Outdoors in Laconia and NH Lakes Region
You’ll be wowed by the beauty in much of this part of the state,
some of which may be found on the WOW Trail, a recreational trail for biking
and walking along scenic Lake Opechee from Laconia to Lakeport. WOW stands for
Winnipesaukee, Opechee and Winnisquam, the three most significant lakes of the
region. The trail, most of which was built on old railroad tracks, now measures
4.25 miles, however, know that it is continually expanding and also
incorporating other trails such as the Winnisquam Scenic Trail. It’s a great
place to recreate and to access different parts of Laconia.
Photo courtesy of https://www.wowtrail.org/the-trail
Not far from here–although off the trail–you can check out the
State Champion White Oak tree that is more than four hundred years old. It’s
worth a look, especially when you consider that oaks are slow-growing trees.
Check your Discovery Map to locate it.
Photo courtesy of https://www.unionleader.com/news/history/laconias-…
Meredith offers many opportunities for being out and about both
within its historic town and on its village and lakeside pathways all of which
are super pedestrian friendly whether you’re walking or are on a bike. Stop
into the Meredith Chamber of Commerce to pick up a map that includes the five
recreational pathways in the area as well as the Meredith Village Historic Walking Map that highlights the most interesting sites along Main Street and
the waterfront area. Settled during the Colonial Days, this quaint little town
is characterized by period buildings and Old World charm.
Photo courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/MeredithSculptureWalk?loc…
You can also pick up the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, a rail
company that operates passenger excursions along the shores of Lake
Winnipesaukee, from Meredith. Hikers enjoy the Stonedam Island Conservation
area, which you can also access from Meredith. Note that Meredith borders both
Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Waukewan. Pretty cool.
Photo courtesy of https://hoborr.com/winnipesaukee-scenic-railroad/
Stop into the Innisfree Bookshop at the Mill Falls Marketplace in
Meredith to pick up a book or two about the region. Allocate a good amount of
time for this area since the Mill Falls Marketplace stands out in the area as
one of the leading places to shop, dine, experience a spa and enjoy a nice
place of lodging. OK, some of that constitutes indoor activities but this place
is a must.
Photo courtesy of https://www.millfalls.com/photos/
There’s so much to do in the Lakes Region that you won’t want to
leave. But if you do, consider two different excursions, each just over an hour
from Laconia. The Children’s Museum in Dover delights one and old with their
hands-on opportunities for learning. Most everything here is interactive and
geared toward exploration. Want to learn about flying? Chances are you can find
out here in the most creative manner. Check the museum’s calendar ahead of time
because they always have lots of events and some of them are surely geared to
the likes and interests of your wee one.
Photo courtesy of https://childrens-museum.org/
Watercountry, a New Hampshire waterpark for over thirty years
located in Portsmouth, offers all kinds of fun from family-friendly rides and
attractions to lots of splash-worthy features, including their own adventure
river. Pack your bathing suits, special water shoes, sunscreen and maybe even a
sunhat and head out for some energetic and affordable family fun. The lakes are
lovely but sometimes you have to mix it up with a big ‘ole gnarly slide that
plunges you into the water.