Getting Outside in the
Sugar River Region

Come enjoy the outdoors without the crowds. Ride the Sugar River Rail Trail between Newport and Claremont, paddle Lake Sunapee or a quiet pond in Goshen, or head into Pillsbury State Park for a day on the water or the trails. Whether you’re here for a morning outing or a full day outside, it’s easy to find some green open space.

Morning:

Rail Trail & River Paths

Start your day along the Sugar River Rail Trail, a nine-mile route linking Newport and Claremont along an old railroad bed. The trail follows the river’s curves, crosses two historical covered bridges, and welcomes walkers, cyclists, snowmobilers, ATVs, and horseback riders, depending on the season. It’s a gentle, scenic way to begin the day. Don’t miss a detour to Protectworth Brewing for local refreshment.

Midday:

Lakes & Launches

Shift to the water for midday adventures. Mount Sunapee State Park offers a sandy beach for swimmers and broad water for paddlers and sailors. Lake Gunnison in Goshen, locally called the “Goshen Ocean,” provides a gorgeous three-mile hiking trail that hugs the lakeshore. Though there is no designated beach, Lake Gunnison is a great place for an impromptu swim. Pillsbury State Park in Washington reveals remote ponds perfect for leisurely paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking (rentals are available). For a guided experience, Great River Outfitters in nearby Windsor, Vermont, offers guided two to eight-hour trips for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and tubes down the Connecticut River. Boat launches in Cornish, Claremont, and Charlestown welcome your own craft.

Afternoon:

Peaks & Panoramas

Adventure here comes with a view. The short but rewarding hike to French’s Ledges in Plainfield offers a 360-degree panorama of fields and foothills, while the Andrew Brook Trail in Newbury climbs toward Lake Solitude, a peaceful spot high on Mount Sunapee. At Mount Sunapee Resort, skiing and snowboarding fill the winter months, and summer brings fun at the mountain’s Adventure Park. Arrowhead Recreation Area in Claremont offers hiking, mountain biking, and family-friendly tubing in winter. And for Nordic skiers, Eastman Cross Country Center in Grantham maintains miles of groomed trails with a well-earned après stop at Forbes Tavern. And for a completely different perspective, Morningside Flight Park in Charlestown lifts visitors skyward — with hang gliding, paragliding, and tandem flights offering unmatched views over the Connecticut River Valley.

Evening:

Scenic Drives & Backroads

As the light softens, explore the region’s scenic byways and backroads. The Lake Sunapee Scenic Byway circles the water with classic views and picnic spots. The Connecticut River Scenic Byway traces farmland and villages along the western edge. This driving tour of Sullivan County’s ten covered bridges will fill you with nostalgia for earlier times. Smaller backroads through Goshen, Unity, and Acworth (don’t miss the Acworth Village Store!) reward those who take their time.

Inspiration