Visiting Northern New Hampshire: Fine Vistas of the Moore Reservoir, From Interstate 93, Exit 44 Rest Area

For a state with a relatively short Atlantic coastline, New Hampshire's borders are very significantly defined by waters. (Indeed, an historic ship, the USS Raleigh, features in the state's seal shown on the New Hampshire flag.) Regarding the western border of the state, the Connecticut River has exercised an existential role since Colonial times: the land to the west of the Connecticut River, prior to the establishment of the short-lived Republic of Vermont in 1777, was known as the New Hampshire Grants.

In the Colonial past, New Hampshire's people sought to project their influence over what was known as the New Hampshire Grants, now Vermont. Today, the Moore Reservoir in contrast represents the use of the boundary waters of the Connecticut River for mutual benefit and enhancement. North of the White Mountains, the Moore Reservoir, the result of the damming of the Connecticut River in 1956, has added significant elements to New Hampshire's westward perspective. In terms of water supply, hydroelectric power, wildlife and recreation, the Moore Reservoir is a major presence. Situated in New Hampshire's Grafton and Coos Counties, and also in Vermont's adjoining Caledonia and Essex Counties, the Reservoir extends to 3,181 acres / 12.87 square kilometres. Its surface elevation is 806 feet / 246 metre above sea level; and its average depth is 60 feet / 18 metres, but reaching a depth of 120 feet / 37 metres in places.

Various varieties of trout are found in its waters, as are pike and bass and other fish species (1).

Information regarding boating opportunities on the Reservoir is available, with particular stress laid on safety and protection (2).

The Connecticut River area along the New Hampshire / Vermont border is recognized as a birding trail, with interesting species such as hummingbird, grebes, harriers and warblers regularly spotted (3).

From a rest area (4) close to the intersection of Interstate 93 (Exit 44) and St. Johnsbury Road, there are fine views of the Moore Reservoir; and its is from this spot that the Reservoir is probably best known to the majority of travellers through the region.

March 25, 2019

Notes

(1) Re. fishing opportunities and regulations, see also: https://www.aa-fishing.com/nh/nh-fishing-lake-moore-reservoir.html ; https://www.nhfishandgame.com/

(2) See also: http://www.crjc.org/boating/boating3.htm

(3) See also: https://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/pubs/documents/samples/ct-river-birding-trail.pdf; Information about New Hampshire wildlife is available from: info@wildlife.state.nh.us ; (603) 271-3211.

(4) The rest area facility provides extensive traveller and tourist information.

Some sourcing: Wikipedia

Littleton (distance approx. 6.9 miles / 11.1 kilometres) has a number of interesting examples of architecture, including the Courthouse and Post Office and the twin spired First Congregational Church.

At Franconia (distance: 14.3 miles / 23 kilometres), is The Frost Place, former home of renowned poet Robert Frost, now a museum; a striking, Neoclassical former Dow Academy building, now a condominium, was formerly part of Franconia College; the Franconia Notch State Park lies in the White Mountains.

At Woodsville (distance: 21.9 miles / 35.2 kilometres) an historic, covered bridge has been restored in recent years; the Opera Building has an interesting Romanesque Revival design.

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How to get there:

Burlington International Airport (distance to Moore Reservoir at Interstate 93 & St Johnsbury Road, New Hampshire: 86.4 miles / 139 kilometres), where car rental is available from various companies, is served by a variety of airlines, including Porter, JetBlue, Delta and United, which fly to a number of North American connections. Please check with the airline or your travel agent for up to date information. Visitors to the United States are advised to refer to appropriate consular sources for any special border crossing arrangements which may apply to citizens of certain nationalities.

MJFenn is an independent travel writer based in Ontario, Canada.