Scenic Drives in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.
LAKES LOOP (approx. 134 miles)
From the town docks in Meredith on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, turn east on Rt. 25 to Center Harbor and Moultonborough, where you’ll turn south on Rt. 109, a windy route that offers frequent glimpses of the “big lake” as it takes you through Wolfeboro (the oldest summer resort in America).
Outside Wolfeboro, Rt. 109 turns east, passing Wentworth State Park, to Sanbornville were you join Rt. 153.
Go north to Conway to join the Multi-Notch Mountain Ride, or to continue the Lakes Loop, follow it south through Union to Farmington and Rt. 11 east in Rochester. In Rochester, turn southwest on Rt. 202A to Northwood, where you’ll briefly turn east on Rt. 4 to pick up Rt. 152 south. In Nottingham, pick up Rt. 156 to Raymond where you’ll head north on Rt. 107 through Deerfield, Epsom, Pittsfield, Barnstead, Gilmanton and Laconia. Turn onto Rt. 3, which will take you back to Meredith.
More information about the Loop Around Lake Winnipesaukee.
Scenic Byways
Branch River Valley Trail
The Branch River Valley Trail journeys through the small rural towns of Wakefield and Milton. Take in the stately Belknap Range as you wind through woodlands, open pastures and rivers. This byway travels along Routes 16, 125, 153 and other local roads from Milton to Wakefield, including a side trip on Applebee Road to Milton Mills.
Lakes Region Tour
Lakes Region Tour Length: 97 miles Towns: Alton, Ashland, Center Harbor, Gilford,
Holderness, Laconia, Meredith, Moultonborough, New Hampton, Ossipee, Sandwich,
Tamworth, Tuftonboro and Wolfeboro Highlights: Circumnavigate New Hampshire’s
largest lake – Lake Winnipesaukee – and stop for a mountain hike, a walk through
the region’s friendly downtowns, a visit to a historical museum, or cruise the
Big Lake on the MS Mount Washington. Website: Lakes Region Tourism.
The Lakes Region Scenic Byway circles Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest and most
popular lake in New Hampshire. Beginning in Alton, the route follows NH 11 north
through Alton Bay up through Gilford. This western side of the lake shows off
exceptional views of the lake and Ossipee Range and offers many different recreational
opportunities. Take a hike up to the summit of Mt. Major for wonderful sights
of the Lake and surrounding mountain ranges or stop in at Ellacoya State Park
for a picnic or a swim. Weirs Beach, with its amusement parks, arcades, and shopping,
is one of the most popular family resort areas in the state. This area of the
Lakes Region Tour is always bustling with activity. A few miles to the north,
view scenic gateways to Meredith‘s traditional New England village with a panorama
of Lake Winnipesaukee and the White Mountains. The route can then be followed
via NH 25 toward the town of Moultonborough where travelers can enjoy the quaint
downtown of Center Harbor and the charm of the less-developed eastern side of
Lake Winnipesaukee. Travelers may also partake in a wide variety of outdoor activities
such as boating, fishing and hiking.