See more than 270 lakes and ponds, a 350-year-old canoe, Abenaki Indian artwork, a museum, a wildlife sanctuary, and federal and colonial-style homes.
The best way to view New Hampshire‘s Squam Lake is to lease the movie “On Golden Pond.” This lovely lake, populated by rich summer-dwellers for many generations, has limited public access. Nevertheless, the Lakes Country has more than 270 ponds and lakes, including Lake Winnipesaukee, the nation’s largest, as well as the Ossipee Mountains, so a drive through the region will hardly disappoint you. Beginning in Ashland, follow U.S. 3 north toward Holderness along the north shore of Little Squam Lake.
One of New Hampshire‘s newest covered bridges (constructed in 1990) spans the Squam River on the lake’s west side. Just south of Holderness is the Science Center of New Hampshire, a museum and wildlife sanctuary that features a children’s activity center, field trips, and lectures. In Holderness, drive Route 113 north past the north shore of Squam Lake. Considered one of the loveliest lakes in the region, it has numerous wooded islands and a rocky shore. Check out the Old Bridle Path Trail, a 1.8-mile hike to the peak of West Rattlesnake Mountain; or, for a longer hike (5.8 miles) try the Morgan-Percival Loop. Both trails offer spectacular views of the neighboring area.
Continuing north on Route 113, you’ll come to Center Sandwich, a picture-perfect New England town with many colonial-style and well-preserved federal homes and dating from the early 19th century. The Sandwich Home Industries shop has local crafts for sale, including jewelry, pottery, and furniture. Next, drive left onto Route 113 from the town center. In nearby North Sandwich, take Route 113A north beyond the 4,010-foot-high Mount Whiteface, named for the white rocks on its summit. Several miles beyond, you’ll come to Tamworth, home of the Barnstormers Theater, a summer troupe founded in 1930.
A short side trip on Route 113 east to Route 16 north will now take you beyond Chocorua Lake at the foot of Mount Chocorua, the second most climbed mountain in New Hampshire (after Mount Monadnock in the southwestern part of the nation). Back on our main scenic route, follow Route 16 south through the towns of Ossipee and Chocorua, where the road snakes around the Ossipee Mountain Range. Drive cautiously as moose may be crossing.
Next, follow Route 28 west toward Wolfeboro to Route 109 east to Gov. John Wentworth State Historical Site, location of NewHampshire‘s first governor’s home. Unfortunately, only the foundation stays, but it’s a place to know a bit about the State’s history. In Wolfeboro, take Route 109 north to Libby Museum, with its 350-year-old dugout bunker and Abenaki Indian artwork. The drive ends in the town of Melvin Village, where you can pay a visit to the “Castle in the Clouds,” a mansion overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee.
Starting Point:
Ashland, NH
Distance of Drive:
65 miles
Must Eat:
First Stop
11 West Main St. Conway, NH 03818
Phone: 603-447-8444
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Summer and fall
Points of Interest on Drive:
Mount Whiteface
Castle in the Clouds
Squam Lake
Tagged with: best time:summer and fall • lakes • New Hampshire
Filed under: Best Road Trips