battery pack (be aware service may be sketchy), matches, extra socks/gloves/hat, water and snacks. Consider a flare. The trails can be very remote. Be cautious. Unless, you stay close to civilization, travel in packs of at least two sleds so there is always someone to go for help should the need arise.
Photography:
Bring your camera, there is an interesting or awe-inspiring picture around every corner - but be prepared for cold weather. Bring extra batteries, a water-proof bag, and strategize about how you will protect your hands from the cold while setting up shots. While on the snowmobile, I attached a stick to my camera with a cable that allowed me to take video or still shots with a single button. For stationary shots, I wore a thin pair of fingertip-less gloves under my mittens to keep on when the mittens came off.
Water and Forest Safety:
Before venturing out onto a lake, river, or into the forest check the forecast and go online to check out the USDA White Mountain National Forest alerts and notices page for alerts about the safety of lakes and ponds, road closures, and other risks.
That's all for now, Laura and Randy
For more information about fun in New Hampshire read our articles:
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