New Hampshire, The White Mountains and the Lake Winnepesaukee Area.

Like so many place names in New England, Lake Winnipesaukee is an Indian name, and it’s common meaning is “smile of the great spirit.” Native people had been living on the lake for 10,000 years before any settlers came.

Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire and one of the deepest. It's one of many in the beautiful Lakes region of New Hampshire. At 72 square miles and a shoreline full of inlets, at first glance it looks less like a big lake and, more like a bunch of islands. But nestled in among these inlets are; quaint towns, homely coffee shops, fine restaurants, and zillions of things to do year 'round!

Plenty of hiking trails, bike rides, relaxing beaches, scenic drives, as well as boating, canoeing, fishing, and more. Lake Winnipesaukee, and Winnisquam Lake, and its surrounding towns, can take you a month of Sundays to fully explore and appreciate. Towns like Weirs Beach, Meredith, and Center Harbor, Alton Bay, Wolfeboro, and Moultonboro - each different, but each warm and friendly.

This is an area to take your time exploring, and let the hours tick slowly by. Here are a few suggestions during your visit with us.

WHITE MOUNTAINS REGION FALL FOLIAGE AND SCENIC DRIVES

Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia and Lincoln, NH
Telephone: 603-823-5563
Franconia Notch offers some incredible natural experiences. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain climbing up Cannon Mountain and Mount Liberty, fishing, canoeing, boating, and picnicking. Winter activities offered include cross-country ski trails, alpine skiing and snowmobile trails. Trails include a portion of the Appalachian Trail, and lead to spectacular sites. The Old Man of the Mountain is a natural phenomenon created by a series of granite ledges jutting from a cliff face 1200 feet in the air. The Flume is a 800 foot gorge with high granite walls, which support a variety of mountain flora in the warmer months. The Basin is a glacial pothole over 20 feet wide, formed at the base of a waterfall by the onslaught of the rushing water. Sightseers will enjoy a ride on the park's Aerial Tramway to the top of Cannon Mountain, where the view is spectacular. A public campground is also available.


Crawford Notch State Park
Route 302, Harts Location, NH
Telephone: 603-374-2272

This park is a fountain for it's natural beauty: A mountain pass, the Presidential Mountain Range, and waterfalls. The falls are the Flume Cascades, the Silver Cascades, and the Arethusa Falls. There is a visitor's center, hiking trails, a scenic drive, fishing spots, and picnic areas. The park is also the site the Willey House, an 18th century way-station for travelers through the mountains. A campground is available to the public.


Mount Washington State Park
Route 302, Sargent's Purchase, NH
Telephone: 603-466-3347

Mount Washington is the highest mountain in the Northeast U.S. and this park the opportunity to get to the summit and enjoy the incredibly scenic view. The summit building, along with the historic Tip Top House stand at the top of this 6,288 foot peak. This can be reached by hiking or climbing to the top, taking the scenic, winding road, or the Cog Railway. There are fees charged for both the railway and the drive.


WALKING IN THE WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST

Oliverian / Downes Brook
Location; 12.7 miles west on the Kancamagus from Conway is the Oliverian Trail parking lot. One mile further west is the Downes Brook/Mt. Hedgehod/Mt. Potash parking lot. Walking the cross-country ski trails make for a nice meander. If you enter at Oliverian and walk west to Downes Brook and back it's about a 2 mile walk round trip. Add extra distance if you take the cross-country ski west loop intersecting at the UNH trail.

Deer Brook Road
Location: 6 miles west on Kancamagus Highway from Conway (through the Covered Bridge). There is no sign that labels the Deer Brook Road though. Park at the parking lot right off the Kancamagus and walk through the covered bridge. The trail is on your left. Walk past the gate and enjoy! This path is a part of the Nanamocomuck cross country ski trail. The trail parallels the Swift River and you can go as far as you'd like; maybe walk the side loops if you wish. Keep a watchful eye or ear out for the many critters and plant like along the way. Arm yourself with binoculars, cameras and bug spray which may be needed.

Rob Brook Road
Location: From Conway, take the Kancamagus Highway 9 miles to Bear Notch Road. Rob Brook Road is .08 miles on the left. A nice walk with views and boggy areas. You never know, you may see a meandering moose or berry-picking bear among the chatering quirrels and happy songbirds!
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