Belknap: Lakes, Nature and Culture

Belknap County is part of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. Lakes shape the landscape: a large portion of Lake Winnipesaukee, all of Lake Winnisquam, and numerous smaller lakes cover nearly one-sixth of the county’s area. Parks, scenic viewpoints, hiking trails, and cultural sites offer a variety of ways to plan your stay.

Lakeside Scenery and Views

Ahern State Park covers 128 acres and has 3,500 feet of shoreline on Lake Winnisquam. One visitor rule is important: pets are allowed on the trails, but not on the beach. Ellacoya State Park is on the southwest shore of Lake Winnipesaukee and offers views across the lake toward the Sandwich Mountains and the Ossipee Mountains.

In the vicinity of the county, Alton Bay is a four-mile-long bay at the southern end of Lake Winnipesaukee. Also nearby, Mount Major is in Mount Major State Forest; its summit reaches 1,780 feet (540 m) above sea level. The effort required is rewarded with one of the best views in southern New Hampshire. Mount Major is part of a 300-acre protected area that is safeguarded from development.

Prescott Farm in Laconia combines expansive outdoor spaces with a hands-on look at maple syrup production. The property covers 160 acres and includes more than three miles of nature trails. At the “Tap Into Maple” program, visitors experience the process from tapping the trees to tasting the syrup. Prescott Farm offers Adventure Packs for visitors of all ages and experience levels; they can be used solo, in pairs, or in a group.

Hiking Trails and Seasonal Activities

Trail distances lead to different destinations: the Belknap Range Trail runs from Gunstock Mountain Resort to the parking lot at Mt. Major. Gunstock also has marked hiking trails, including a 2.8-mile section of the Ridge Trail to the summit of Gunstock. Nearby, the Blue Trail runs from the upper parking lot on Carriage Rd. to the summit of Belknap Mountain.

Activities at Gunstock also change with the seasons. Winter sports include skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and skijoring. In summer, the Adventure Park features zipline tours, treetop ropes courses, a mountain coaster, and scenic chairlift rides. When planning, you can distinguish between hiking trails and seasonal experiences rather than treating them as one combined offering.

Culture, Craft, and History

In Laconia, the Belknap Mill is a museum of industrial heritage and an educational center. The restored, nearly unchanged building is listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks and is described as the oldest structure of its kind in the United States. Visitors can explore the art gallery and permanent exhibit on their own or as part of a guided tour; they can also walk along the Laconia Riverwalk. The historic site of Endicott Rock preserves inscriptions made on August 1, 1652.

The Meredith Fine Craft Gallery showcases high-quality traditional and contemporary crafts by members juried by the League of NH Craftsmen. Demonstrations and classes in fine crafts are also held there. In Gilford, BankNH Pavilion is a concert venue with a changing program.

Waterfront Experiences and the Seasons

Weirs Beach offers the chance to launch canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Nearby, Mount Washington Cruises offers narrated sightseeing cruises aboard the historic M/S Mount Washington; daily departures leave from Weirs Beach. Check the schedule before your visit. The US Mailboat Sophie C. offers island cruises and delivers mail to islands on Lake Winnipesaukee—a different way to combine a boat ride with a look at the lake’s islands.

BAMM farmers’ markets in Tilton, Barnstead, and Laconia or Weirs Beach offer local produce, meat, baked goods, and crafts. They take place from May through October; check the specific dates before your visit. Focus your search on the activities you plan to enjoy in Belknap.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Laconia, Tilton, Gilford, Belmont, Sanbornton, New Hampton, Meredith, Winnisquam.

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