Explore Moultonboro by considering two specific questions: Which trail suits you in terms of length and difficulty, and which aspects of history would you like to learn more about? The hiking trails differ in elevation gain, length, and scenic destinations; museums, meanwhile, focus on boating and local history.
Choose a Hike by Length and Destination
The Red Hill (Fire Tower) Trail is a 1.75-mile, moderate hike with 1,286 feet of elevation gain. Along the way, you can enjoy views of Squam Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee. Length, rating, and elevation gain describe different aspects of the hike: when deciding, consider not only which number seems shorter, but also whether you want a moderate hike with a stated elevation gain.
At 1.3 miles, the Cabin Trail is shorter and rated easy to moderate. Along the route, you pass a rustic hunting cabin and the remains of the Cook family homestead. So the trail differs from the Red Hill (Fire Tower) Trail not only in length: the cabin and historic remains are also part of what makes this route distinctive. Its rating is a separate guide from its distance.
The 2.6-mile Eagle Cliff Trail leads to viewpoints overlooking Squam Lake and the Squam Range. If you want to choose your hike based on its destination, this route is another option; its stated length can also be compared directly with the two shorter trails. The Red Hill (Fire Tower) Trail listing specifies elevation gain and difficulty, while the Eagle Cliff Trail description focuses on its viewpoints.
Practical Information for Red Hill
The Red Hill Trail parking area on Red Hill Road in Moultonborough is open from sunrise to sunset and free to the public. Plan your use of this parking area around the stated hours. This information applies to the Red Hill Trail parking area and is separate from the details about the individual trails.
There is also a clear distinction when choosing an activity: mountain biking is permitted on the designated Red Hill snowmobile trail, but not at the Red Hill Fire Tower. If you want to mountain bike, pay close attention to the specific area mentioned.
Discover Boating and Local History
The expanded location of the New Hampshire Boat Museum in Moultonborough introduces visitors to New Hampshire's boating history. This offers a different focus from the hiking trails: the emphasis is on the state's boating history. Programs and exhibits may change. If you plan to visit for a particular topic or exhibit, check the latest information in advance.
The Lamprey House Museum, the historic Moultonboro Inn, is located in the town center. It is owned by the Moultonborough Historical Society and listed in the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places. The name connects the museum's current designation with its historic identity as the Moultonboro Inn; its listing in the register is another specific link to local history.
The Moultonborough Historical Society typically hosts educational programs and exhibits featuring historical artifacts, photographs, and documents from its collection. These formats offer different ways to engage with the collection: exhibits present objects and images, while educational programs explore historical topics. Together, they complement the specific historic sites with a look at the society's collection.
The Old Country Store and Museum has operated as a store since 1781. An upstairs museum tells the story of the store and its surroundings. Moultonboro brings together different historical points of interest: a store with a long history and its own museum, a museum building identified as a historic inn and listed in the register, and programs and exhibits from the Historical Society. If you are especially interested in the history of a particular place, you can distinguish these offerings by their respective topics.
Discover more destinations: North Conway, Bartlett, Wakefield, Tuftonboro, Center Harbor, Wolfeboro, Hart's Location, Jackson.
For the broader travel overview: Carroll.
