The 10 Best Outdoor Activities in New Hampshire Lakes Region, New Hampshire Lakes Region

July 16, 2021 Roger Rusk

Discover the best top things to do in New Hampshire Lakes Region, United States including Franconia Notch, Caps Ridge Trail, Welch Mountain and Dickey Mountain Loop, Bear Notch Ski Touring Center, Ski Hearth Farm, Mount Morgan and Mount Percival Loop, Locke's Hill Trails, Pemigewasset Overlook, Cannon Mountain, Hancock Overlook.
Restaurants in New Hampshire Lakes Region

1. Franconia Notch

Franconia, NH +1 603-823-5661 [email protected] http://www.franconianotch.org/
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 110 reviews

Franconia Notch

The narrow passageway between the Franconia and Kinsman mountain ranges.

Reviewed By rayt-flaxin - Quincy, United States

If you find yourself in North New Hampshire and area looking for an easily accessible area to be able to enjoy and view first hand one of the most historically and geographically significant areas in the state, then i highly recommend you visit Franconia Notch. Between the Old Man on the mountain, the logging industry, the hiking and tourism, Cannon ski area, etc. There is a ton to see and do. Also, there are lots of viewing spots and picnic areas to pull off into.

2. Caps Ridge Trail

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

5.0 based on 12 reviews

Caps Ridge Trail

The hike along this 2.5-mile trail is a challenge, from an elevation of 3,008 feet to the top of Mt. Jefferson at 5,715 feet.

Reviewed By MsProfessorADK

This trail was a blast. Lots of rock scrambling, with excellent hand and footholds. Highly recommended!

3. Welch Mountain and Dickey Mountain Loop

Thornton, NH http://www.hikenewengland.com/WelchDickey030719.html
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 93 reviews

Welch Mountain and Dickey Mountain Loop

Reviewed By muktwo - East Elmhurst, United States

This is quite a challenging hike especially going up the smooth rocky surfaces uphill. The view at the top however is well worth it. Amazing 360 degree view of other mountaintops and early fall foliage (we went on 9/16). Downhill path is easy but could be a little better marked especially in the rocky areas (look for the cairns). Overall one of the best hikes I have done!

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. Ski Hearth Farm

392 Streeter Pond Rd, Sugar Hill, NH 03586-4123 +1 877-772-4666 http://Www.skihearthfarm.com
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 15 reviews

Ski Hearth Farm

6. Mount Morgan and Mount Percival Loop

Rte 113, Sandwich, NH
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

Mount Morgan and Mount Percival Loop

Reviewed By mountlombard - Sandown, United States

Just a great moderate hike. Go up Percival first and do the caves. Tight squeeze! Then take the Ridge to Morgan. Trails are well maintained. Parking is a challenge on weekends. Do get an early start and pack sturdy shoes. Great day!

7. 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.

8. Pemigewasset Overlook

Kancamagus Hwy Along Kancamagus Scenic Byway, Lincoln, NH https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whitemountain/recarea/?recid=74707
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 7 reviews

Pemigewasset Overlook

Reviewed By mainemountainbear - Texas Gulf Coast, United States

This scenic overlook was in the White Mountains National Forest, on the Kancamagus Scenic Byway (NH 112), a short drive from Lincoln. Designated parking required proof of having paid a day use fee. Engaging displays interpreted local history and ecology; I only wished they’d been in better condition. Clean rest facilities were onsite. For mountain scenery, with views to the west and the south, there may be no better stop on the Byway.

9. 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.

10. Hancock Overlook

NH Rte. 112 Kancamagus Hwy, Lincoln, NH https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whitemountain/recarea/?recid=74651
Excellent
60%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5 reviews

Hancock Overlook

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