Plymouth and Squam Lake: A Regional Overview

Plymouth and Squam Lake sit side by side in central New Hampshire, but they feel like two different trips. Plymouth is a working college town where two rivers meet at the foot of the White Mountains. Next door, Holderness wraps around Squam Lake, a quieter body of water best known to many visitors from the film On Golden Pond. Put them together and you have a compact base for skiing, brewery stops, time on the water and a slow evening at a lakeside inn. This overview covers the things to do in Plymouth NH and around Squam that hold up across the seasons, using businesses from our directory.

Getting oriented

Plymouth is a town in Grafton County. It sits at the confluence of the Pemigewasset and Baker rivers, at the foot of the White Mountains, and the 2020 census counted 6,682 residents. The town plays an outsized role for its size: it is the economic, medical, commercial and cultural center for a largely rural part of the state. Plymouth State University, founded in 1871 as Plymouth Normal School and part of the University System of New Hampshire, gives the town much of its energy during the academic year.

The Pemigewasset, known locally as the Pemi, runs about 65 miles and is one of the rivers that later joins to form the Merrimack. The Baker River, also called the Asquamchumauke, rises on the south side of Mount Moosilauke and flows through Warren, Wentworth and Rumney before emptying into the Pemi in Plymouth.

Holderness, just down the road, is a smaller town of about 2,004 residents at the 2020 census. It is an agricultural and resort area and the largest town center on Squam Lake. Squam itself straddles Grafton, Carroll and Belknap counties and lies northwest of the much larger Lake Winnipesaukee. Holderness is also home to Holderness School, a co-educational boarding school.

The practical result: Plymouth handles the errands, the food and the evening plans, while Holderness and Squam handle the scenery.

Plymouth on skis: Tenney Mountain

Tenney Mountain Resort is the anchor for winter visits. The mountain's own site describes it as a rejuvenated, family-owned ski area founded in 1960 and long known as "The Gateway to the White Mountains." It offers about 1,500 feet of vertical, and its revival was driven by a community of skiers and riders who did not want to lose the hill.

What sets Tenney apart is its character. The trail network is made up of narrow, winding runs, natural glades and old-school New England terrain. Four lifts serve the mountain: a platter pull for the tubing and beginner hill, a rope tow for the terrain park, the Eclipse Triple and the Hornet Double. The resort says the Hornet is New Hampshire's oldest operating chairlift. The terrain park has lights for night laps, and the base lodge offers food, drinks and live music.

Tenney also covers the needs of a mixed group. It offers lessons, ski and snowboard rentals and snow tubing that needs no experience or equipment. It is on the Indy Pass, which is worth knowing if you already hold one. In the fall the mountain runs foliage rides up the lift, so it is worth a look even before the snow arrives. Check the resort's website for the current season's schedule.

Two breweries on Tenney Mountain Highway

Plymouth's road out toward the ski area doubles as its brewery row, and it is where many visitors end up after a day outside.

Last Chair Brewery combines a brewery with a full restaurant. Its menu leans toward comfort food with a twist, from a giant Bavarian pretzel and nachos to burgers, steak tips, rice bowls and baked mac and cheese. The brewery says it was voted 2025 best brewery in New Hampshire by WMUR viewers. It hosts live music and events, and it has private dining space for parties and corporate gatherings. The name comes from its philosophy: it is not about being first, it is about enjoying the ride and catching the last chair.

Dark Nebula Brewing Co. sits at 612 Tenney Mountain Highway and takes a space-themed approach. It brews craft beer on site and describes its taproom as a family-friendly gathering place. That claim is backed up by the menu of non-alcoholic options, which includes hot and cold nitro coffee and nitro lemonade. There is a dart board for anyone who wants to linger. Both breweries keep seasonal hours, so check before you go, particularly on weekdays.

Recovery time: Sage River Massage

After a day of skiing, hiking or paddling, Sage River Massage is a convenient stop in Plymouth. The studio is on Tenney Mountain Highway, a few doors from Dark Nebula. It offers massage therapy, including seasonal specials such as aromatherapy massage and craniosacral therapy sessions, and it sells gift certificates.

Squam Lake from the water

Squam has quiet coves and sandy beaches, but its operators also point out that its waterways are shallow and rocky in places. That is the gap that Squam Lake Cruise Charter fills. The business operates as Experience Squam out of Holderness and runs private, personalized boating excursions on a 23-foot Sea Ray bow rider with a canopy for shade.

According to its website, trips can be fast or slow. You can anchor in quiet coves or off sandy beaches, swim, or jump from the well-known Jumping Rock. Tours can include historic Church Island and sites from On Golden Pond, a boardwalk swamp walk, and native blueberry picking in season. The company also offers sunset and moonlight cruises, fishing and wildlife outings, and a fall foliage tour. Its drivers are commercially licensed. That makes a charter a sensible choice for people who want a day on the lake without navigating Squam's waters themselves or getting a boater's license.

Fall and spring tours are part of the lineup, but excursions are weather-dependent. Contact the company directly to check what is running when you plan to visit.

A lakeside stay in Holderness

The Manor on Golden Pond is the directory's pick for an overnight near Squam. The property is part of the Van Horn Estate on Manor Drive in Holderness. It combines guest rooms with a spa, an oversized heated pool and two dining options: the Van Horn Dining Room and the Isaac Bistro and Pub. It also hosts weddings and events, and its staff can suggest activities around the lake.

Staying at the Manor puts you close to the water in Holderness and within a short drive of Plymouth's restaurants and the slopes at Tenney. That works well for a long weekend that mixes outdoor time with an indulgent evening.

How to plan a visit by season

Winter. Base the trip around Tenney Mountain. Ski in the morning, book a massage in the afternoon, and finish at one of the breweries on Tenney Mountain Highway. The Manor's heated pool and spa make it a good winter base.

Spring and summer. Book a Squam Lake excursion and leave room for a swim stop. In summer, plan for busier roads in Holderness and on the lake, and reserve boat trips early.

Fall. This is a strong time to visit. Tenney runs foliage rides up the mountain, Experience Squam lists a fall foliage tour.

Tips for a smooth trip

• Check hours before every stop. Ski areas, breweries and boat tours in this area all run on seasonal schedules.
• If you plan to boat on Squam yourself, research the lake's shallow and rocky areas first, or book a licensed charter instead.
• If you are visiting during a big Plymouth State University weekend, book lodging early.
• Plymouth and Holderness are close together, so you can stay in one and spend days in both.

FAQ

What are the best things to do in Plymouth NH?

In winter, skiing and tubing at Tenney Mountain. Year-round, the local breweries on Tenney Mountain Highway and massage at Sage River. In summer and fall, private boat excursions on nearby Squam Lake.

How far is Squam Lake from Plymouth?

Squam is in neighboring Holderness, a short drive from downtown Plymouth. That makes it easy to combine the two in one trip.

Was On Golden Pond filmed on Squam Lake?

Squam Lake is associated with the film, and local boat tours, including Experience Squam, include sites from On Golden Pond.

Is Tenney Mountain good for beginners?

Yes. Tenney has a beginner area served by a platter pull, along with lessons and rentals, and snow tubing that needs no experience.

Sources

• Plymouth, New Hampshire, Wikipedia (2020 census, location at the Pemigewasset and Baker rivers, regional role): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plymouth,_New_Hampshire
• Plymouth State University, Wikipedia (founded 1871 as Plymouth Normal School): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plymouth_State_University
• Pemigewasset River, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pemigewasset_River
• Baker River (New Hampshire), Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baker_River_(New_Hampshire)
• Holderness, New Hampshire, Wikipedia (2020 census, Squam Lake, Holderness School): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holderness,_New_Hampshire
• Squam Lake, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squam_Lake
• Tenney Mountain Resort: https://skitenney.com/
• Last Chair Brewery: https://www.thelastchairnh.com/
• Dark Nebula Brewing Co.: https://www.darknebulabrewing.com/
• Sage River Massage: https://sagerivermassage.com
• Experience Squam (Squam Lake Cruise Charter): https://www.experiencesquam.com
• The Manor on Golden Pond / Van Horn Estate: https://www.vanhornestate.com/