Attractions and Places To See in Belknap County - Top 20

Belknap County offers numerous hiking opportunities, particularly in the Belknap Mountains. Popular choices include Mount Major Trailhead, which provides access to Mount Major with trails of varying difficulty levels. Another favorite is North Straightback Mountain, known for its rugged terrain and breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee. Gunstock Mountain also offers miles of trails with panoramic views.

Yes, Belknap County has several options for easier hikes and family-friendly outdoor experiences. The Winnipesaukee River Trail is a nearly 5-mile scenic path connecting Franklin and Tilton, following an old rail corridor. The Lake Winnisquam Scenic Trail is a paved rail trail offering flat terrain and great views along the lake. Ahern State Park in Laconia is also popular for hiking and picnicking, featuring a sculpture trail.

For stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee, consider hiking Mount Major or North Straightback Mountain. A specific spot to note is View of Lake Winnipesaukee from Locke's Hill, located just below Locke's Hill summit on the Quarry Trail, offering great views through the trees. Gunstock Mountain also provides excellent vistas of the lake and surrounding ranges.

Belknap County is rich in history. The Belknap Mill in Laconia, opened in 1828, is the nation's oldest unaltered brick textile mill and now serves as a museum and community center. Other notable sites include Endicott Rock in Weirs Beach, the Sulphite "upside-down" covered bridge on the Winnipesaukee River Trail, and Kimball Castle in Gilford. Several historic districts and buildings are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Absolutely! Families can enjoy the Winnipesaukee River Trail and Lake Winnisquam Scenic Trail for easy walks or bike rides. Funspot in Laconia is a major attraction for all ages. Ellacoya State Beach provides public access to Lake Winnipesaukee for swimming and recreation. Many of the natural areas, like Ahern State Park, are also great for family picnics and gentle exploration.

With Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam largely within the county, water activities are abundant. You can enjoy boating, swimming, and various water sports. Meredith Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee is popular for boat rentals. Ellacoya State Beach in Gilford offers public access for swimming. Mount Washington Cruises provide tours on Lake Winnipesaukee from Laconia, and the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad operates in Meredith, offering scenic rides along the water.

Yes, Belknap County offers cultural experiences. The Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford hosts major national touring music acts. The Colonial Theatre in Laconia is a beautifully restored former Vaudeville theatre. The Belknap Mill in Laconia also features art exhibits in its Riverside Gallery and showcases local crafts. Additionally, the county has a tradition of outdoor art, with sculpture exhibits at locations like Ahern State Park.

The Lake Winnisquam Scenic Trail is a paved rail trail that is wheelchair accessible, offering flat terrain and great views along the banks of Lake Winnisquam. The WOW Trail in Laconia is another paved, multi-use rail trail suitable for biking, walking, and running, providing an accessible option.

Beyond hiking, Belknap County is excellent for cycling and gravel biking. You can find various routes for different skill levels. For cycling, explore options like the WOW and Winni Trail or the Mirror Lake loop. For gravel biking, routes such as the Town Forest loop from Plymouth are available. You can find more details on these activities in the Cycling in Belknap County and Gravel biking in Belknap County guides.

The best time to visit Belknap County for outdoor activities largely depends on your preferred activity. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with fall providing spectacular foliage. Summer is ideal for water activities on Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam. Winter brings opportunities for skiing and snowboarding at Gunstock Mountain, as well as snowshoeing and other cold-weather pursuits.

Yes, beyond the major lakes and mountains, Belknap County features unique natural areas. Stonedam Island Natural Area in Meredith adds to the county's natural beauty. Ahern State Park in Laconia is known for its sculpture trail set amidst natural surroundings. Round Pond is another beautiful spot, offering a serene forest and lake environment.

Laconia is a hub for several attractions. The Belknap Mill, Funspot, and The Colonial Theatre are all located in Laconia. Weirs Beach is a popular lakeside destination within Laconia, and Ahern State Park offers hiking and picnicking. Rotary Riverside Park provides a scenic spot along the Winnipesaukee River. Laconia also hosts the annual Laconia Motorcycle Week every June.