The Great North Woods and Connecticut Valley of Columbia offer an activity for everyone during the warm months of summer and fall. Hiking, biking, nature study & watching, ATV sports, and boating are just some of the activities you can experience in Columbia. The town area is almost half covered by protected lands that are open for recreation, making outdoor experiences truly unique and wild. In the summer the network of snowmobile trails opens up to rugged hiking routes and beautiful lush forest scenes. In the fall Columbia spreads its beauty and color over the top of every hill and mountain, giving way to some of the prettiest foliage in the North Country of New Hampshire. People come from all over to witness the magnificent change of the seasons here in Columbia.
Much of the land preservation is new to the Town of Columbia and though it is open for public recreation and hiking, it is mostly undeveloped and unmanaged. This means trails may not be well kept and signage may be scarce. When hiking or walking in these areas always be well prepared with a map, a compass and enough provisions for at least a day. Columbia and its preservations are currently working on creating a safer and more managed hiking system, but until then, be careful because the land is truly wild and can be unforgiving.
Hiking Trails:
– The great Cohos Hiking Trail moves through the town to the top of Columbia’s Bald Head Mountain (see map above). For trail maps and more information, see:
-The Cohos Trail Web Site
– The Vickie Bunnell Land Preserve has a rugged network of underdeveloped trails for wildlife study and hiking. For directions and information see:
Nearby Hiking Trails:
– Mount Monadnock, VT is just a few minutes away across the Connecticut River and can be accessed off of VT Route 102 on the west side across from Colebrook, NH.
– The neighboring town of Dixville Notch has a great network of managed trails in their State Park, ranging from novice to advance. More info @:
-NHStateParks.com/dixville
ATV & Biking Trails:
The majority of footpaths and trails are open to mountain biking, read the provided links for exceptions. For further information regarding ATV trails, click below.
-New Hampshire Bureau of Trails
Note: ATVs are prohibited in posted snowmobile trails unless special permission has been given. Non-active logging roads and other dirt trails may be available for ATV and bike travel.
Boating, Kayaking, and Canoeing can be done in some of the bodies of water located within the town limits. The Connecticut River, Fish Pond & Lime Pond.