Outdoor Adventures in the Lakes Region: Trails, Water and Parks

The Lakes Region is the part of New Hampshire most people picture in summer: boats on Lake Winnipesaukee, swim floats off a town beach, a loon calling at dusk. But the region works for outdoor trips in every season, and spring is a good time to plan one. This guide covers the outdoor activities in the Lakes Region NH that make sense year after year, from short summit hikes with big lake views to cruises, paddling, mountain biking and wildlife sanctuaries, with local businesses from our directory to build a trip around.

The Lakes Region at a glance

The Lakes Region sits in the east-central part of the state, south of the White Mountains and reaching east to the Maine border. It takes in all of Belknap County and parts of Carroll, Grafton, Strafford and Merrimack counties. Laconia is its largest municipality.

The region is named for its lakes, and four of them anchor most trips:

• Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire, roughly 21 miles long and from 1 to 9 miles wide, covering about 69 square miles. Its open center is called The Broads.
• Lake Winnisquam, just southwest of Winnipesaukee near Laconia.
• Squam Lake, northwest of Winnipesaukee, with Holderness as its largest town center.
• Newfound Lake, to the west near Bristol.

Because the lakes are spread out, it pays to pick a base. Laconia, Gilford and Weirs Beach cover the west side of Winnipesaukee; Meredith and Center Harbor sit at the north end close to Squam; Wolfeboro and Tuftonboro cover the east shore.

Hiking: the Belknap Range and Mount Major

The best-known short hike in the region is Mount Major in Alton, south of Lake Winnipesaukee in the Belknap Range. The summit's open ledges look north over the lake. It is a popular trail, so an early start helps on any good-weather weekend.

The Belknap Mountains themselves are a small range in Gilford, Gilmanton and Alton. The highest peak, Belknap Mountain, rises to 2,382 feet and is the highest point in Belknap County. Belknap Mountain State Forest covers the central part of the range. Several peaks connect by trail, so you can choose a single summit or link a few together for a longer day.

Spring note. Early spring is mud season in New Hampshire. Trails can be wet and fragile, and higher elevations may hold ice well after the valleys thaw. Stick to the trail even when it is muddy, since walking around wet spots widens and damages it, and carry traction for shaded ledges. Lower, drier routes are the better choice until things firm up.

On the water: cruises, paddling and diving

Lake cruises

The M/S Mount Washington is the flagship of the big lake, sailing scenic cruises from its home port and making calls at ports around Winnipesaukee in the spring, summer and fall months. It is also tied to a local tradition: "ice-out" on Lake Winnipesaukee is declared when the Mount Washington can reach all of her ports of call. A cruise is the easiest way to see the whole lake if you do not have a boat, and it suits travelers of every age and fitness level. Check the operator's website for the current schedule before you go.

Paddling

Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards open up the quieter coves and smaller lakes that big boats skip. Squam Lake and the many smaller ponds in the region are good for beginners. On Winnipesaukee itself, stay near shore, watch the wind, which can build quickly across The Broads, and give powerboats plenty of room. Early in the season the water is still very cold, so wear a life jacket and dress for immersion rather than for the air temperature.

Diving

Winnipesaukee is deep in places, reaching a maximum depth of about 180 feet, and it attracts divers. Dive Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro is the local dive shop in our directory, a good first stop for gear, air and local knowledge of the lake's dive sites.

From the air

For a different view of the lakes, Epic Seaplane Adventures in Tuftonboro is a waterfront air charter and tour operator. Seeing the islands and shoreline from above makes it clear how big Winnipesaukee really is.

Beaches and state parks

Ellacoya State Park in Gilford is a public recreation area on the southwest shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, with 600 feet of beachfront, swimming, boating, picnicking and a campground. It is one of the few places on the big lake where the public can simply walk onto a sandy beach, and it has views across the water toward the mountains.

Many lake towns also maintain town beaches. Some are restricted to residents or require a sticker, so check the town's own website before you plan a beach day around one.

Wildlife and nature centers

The Lakes Region is a good place to see wildlife, especially the common loon, which nests on its lakes.

• The Loon Center and Markus Wildlife Sanctuary in Moultonborough is the place to learn about loons and walk sanctuary trails near the lake. Keep your distance from loons on the water; nesting birds are easily disturbed.
• Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center in Laconia offers trails and nature programs close to the region's largest city, a good option for families.

Mountain biking

Highland Mountain Bike Park in Tilton is a lift-access mountain bike park with rental bikes, a bike shop, lessons and coaching, and a skills and jump park zone. It is built for riders who want downhill and freeride terrain rather than a gentle rail trail, and the lessons make it a reasonable place to try the sport for the first time. Check the park's site for its season and conditions.

Planning your Lakes Region outdoor trip by season

• Spring. Mud season on the trails, cold water and ice-out on the lakes. Choose low hikes, nature centers and scouting drives, and book summer lodging early.
• Summer. Peak season for cruises, paddling, beaches and diving. Weekends are busy around Weirs Beach, Meredith and Wolfeboro, so start early.
• Fall. Foliage over the lakes and cooler hiking weather make this many locals' favorite season for the Belknap Range.
• Winter. Ice fishing, snowshoeing and skiing at nearby areas. Only go onto lake ice when local authorities and conditions say it is safe.

A sample outdoor day on Winnipesaukee

1. Early morning: hike Mount Major before the crowds and take in the view of the lake.

2. Late morning: drive to Wolfeboro or Moultonborough and visit the Loon Center trails.

3. Afternoon: take a cruise on the M/S Mount Washington, or rent a paddleboard and explore a quiet cove.

4. Evening: dinner in Meredith or Wolfeboro and a sunset over the water.

Tips for visiting

• Respect private shoreline. Much of the lakefront is private. Use public access points, state parks and town beaches.
• Clean, drain, and dry. Rinse and dry boats and paddle gear between lakes to avoid spreading invasive plants.
• Check operators directly. Cruise, rental and guide businesses set their own seasons. Confirm with them the week you go.
• Leave no trace. Pack out everything you bring in, on the trail and on the water.

FAQ

What is the biggest lake in the Lakes Region?

Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire, at about 21 miles long and covering roughly 69 square miles.

What is the best easy hike with a lake view?

Mount Major in Alton is the classic choice, with open summit ledges overlooking Winnipesaukee. It is short but steep in places.

Where can I swim in Lake Winnipesaukee?

Ellacoya State Park in Gilford has a public beach on the southwest shore. Many town beaches are limited to residents, so check before you go.

What does "ice-out" mean on Lake Winnipesaukee?

It is the spring date when the ice clears. Locally it is declared when the M/S Mount Washington can reach all of her ports of call.

Where can I see loons in New Hampshire?

Loons nest on many Lakes Region lakes. The Loon Center and Markus Wildlife Sanctuary in Moultonborough is the best place to learn about them.

Sources

• Lakes Region (New Hampshire), Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakes_Region_(New_Hampshire)
• Lake Winnipesaukee, Wikipedia (size, depth, The Broads): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Winnipesaukee
• Squam Lake, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squam_Lake
• Mount Major, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Major
• Belknap Mountains, Wikipedia (Belknap Mountain elevation, state forest): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belknap_Mountains
• Ellacoya State Park, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellacoya_State_Park
• MS Mount Washington, Wikipedia (ports of call, ice-out): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS_Mount_Washington
• Highland Mountain Bike Park official site: https://www.highlandmountain.com/
• Epic Seaplane Adventures official site: https://www.epicseaplaneadventures.com