Mt.Major a very popular and accessible hiking destination in the Belknap Range in Alton, New Hampshire, is situated in the state's Lakes Region, just south of Lake Winnipesaukee . The mountain's summit, which reaches an elevation of 1,786 feet, is the main attraction, offering hikers exceptional panoramic views of the vast lake and surrounding mountains, with the distant White Mountains visible on clear days. Known for its moderate-difficulty trails—including the Main Trail, Brook Trail, and Boulder Loop Trail—it draws large crowds, particularly on weekends, and features the stone ruins of the historic "Mr. Phippen's Hut" built in 1925. Furthermore, Mount Major and its extensive trail network are part of a conservation area largely managed by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.

Red Hill is the dominant natural feature between Lake Winnipesaukee and Squam Lake. The fire tower on its cleared, grassy summit commands panoramic views of both lakes from relatively nearby. The hike is entirely on a mostly gradual old jeep road, maintained by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust, and the summit has a large grassy clearing with historical buildings and a picnic table. To begin your hike, walk up to the upper parking area and over to the LRCT kiosk.

Mt. Chocorua is a moderate to difficult hike and accessible via many trailheads. The Piper Trail is a 4.5 mile hike to the summit. Take Rte. 16 North and the trailhead is on the left in Albany.

Rattlesnake Ledge - An easy hike with awesome views. Go for a swim afterwards on Five Finger Point. Trailhead and parking area are on Rt. 113 in Holderness, NH (East Rattlesnake is in Sandwich). The parking area is 5.5 miles northeast of Rt. 3 in Holderness and 6.2 milea west of Rt. 109 in Sandwich. The parking area is on the south/east side of the road (right coming from Holderness), where a sign indicates West Rattlesnake Parking. The parking lot shares an entrance with the driveway to house #1162; bear right to avoid the driveway. A parking ban is enforced on the roadside in this area. The parking lot fills up quickly; across the street there is a smaller parking lot for Mt. Morgan that can also be used (but also fills up quickly); a quater mile east down the road, there is parking for Mt. Percival that can be used if both of these lots are full. Click here for a Google map.

Enjoying the water on Lake Winnipesaukee is a quintessential New Hampshire summer experience, offering a huge variety of ways to play on its clear, expansive surface

Rent a Boat for the day:

- Meredith Marina & Boating Center (Meredith): One of the largest fleets on the lake, offering a range of pontoons and deck boats for full-day, multi-day, or half-day rentals.

- North Water Marine (Laconia - Weirs Beach): Features a fleet of pontoon boats and offers the convenience of captained charters or rentals you drive yourself.

Tiki Hut Boats: https://www.tikihutboatsofnh.com/

Kayak Rentals

- EKAL Activities Center at Mill Falls (Meredith)

- Wild Meadow Paddlesports (Moultonborough)

- Dive Winnipesaukee (Laconia/Weirs Beach Area)

There are MANY local opportunities for tax free shopping, coffee, treats and lunch. In the heart of Moultonborough you'll find The Old Country Store, a landmark and a fun place for souvenirs.

Want to take a break from shopping? In Moultonboro you’ll find Cup & Crumb, The Boro and, in Center Harbor, Gusto.

Meredith offers several shops and restaurants right across from Lake Winnipesaukee. Support local businesses and enjoy a walk along the lake!

Holderness offers Squam Lake Marketplace and another opportunity for a waterfront stroll.

Moulton Farm in Meredith has a large farmstand with produce, baked goods, flowers and more. And on site – Cider Bellies Donuts.

Looking for more authentic NH? Tour Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough for a unique historical home and unbelievable view of the lakes region.