Lakes define Belknap County: A large part of Lake Winnipesaukee, all of Lake Winnisquam, and numerous smaller lakes together cover nearly one-sixth of the county’s area. Belknap County is in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. As you explore the area, you’ll repeatedly encounter different shorelines—and places where nature, history, and local culture come together.
Explore Shorelines and Trails
Ahern State Park covers 128 acres and has 3,500 feet of shoreline on Lake Winnisquam. There’s one practical rule to keep in mind during your visit: pets are allowed in the park only on the trails, not on the beach. Ellacoya State Park lies on the southwestern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. From there, you can look across the lake toward the Sandwich Mountains and the Ossipee Mountains—a different lakeside view from the one at Winnisquam.
Prescott Farm in Laconia also combines nature with opportunities to learn more about the surrounding area. The site spans 160 acres and has more than three miles of nature trails. With Adventure Packs, visitors of all ages and experience levels can explore the site on their own, in pairs, or in a group. The “Tap Into Maple” program offers a hands-on experience of maple syrup making, from tapping the trees to tasting the syrup.
History and Craft
In Laconia, the Belknap Mill tells the story of the city’s industrial history. The restored mill, which is nearly unchanged, is an industrial heritage museum and education center. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks and is considered the oldest structure of its kind in the United States. Visitors can explore the art gallery and permanent exhibit on their own or arrange a guided tour. Nearby, the Laconia Riverwalk offers its own way to discover the city’s history and settlement.
Another trace of history is preserved at the Endicott Rock site, where inscriptions were carved into the rocks on August 1, 1652. Those interested in contemporary crafts can find traditional and modern works by jury-selected members of the League of NH Craftsmen at the Meredith Fine Craft Gallery. The gallery also offers demonstrations and classes in fine craft.
Activities in Every Season
Gunstock has marked hiking trails. The Ridge Trail runs for 2.8 miles to the summit of Gunstock. Another longer route in the area is the Belknap Range Trail, which runs from Gunstock Mountain Resort to the parking lot at Mt. Major. In winter, Gunstock offers skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and skijoring. The resort has 227 acres and 49 trails for these activities. In summer, the Adventure Park features zipline tours, treetop ropes courses, a mountain coaster, and scenic chairlift rides.
You can also experience the region from different perspectives on the water. At Weirs Beach, you can launch canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Nearby, narrated cruises aboard the historic M/S Mount Washington depart daily from Weirs Beach. Check the current schedule to help plan your visit. The US Mailboat Sophie C. combines island cruises with a special mission: It delivers mail to islands on Lake Winnipesaukee during the trip.
Regional Markets and Nearby Excursions
BAMM farmers’ markets are held in Tilton, Barnstead, and Laconia or Weirs Beach. They offer local produce, meat, baked goods, and crafts. The markets run seasonally from May through October; check the specific dates before visiting.
Nearby, Alton Bay is a four-mile-long bay at the southern end of Lake Winnipesaukee. Mount Major, in Mount Major State Forest, is also in the area. The summit offers one of the best views in southern New Hampshire for the effort required to reach it; Mount Major itself is part of a 300-acre conservation area protected from development. The Blue Trail runs from the upper parking lot on Carriage Road to the summit of Belknap Mountain. You can plan your explorations around the lakes, historic sites, trails, and viewpoints to suit your own interests.
Discover more destinations: Tilton, Gilford, Meredith, Laconia, New Hampton, Winnisquam, Sanbornton, Belmont.
See the broader travel overview: New Hampshire.
