10 Nature & Parks in New Hampshire Lakes Region That You Shouldn't Miss

May 17, 2022 Hector Krause

Discover the best top things to do in New Hampshire Lakes Region, United States including Franconia Notch State Park, West Rattlesnake Mountain, Glen Ellis Falls, Bear Notch Ski Touring Center, Mount Pemigewasset, Locke's Hill Trails, Cannon Mountain, Flume Gorge, Bretton Woods at Mount Washington Resort, The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park.
Restaurants in New Hampshire Lakes Region

1. Franconia Notch State Park

260 Tramway Dr, Franconia, NH 03580-4402 +1 603-823-8800 http://www.nhstateparks.org/explore/state-parks/franconia-notch-state-park.aspx
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 639 reviews

Franconia Notch State Park

Named one of the 12 best state parks in America.

Reviewed By MT1 - Aurora, United States

I lived in NH for many years and have passed through Franconia Notch many times, back when the actual Old Man of the Mountain actually existed. This is a beautiful drive, especially in the Fall, and there are lots of places to stop and things to do - the Old Man of the Mountain "hologram" if you will, the Flume Gorge, the Basin, Profile Lake, hiking trails, etc. If you are visiting NH you should definitely make a visit here, and you can also check out the nice little town of Littleton on the north side of "the Notch".

2. West Rattlesnake Mountain

Rt. 113, Holderness, NH 03245 +1 603-271-2215 http://www.hikenewengland.com/RattlesnakeWestGen1.html
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 212 reviews

West Rattlesnake Mountain

Reviewed By JeanineB992

We did west and East on a late afternoon and it’s a beautiful hike with spectacular views! Well worth the effort!

3. Glen Ellis Falls

Jackson, NH
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 343 reviews

Glen Ellis Falls

Reviewed By TNKaz

When we visited in October, 64 ft high Glen Ellis Falls was quite impressive with a great amount of water flow. The Falls are reached by just a very short walk (0.3-mile) from the parking lot. There is a pit toilet available near the parking area. You start the walk by going through a tunnel which goes under NH Route 16. Over 100 stone steps will lead you down to the base of the falls for the best viewing of the entire falls. When we visited, these stone steps were still wet from a rain the night before, so we had to use extra caution. The round trip walk took us 20 minutes. The location and description of the walk to this Falls was listed in the book, “AMC's Best Day Hikes in the White Mountain's” which we purchased prior to our trip. The book mentions that this is a very popular walk, so we are glad that we visited early in the morning. At that time of day it was not crowded at all. We were told by the White Mountains Visitor Center to display our Senior National Park Pass so that it could be seen through our car window. Otherwise, in the parking lots, there is usually a box for a fee for day use of White Mountains National Forest areas.

4. Bear Notch Ski Touring Center

Route 302, Bartlett, NH +1 603-374-2277 http://www.bearnotchskitouring.com/
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 65 reviews

Bear Notch Ski Touring Center

Reviewed By VBoy31 - Auburn, United States

We snowshoed at Bear Notch three days ago and had an amazing experience. The trails were groomed to perfection and we were met by a staffer who was knowledgeable and attentive. We spent about three hours on the trails and really enjoyed the trails by the river. An added bonus was when we happened upon a moose, quietly munching on some local vegetation. We shoed quietly by and got some incredible photos. Just get out and experience the outdoors, folks. Getting your feet snowy is a great way to spend the day!

5. Mount Pemigewasset

Lincoln, NH
Excellent
84%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 19 reviews

Mount Pemigewasset

Reviewed By 778tracyv - Springfield, United States

Great moderate-difficulty hike with an awesome view at the top. The trail was easy to follow but has a decent elevation change. Wear hiking boots. Pack a lunch and eat at the top while enjoying the views. Park in the upper lot at the Gorge exit and follow the bike path/trail under the highway.

6. Locke's Hill Trails

Gilford, NH
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

Locke's Hill Trails

Reviewed By BOS101718 - Boston, United States

Great trail with an incredible view. Worth it for all ages. Get a good workout in but not too strenuous. Will come back to hike again.

7. Cannon Mountain

Franconia Notch State Park, Franconia, NH 03580 +1 603-823-8800 [email protected] http://cannonmt.com/cannontram.html
Excellent
61%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 417 reviews

Cannon Mountain

Reviewed By frugalm0m - Swarthmore, United States

While we live in the Philadelphia area, Cannon Mountain is our favorite place to ski. Most of our family learned to ski at Cannon, and we have been going there for more than 15 years. It is by far the friendliest ski resort, where ski instructors, lift operators, ambassadors and guest service staff will smile, say hello and remember you. The mountain offers trails for a range of skills, so everyone can find a place to ski. There are rarely any lines of any note for the lift. Be forewarned, it can be cold on the mountain (it is New Hampshire after all!) and sometimes icy. But a great day at Cannon is the best skiing ever.

8. Flume Gorge

852 Daniel Webster Highway, Franconia, NH 03251 +1 603-745-8391 http://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/park-sites/flume-gorge
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,644 reviews

Flume Gorge

Flume Gorge trail is temporarily closed for hiking until May 10, 2019 An 800-foot gorge that extends from the base of Mount Liberty. It is open from May 8 - October 25.

Reviewed By ddaltamura - Stamford, United States

5 of us did the flume gorge hike which includes the "pool", "avalanche falls", "liberty gorge" and "flume gorge" all along about a 2 or 2.5 mile hike. You can take a bus to bypass parts of it on the way up. It's a lot of uphill walking and the flume gorge part has a lot up stairs going up. The sights are really magnificent and worth seeing.

9. Bretton Woods at Mount Washington Resort

99 Ski Area Road, Bretton Woods, NH 03575 +1 603-278-3320 [email protected] http://www.brettonwoods.com/
Excellent
63%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 392 reviews

Bretton Woods at Mount Washington Resort

Bretton Woods is the home of New Hampshire's largest ski area, plus the Bretton Woods Canopy Tour, Bretton Woods Nordic Center, the Adventure Center, The Spa, the Golf Club (27 holes), The Lodge, The Townhomes and numerous food and beverage outlets.

Reviewed By 126billr

This place has the best runs for my ski tastes of anywhere in the Northeast. I'm a 'senior' and this place is VERY "senior friendly." Also family friendly. While usual rating symbols of trails exist -- forget them ! I say 90% of the trails here are "intermediate" and just great runs. Lift capacity is excellent. Waiting in lines is rare midweek ( I never ski weekends.) The new gondola this season is smooth, quiet and all the way to the top. The base lodge is friendly, convenient, just a comfy good place to ski. Spectacular scenery -- ideal views of Mt Washington, Cannot be beaten in the East ! Downside = not many good eating spots nearby and limited selection of hotels.

10. The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park

260 Tramway Dr, Franconia, NH 03580-4402 +1 603-823-8800 https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/franconia-notch-state-park
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 990 reviews

The Basin at Franconia Notch State Park

This 20-foot-wide natural granite abyss is probably one of the largest "potholes" you've ever seen.

Reviewed By 979jessicao - Bretton Woods, United States

Dos and dont’s - DO expect a beautiful, serene, calm trail that is well marked, and an overall easy walk. Paved in some parts. Great for kids, families, and those that love beautiful water, waterholes and picturesque views. DONT expect a difficult hike or climb up the side of a mountain. DO expect plenty of ‘gram moments. The scenery is gorgeous and plenty of picnic and chill out spots. We spent a couple hours meandering there and it was wonderful!

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