The Lakes Region of New Hampshire in the Summer!

summer-fun-in-the-lakes-region-of-nh

Nothing says SUMMER like warm sun, a cool breeze and the glistening water of the lakes, ponds, streams and rivers of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.

Shake the dust off your hikers and get outside and explore some of  the awesome spring activities the New Hampshire Lakes Region has to offer:

  • Go hike one of the the hundreds of amazing trails or wild spaces in the New Hampshire Lakes Region
  • Grab lunch at one of the outstanding bakeries, cafes or restaurants in and around our towns and cities!
  • Get geared up at one of the many shops and outfitters that call the New Hampshire Lakes Region their home!

Need a reason to make it a weekend getaway? Check out our events calendar and plan your trip around something truly spectacular! 

Beautiful in any season! Public Beaches in the Lakes Region

The Lakes Region has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country! 

Alton Town Beach, Alton Bay
Raised beach, covered picnic area, swimming, seasonal lifeguard, benches, restrooms, parking. No admission fee. Route 28A in Alton Bay. 603-875-0109, altonparksandrecreation.com, [email protected]

Brewster Beach, Wolfeboro
Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee. No admission fee. Restrooms, swimming, picnicking. Route 28 south of downtown to Clark Road, across from Huggins Hospital. 603-569-5639

Ellacoya State Park, Gilford
Sandy, 600-foot beach on southwest shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. RV park with 38 campsites. Swimming, picnicking, store, bathhouse. Route 11, Gilford. Call 603-293-7821 for beach reservations, call 603-271-3628 for camping reservations. [email protected]

Leavitt Park, Meredith
Swimming, picnicking, barbeque grills, canoe and kayak launch, Restrooms. No admission fee, no public parking. Small playground area. From Route 25/Route 3 intersection in the center of town, take Route 25 North to Leavitt Road. 603-279-8197

Melvin Village Wharf, Tuftonboro
Swimming, no lifeguard on duty, no restrooms, limited parking. Admission fee. Governor Wentworth Highway, Route 109, Melvin Village at the junction of Elm Street and Union Avenue. 603-569-4539, ext. 25

NH State Parks
New Hampshire has 45 state parks, 14 natural areas and waysides and 10 historic sites. The parks offer diverse use from camping and swimming to enjoying the views. 603-271-3556, nhstateparks.org

Railroad Square Park, Alton Bay
Adjacent to Alton By Community Center. Waterfront park, swim dock, seasonal lifeguard, benches, picnic tables, drinking fountain, boat launch ramp, boat docks. No admission fee. Route 11 in Alton Bay. 603-875-0109, altonparksandrecreation.com, parksrecaalton.nh.gov

Weirs Beach / Endicott Rock Park, Laconia
Public beach on Weirs Beach Channel connecting Paugus By with largely portion of Lake Winnipesaukee. Surveyors commissioned by Royal Governor John Endicott of the Massachusetts By Colony signed their initials in 1652 at historic Endicott Rock. Great place for boat watching. Admission fee. Route 3, Laconia, overlooking town docks. 603-524-5046.

19 Mile By Beach, Tuftonboro
Swimming, picnicking. No admission fee. Portable toilets. No lifeguard on duty, parking. Governor Wentworth Highway, Route 109, Tuftonboro. 603-569-4539, ext. 25

20 Mile By Beach, Tuftonboro
Swimming, picnicking. No admission fee, no lifeguard on duty, limited parking. Governor Wentworth Highway, Route 109, Tuftonboro. 603-569-4539, ext. 25.

Boat Launches in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire

Know before you go! Visit The NH Fish and Game Department’s interactive Map HERE!

Great Bay at Adam’s Point Access Facility

Off 108 to Durham Point Road and on to Adam’s Point Road Durham, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Soucook River Access to Soucook River

Intersection of Route 106 and Route 9 Concord, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Hayes Marsh at Bear Brook State Park

Off Podunk Road to Hayes Farm Trail onto Hayes Marsh Allenstown, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Merrimack River at Ferry Street

Off Main Street at end of Ferry Street Allenstown, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Pemigewasset River (Polyclad) at the Pemigewasset River

Route 3/11 to Tannery Street Franklin, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Archery Pond

Route 28 to Deerfield Road to Podunk Road first left to Pond Allenstown, NH Phone: 603-485-9874

Willard Pond

Route 123 to Willard Pond Road Antrim, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Echo Lake State Park at Echo Lake

Old West Side Road North Conway, NH, 03860 Phone: 603-271-3511.

Lake Winnipesauke-Shep Brown’s at Lake Winnipesaukee

Meredith Neck Road to Lovejoy Sands Road Meredith, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Opechee Bay at Opechee Bay State Forest

Route 3 to Meredith Road 2.2 mi Laconia, NH

Intervale Road Merrimack River Canoe Launch – Canterbury, NH

West Road to Intervale Road Canterbury, NH, 03224

Lancaster Kwik Stop on the Connecticut River

Route 2 at New Hampshire/Vermont border Lancaster, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Umbagog Lake State Park

235 East Route 26 Cambridge, NH, 03579 Phone: 603-482-7795

Ellacoya State Park at Lake Winnipesaukee

266 Scenic Road (Route 11) Gilford, NH, 03246 Phone: 603-293-7821

Pemi River Access Facility at Pemigewasset River

Off Route 3A; north entrance of Franklin Falls Dam Project Bristol, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Squam Lake

Route 25B Center Harbor, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Deerneck Bridge Boat Launch

Route 28 Bypass at Deerneck Bridge Auburn, NH, 03032 Phone: 603-271-3511.

Partridge Lake

Route 93 exit 44 right on Old Partridge Road, 1.1 mi, right at stop sign Partridge Lake Road 0.9, Littleton, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Riverland Conservation Area at the Merrimack River

Route 93 Exit 17 to Route 4 W, follow signs Canterbury, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Bellamy River

Route 4 to Bellamy Road; 0.2 miles on right Dover, NH

Contoocook River (Henniker)

Route 114 to Henniker Henniker, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Gregg Lake

Route 31 to Gregg Lake Road Antrim, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Merrimack River (Sewalls II)

Route 3 to Sewalls Falls Road to Second Street Concord, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Pemigewasset River

Route 3 south to 25 south, left on Route 175A, right at railroad onto Green Street, access on left. Plymouth, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Alton Boat Ramp at Lake Winnipesaukee

Route 11 about one-half mile north of Route 28A Alton, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Sunapee State Beach at Lake Sunapee

Sunapee State Beach off Route 103 traffic circle Newbury, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Dodge Hill Boat Launch at the Moore Reservoir

Old Waterford Road Littleton, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Lake Winnipesauke town docks at Lake Winnipesaukee

Routes 3 and 25 Meredith, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

North Littleton Boat Launch

Route 135 to River Road Littleton, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

River Road Access to the Connecticut River

West on Chesterfield, north on Main Street Chesterfield

Pierce Island/Prescott Park at Piscataquag River

Border of New Hampshire and Maine, Route 1 Portsmouth, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Pawtuckaway State Park

40 Pawtuckaway Road Nottingham, NH, 03290 Phone: 603-895-3031

Clair’s Landing at Lake Massabesic

Route 121 Auburn, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Georges Mill Beach

Route 11 to Cooper Street Sunapee, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Bear Hill Pond at Bear Brook State Park

Podunk Road to Bear Hill Camps Allenstown, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Everett Arena Boat Ramp at the Merrimack River

Loudon Road at Everett Arena Concord, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Little Sunapee

Route 89 exit 12 Route 11 New London, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

 

Newfound Lake

Route 3A to West Shore Road to Wellington State Park Bristol, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Pine Island Boat Launch at Moore Reservoir

Routes 135 & 18 Littleton, NH

Franconia Notch State Park at Echo Lake

Route 93 – Exit 34C Franconia, NH, 03580 Phone: 603-271-3511.

Livermore Falls at Pemigewasset River

Route 175 N to Livermore Road Holderness, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Pattenville Boat Launch at Moore Reservoir

Hilltop Road Littleton, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Squam Channel or Squam Lake

Route 3 or Route 113 Holderness, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Crystal Lake Boat Launch – Enfield, NH
Crystal Lake (NH) Boat Launch

Route 4 to Shaker Hill Road to Crystal Lake Road onto Algonquin Road Enfield, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Hot Hole Pond

Route 132 to Hoit Road to Hot Hole Pond Road Concord, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Moore Dam Visitor Center at Moore Reservoir

Route 135 Littleton, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Perkins Pond

Route 11 to Trow Hill Road to North Road to Perkins Pond Road Sunapee, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Merrimack River (Sewalls I)

Route 3 to Sewalls Falls Road Concord, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Pemigewasset Lake

Route 104 New Hampton, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Sunapee Harbor on Lake Sunapee

Route 11 E on Main Street from blinking light Sunapee, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Bedell Bridge on the Connecticut River

Route 10 Haverhill, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Lake Massabesic

Route 121 Auburn, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Pine River Marina Ossipee Lake on Ossipee Lake

Route 25 east off Route 16 Center Ossipee, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Charlestown Boat Landing at the Connecticut River

Route 12 Lower Landing Road Charlestown, NH

Franconia Notch State Park at Profile Lake

Route 93 Franconia Notch, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Merrimack River (East Concord)

Route 93 to Exit 16, West to West Portsmouth Street Concord, NH Phone: 603-271-3511.

Great Biking Trails in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire

 

The WOW Trail | Laconia

The WOW Trail is a paved, 10 foot wide, multi-use rail trail in the City of Laconia enjoyed by bikers, walkers and runners of all ages.

Built within the State of New Hampshire owned railroad right-of-way, alongside the active tracks currently leased to the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, the trail currently spans from Elm Street in Lakeport to downtown Laconia and then on to the Belmont town line where it meets with Belmont’s Winnisquam Scenic Trail, creating 4.25 miles of continuous trail between Lakeport and Belmont’s Osborne’s Agway.

A portion of the WOW Trail veers out of the railroad right-of-way, from Bisson Avenue to Lyford Street, and again over the bridge on Fair Street, in order to avoid the RR trestles over the Winnipesaukee River. Users will note a widened sidewalk with a dashed line down the middle of these sections.

The WOW Trail has become a unifying landmark and point of pride for the City of Laconia.

For more information about our fundraising efforts, visit: https://www.wowtrail.org/

 

 

The Winnipesaukee River Trail

Looking for a mellow walk or bike ride on a scenic historic trail close to the Twin River’s, downtown areas, yet with the feel of wilderness? This 3.1 mile trail parallels the Winnipesaukee River and passes the historic upside down covered bridge.

You can also explore mill ruins and dams that tell the history of the mills that operated on this section of the river in the mid 19th century. Catch the glow of Spring as you overlook the Winnipesaukee River as it passes through a beautiful gorge. The trail is open to all non-motorized users from the historic railroad trestle in Franklin to Park Street in Northfield. In that area you can also view the collection of antique rail cars and cabooses.

 

For more information, visit: https://www.winnirivertrail.org/

 

 

The Cotton Valley Rail Trail

Wolfeboro – Brookfield – Wakefield, New Hampshire

The Cotton Valley Rail Trail is located in Wolfeboro, Brookfield and Wakefield, New Hampshire. This 12 mile hard packed Trail offers recreational opportunities to people of all ages and interests – walking, biking (please use caution on platforms when transitioning from trail to inside the rails), running, wildlife viewing, fishing and railway motor cars. And in winter cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

The Cotton Valley Trail Committee (CVTC) and all its partners and volunteers hope that you enjoy the opportunity to get outside and experience nature in a safe and beautiful environment. The CVTC suggests starting in downtown Wolfeboro or Turntable Park, Wakefield or anywhere in between to enjoy views of lakes, woods, open spaces, wetlands and wildlife. Take a moment to rest on one of our many benches or picnic tables and enjoy the silence and sounds of nature without traffic!

For more information, visit: https://cottonvalleyrailtrail.org/

 

 

Franklin Falls

Biking is a very popular use of the Franklin Falls trail system. Visitors are allowed to bike on any of the trails and the Franklin Falls trail system has trails designed especially for bike riders. These trails are located across from the project office, extending off the Coleman Road. The trail system was developed by a local mountain bike association known as NEMBA (New England Mountain Bike Association).

The mountain bike trail system is centered near the Franklin Falls Dam administrative offices on highway 127, three miles south of I-93 off exit 22. The system currently consists of approximately 10 miles of multi-use trail, built by mountain bikers for mountain bikers.

For more information, visit: https://www.nemba.org/trails/new-hampshire/franklin-falls-dam-franklin

 

Amazing Family Hikes and Scenery in the NH Lakes Region

Looking for a great opportunity to catch some summer sun in the Lakes Region? Here are some great places to Catch the Summertime GLOW!

There’s nothing like taking in the sunshine from up on high. So, lace up your boots and get some exercise as you enjoy the warm breeze on a Lakes Region trail. Mount Major in Alton is a popular trek that offers stunning views from the summit just two and a half miles from the parking lot off Route 11.

Piper Mountain is a quieter alternative, fun for its summit’s Flintstone-like furniture made from granite stones. The view of the foliage and nearby peaks will be great in the fall, but don’t expect a grand view of the lakes here—just little peeks on this peak.

Belknap Mountain’s woodsy trails are peaceful, and you’ll enjoy a panoramic view from the fire tower at the top. Learn more about the Belknap Range trails at belknaprangetrails.org.

The Castle in the Clouds property, maintained by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust, covers over 5,500 acres and offers views of waterfalls and the Ossipee Mountains. There are 28 miles of trails and old carriage roads that the Conservation Trust makes available to the public. The Brook Trail offers views of seven waterfalls. For more difficulty, consider the two-and-a-half-mile Mount Roberts climb, or hike five miles to the Mount Shaw summit —  at 2,990 feet, the highest point in the Lakes Region.
Learn more about the Castle in the Clouds trail system at https://www.castleintheclouds.org/things-to-do/
hiking-walking-trails/.

 

great things to do in the Lakes Region of NH

Looking for Local Farmer’s Markets?

Farmers’ Markets are a GREAT way to see the beauty and bounty of harvest season in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire… and the perfect way to sample the amazingly fresh flavors of our region!

Here are some ongoing farmer’s markets. Be sure to stop in!

Bethlehem Farmers Market

Dates: Each Saturday 

May – October 

Location: Corner of Park Avenue & Main Street

Hours: 9am – 2pm 

 

These weekly markets feature fresh produce, flowers/plants maple, meat, fish, baked goods, crafts, etc.

More information: website

Canterbury Farmers Market

Dates: Each Wednesday 

June 8 th – September 28th

Location: 9 Center Road, Canterbury NH

Hours 4 – 6:30, rain or shine

 

Canterbury Farmers Market offers the best in ultra-fresh and local greens and veggies, orchard fruits and berries, dairy and pasture-raised meat, eggs, maple products, and honey, ready-to-eat, artisan bread, preserves, flowers, and selected crafts. 

 

Each Market features a FREE live music concert that you can enjoy while shopping. 

The market is located in the historic center of Canterbury, nestled between the Elkins public library and the historic Town Hall. There is plenty of parking and easily accessible with lots of grassy areas for kids to safely play! For more information and a full schedule of events, check out their website at www.canterburyfarmersmarket.com

Concord Farmers Market

Dates: Each Saturday 

May 7th – October 29th 

Location: Capitol Street – Adjacent to the State House Lawn

Hours: 8:30am – 12pm 

This weekly market features fresh produce, flowers/plants, baked goods, maple, wines, beers, meat, dairy, fish, agricultural crafts, etc. For more information https://concordfarmersmarket.com/

Contoocook Farmers Market

Dates: Each Saturday

May – October 

Location: 897 Main Street, Contoocook Railway Depot Contoocook

Hours: 9 am to 12 pm Rain or shine 

This weekly market features fresh produce, eggs, flowers/plants, dairy, maple, baked goods, meats, herbs, weekly entertainment, etc.

More information: Facebook

Franklin Farmers Market

Dates: Each Thursday 

June 23rd – September 29th 

Location: Marceau Park – Central Street, Franklin

Hours: 3 pm – 6pm 

 

Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is a great way to stay healthy! 

Make the Franklin Farmer’s Market part of your weekly routine. 

Offering fresh fruits, veggies, local meat, eggs, homemade bread and sweets, maple syrup, and other local specialties. 

 

Free children’s activities and healthy recipe samples.

Gilmanton Community Farmers Market

Dates: Each Sunday 

June 12th – October 9th 

Location: 1385 NH-140, Gilmanton Iron Works, NH 03837

Hours: 11 am – 2pm 

 

 Come and join the fun on opening day at the Gilmanton Community Farmers Market, season 2022! As always we will have amazing farmers and vendors, wonderful live music, and a food truck!

Mark your calendars friends!

Hanover Farmers Market

Dates: Each Wednesday 

June 2-September 29, 2022

Location: At the playing fields at Richmond Middle School along Route 10

Hours: 4pm – 7pm 

 

You will find a  wide variety of products from loose-leaf herbal teas and salves, handmade artisanal chocolates, sauces, maple products, prepared food, honey, candles, flowers, apothecary products, saffron products, vegetables, nursery plants, herbs, and jewelry.

Henniker Community Market

Date: May 26-October, Thursdays from 4-7 p.m.

Location: Henniker Community Center Park, 57 Main St.

Description: Including vegetables, fruits, flowers/plants, dairy, maple, baked goods, meat, crafts, and live music weekly. Held rain or shine.

Hillsboro Farmers Market

Date: May 21-September 3, Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Rain or shine

Location: Butler Park, West Main St., Hillsborough

Description: This weekly market features fresh produce, flowers/plants, baked goods, honey, jams, soaps, skincare, etc.

Newport Farmers Market

Date: May 27-October 2, 2022, Fridays 3-6 p.m. Rain or shine

Location: Town Common, Newport

Description: This weekly market features fresh produce, flowers/plants, dairy, maple, baked goods, meat, jams/jellies, pickles, ice cream, prepared foods, fleece, crafts, music, demonstrations, etc.

Plymouth Community Farmers Market

Date: June-September, Thursdays 3-6 p.m. Rain or shine

Location: 263 Highland St., Plymouth

Description: This weekly market features fresh produce, flowers/plants, dairy, maple, baked goods, meats, crafts, etc.

More information: website

Tamworth Farmers Market

Date: May 14, 2022-March 25, 2023, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Rain or shine.

Location: 881 Tamworth Road (Note that Tamworth operates winter markets on separate schedules and at separate locations)

Description: This weekly market features fresh produce, flowers/plants, dairy, maple, baked goods, honey, cider, mead, crafts, artisan demonstrations, music, etc.

Wakefield Marketplace

Date: May-Columbus Day, Saturdays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Location: Corner of Rte. 153 and Rte. 16

Description: Featuring vegetables, fruits, flowers/plants, dairy, maple, baked goods, meat and crafts held rain or shine.

Wolfeboro Area Farmers Market

Date: May – October, Thursdays 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Location: Clark Park, 233 South Main St., Wolfeboro

Description: This weekly market features fresh produce, meat, honey, maple syrup baked goods, etc.

great things to do in the Lakes Region of NH

Looking for Farm-Fresh Local New Hampshire Ingredients?

Beech Hill Farm – Hopkinton NH
Carter Hill Orchard – Concord NH
Emery Farm – Durham NH
Moulton Farm – Meredith NH
Pustizzi Fruit Farm – Boscawen NH
Sherman Farm – Conway NH
Windy Ridge Orchard – North Haverhill NH

About Laconia Motorcycle Week

June 10-18 2023

The Laconia Motorcycle Week rally draws in over a million riders and motorcycle enthusiasts, combined, every year!

100th Anniversary Laconia Motorcycle Week!

If you can only choose one National Rally to attend in 2023 – choose the one you have to ride the furthest to! And if riding is your pleasure then we hope you’ll be joining us for Laconia Motorcycle Week® in 2023 because In Laconia… We Ride®

Why New Hampshire, you may ask?  Well, to truly understand the answer, you have to go back to the early years . . . 1916, to be exact (7 years were missed due to national and world events), when the first group of gypsy tour riders made the trek up US Route 3, a mostly dirt road that wound its way through the mountains, valleys and straightaways of rural New Hampshire.  Back then, a trip to Laconia, a popular tourist destination even then, was a day-long trip and an even bigger commitment on two-wheels.  What made the trip worth it was the camaraderie, fresh air, accessibility and, most importantly, scenery.  And New Hampshire had it all!  1916 began the story of Laconia Motorcycle Week – the World’s Oldest Motorcycle Rally and the legacy continues!

Today, ask any rider the same question, “why New Hampshire?” and the answers are remarkably similar.  Scenery, fresh air and accessibility.  Where else can you ride up and down mountains, through quaint, New England towns, around magnificent lakes and along miles of oceanfront?  All within 100 miles, too.  On top of that, New Hampshire has the 5th highest motorcycle registrations, per capita and residents and businesses alike embrace the 2-wheeled visitors that embark here every June.

Visit laconiamcweek.com to learn more!

 

Amazing Summer Events

Where will you begin your Adventure?

 

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SummerGuide2022

Looking for Some MORE FUN?

Check out the Lakes Region Tourism Association’s Summer Fun Guide!

Come catch the Glow - Dining near Lake Winnipesaukee

Seasonal FUN!

Great shopping, events, entertainment and more awaits during the any season in the NH Lakes Region! Come find out what's going on NOW in The Lakes Region!

Come Catch the Glow - Outdoor Activities in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire

Outdoor Adventures

Looking to get out and catch the natural beauty of the Lakes Region? Grab the family and get going!

Come Catch the Glow - Holiday shopping near Meredith NH

Local Shopping

With specific item in mind or just looking for something you've never seen before... the Lakes Region is the place!

Explore More Lakes Region FUN!

Surf on over to lakesregionchamber.org and keep up-to-date on all of the fun happening in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire! Looking to be a member? Contact us!

603. 524.5531

383 South Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246

Copyright 2022 Lakes Region Chamber and LTD Company All rights reserved.