Pittsburg sits at the northernmost tip of New Hampshire, minutes from the Canadian border. Not to be confused with the Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania (which is home to a dramatic overlook peering down on the city), Pittsburg is a home to less than 1,000 people — making it a remote, uncrowded getaway right in the heart of New Hampshire’s rugged Great North Woods. It also happens to be the largest town in New Hampshire by area, sprawling over 290 square miles and giving visitors plenty of space to roam free.
If you’re searching for a chance to reconnect with nature, Pittsburg has you covered. You’ll only find a few restaurants in town and lodging primarily comes in the form of cabins or camping, but it’s hard to deny its natural appeal. As travel blogger Restless Meanderer noted, the town “sits in the heart of beautiful lakes, rivers, and forests.” You’ll have plenty of opportunities to escape the hustle of daily life, as things move a bit slower in this part of the country. Hiking, fishing, and other outdoor adventures are right out your front door in Pittsburg, and it’s a unique place to plan your next getaway.
The many lakes and forests around Pittsburg
A trip to Pittsburg means a trip into the wilderness. Without any museums, upscale restaurants, or lavish hotels, you’ll be spending the majority of your time outdoors. But because the Great North Woods are so phenomenal, you won’t mind it one bit.
The first stop on your list should be Lake Francis State Park. Open year-round with limited winter facilities, this is where you’ll find the massive 2,000-acre Lake Francis. Along with beautiful views across the water and into the surrounding mountains, you can hike the Lake Francis State Park River Trail. Carving along the shores of the Connecticut River, you’ll enjoy dense forest cover and the sounds of the roaring river as you navigate the 2.4-mile pathway. Want to get above the forest? Check out Magalloway Mountain. A 2-mile trail will take you to the top, passing by a fire tower and granting some of the best views in the entirety of northern New Hampshire. It’s not quite as imposing as the highest peak in North America, but at over 3,300 feet, it makes for a remarkable hike, nonetheless.
Magalloway and Lake Francis are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Pittsburg — be sure to also check out the shimmering First Connecticut Lake, cascading Garfield Falls, and sign up for an adrenaline-pumping ATV journey with Bear Rock Adventures. The untouched landscape is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, and it’s easy to find your own slice of paradise out in the isolating woods.
Preparing for a rugged escape to Pittsburg
