According to foodanddrinkjournal.com, Carroll County is located in the northeastern corner of New Hampshire, bordered by Maine to the east and the White Mountains to the west. It is one of five counties in the state and has a population of 47,936 as of 2020. The county seat is Ossipee, and other major towns include Conway, Bartlett, Jackson, Madison, Tamworth, and Wolfeboro.
The county was established in 1840 from parts of Strafford and Coos counties. It was named after Charles Carroll of Maryland, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Carroll County has a rich history that dates back to its first inhabitants—Native American tribes such as the Abenaki and Pennacook.
Today, Carroll County offers a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy. The White Mountains National Forest provides miles of hiking trails through some stunning scenery with numerous mountain peaks over 4000 feet high. There are also several ski resorts in the area including Attitash Mountain Resort and Cranmore Mountain Resort where visitors can enjoy skiing or snowboarding during winter months. Other outdoor activities include fishing on Ossipee Lake or kayaking down Saco River which runs through Conway Village.
Carroll County is also home to some well-known people including authors Kenneth Roberts and Richard Adams; former Governor Meldrim Thomson; singer/songwriter Barry Manilow; actor Robby Benson; comedian Jay Leno; NFL coach Bill Belichick; entrepreneur Joe Gebbia; singer Taylor Swift; figure skater Nancy Kerrigan; artist Georgia O’Keeffe; former President Franklin Pierce; poet Robert Frost; and actress Sarah Silverman.
In addition to its outdoor activities and famous people connections, Carroll County offers plenty more for visitors to explore including historic sites like Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods or Black Cap Grange Hall in Jackson Village which dates back to 1872. There are also several museums such as Castle in the Clouds Carriage Museum or Moulton Farm Sugar House which offer insight into local history and culture. Visitors can also explore downtown Conway with its shops offering handmade crafts from local artisans or sample some delicious food at one of many restaurants throughout the county like Schouler Park Café in Bartlett or Flatbread Pizza Company in North Conway Village.
Climate and weather in Carroll County, New Hampshire
According to andyeducation.com, Carroll County, New Hampshire is known for its four distinct seasons, with cold winters, warm summers, and mild springs and autumns. The county experiences an average of 46 inches of precipitation per year and an average snowfall of about 80 inches. The county also experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, ranging from lows in the single digits during winter to highs in the mid-80s during summer.
Springtime in Carroll County usually brings mild temperatures in the 40s to 50s Fahrenheit (4-10 Celsius) and plenty of rainfall. However, due to the mountain ranges surrounding the county, snowfall is not uncommon even in springtime. Despite this occasional snowfall, spring is generally a pleasant time with flowers blooming and trees budding.
The summer months bring warm temperatures to Carroll County with highs consistently reaching into the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit (20-30 Celsius). This makes it a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, camping or fishing on one of the many lakes in the area. However, due to its location near both mountains and ocean coastline, there is also a risk of thunderstorms during summer months so visitors should be prepared when venturing outdoors.
Autumn brings cooler temperatures back to Carroll County as well as some spectacular colors as leaves begin to turn red and gold throughout October and November. Average temperatures during fall range from 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit (4-15 Celsius). While rainfall increases during this season due to storms coming off the Atlantic Ocean coastline, there is still plenty of sunshine that will make an autumn visit enjoyable.
Finally, winter comes to Carroll County with cold temperatures ranging from 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit (-6- -1 Celsius). Snowfall can be heavy at times making winter activities such as skiing or snowshoeing quite popular while snowmobiling trails are plentiful throughout much of the county. Despite these cold temperatures winter can still be enjoyed as long as visitors are properly prepared with warm clothing before heading outdoors.
Transportation in Carroll County, New Hampshire
Carroll County, New Hampshire is a great place to visit for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities. But how do you get there? Transportation options vary depending on where you are coming from and what mode of transportation you prefer.
If you are traveling by car, Carroll County is located in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire and is easily accessible by major highways including Interstate 93, US Route 3, and US Route 302. The area also provides access to many scenic routes with stunning views of the White Mountains.
Those coming from out of state may find it more convenient to fly into Manchester-Boston Regional Airport which is only about an hour away from Carroll County. There are direct flights from many major cities including Boston, New York City, Chicago, and Washington D.C.
The bus is another great option for those who want to explore Carroll County without having to worry about driving or parking a car. Concord Trailways provides daily service between Portland Maine, Boston Massachusetts, and Manchester New Hampshire as well as other destinations along the way.
For those who prefer to travel by train, Amtrak’s Downeaster service makes stops at North Conway station which is only about 20 minutes away from Carroll County’s center in Ossipee. This train runs multiple times per day between Boston and Portland Maine with stops in between including Dover NH and Portsmouth NH among others.
Finally, once you have arrived in Carroll County there are several transportation options available within the county itself such as taxi services or rental cars from local companies like Conway Rental Car or Great North Woods Taxi Service. For those looking for a more eco-friendly option, there are also several bike rental services available throughout the county such as Bear Notch Ski Touring Center which offers both mountain bike rentals as well as snowshoe rentals during the winter months.
Cities and towns in Carroll County, New Hampshire
Carroll County, New Hampshire is a picturesque, rural area located in the White Mountains region of the state. According to Countryaah, the county includes several small towns and villages, each with its own unique charm and character.
The county seat is Ossipee, a small town with a population of roughly 3,300 people. This quaint community offers visitors plenty to do from its historic sites like the Ossipee Historical Society Museum to its outdoor recreation like hiking and fishing. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops in Ossipee for visitors to explore.
Conway is another popular destination in Carroll County. Located along the banks of the Saco River, this town offers stunning views of Mount Washington as well as plenty of outdoor activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and hiking. There are also several unique shops and restaurants for visitors to enjoy during their stay in Conway.
The town of Tamworth is home to several popular attractions including Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm which celebrates local history with interactive exhibits about farming life from the 1800s; The Barnstormers Theatre which produces professional theatrical performances year-round; and Castle in the Clouds which offers breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee from atop a 5,000-foot mountain peak.
Intervale is another charming town located within Carroll County that’s known for its outdoor activities such as skiing at Cranmore Mountain Resort or hiking along the many trails that crisscross through this beautiful area. Visitors can also take part in some unique shopping experiences at stores like Zeb’s General Store or visit one of Intervale’s many wineries for a taste of some local wines.
The village of Jackson is home to some incredible natural beauty including Jackson Falls which cascades over 70 feet into a deep pool below surrounded by lush green forestland. There are also several ski resorts nearby including Wildcat Mountain Ski Area and Black Mountain Ski Area for those looking for some winter fun.
Finally, Moultonborough is an idyllic village located near Lake Winnipesaukee that features some stunning views from atop Castle in the Clouds or around its many lakeside parks. This village also offers plenty of opportunities for boating or fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee or just enjoying some time outdoors on one of its many trails.
Carroll County provides visitors with an array of activities no matter what season it may be – whether you’re looking to explore its historic sites or take part in outdoor recreation – there’s something here for everyone.