New Hampshire--Lakes Country

The best way to see New Hampshire's Squam Lake is to rent the movie "On Golden Pond." This lovely lake, populated by wealthy summer-dwellers for generations, has limited public access. Nevertheless, the Lakes Country has more than 270 lakes and ponds, including Lake Winnipesaukee, the state's largest, as well as the Ossipee Mountains, so a drive through the region will hardly disappoint you. Starting in Ashland, take U.S. 3 north toward Holderness along the north shore of Little Squam Lake.

One of New Hampshire's newest covered bridges (built 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 field trips, lectures, and a children's activity center. In Holderness, take Route 113 north past the north shore of Squam Lake. Considered one of the prettiest lakes in the region, it has a rocky shore and numerous wooded islands. Check out the Old Bridle Path Trail, a 1.8-mile walk to the top of West Rattlesnake Mountain; or, for a longer hike (5.8 miles) try the Morgan-Percival Loop. Both trails offer spectacular views of the surrounding area.

Continuing north on Route 113, you'll come to Center Sandwich, a picture-perfect New England town with many well-preserved federal and colonial-style homes dating from the early 19th century. The Sandwich Home Industries shop has local crafts for sale, including pottery, furniture, and jewelry. Next, turn left onto Route 113 from the town center. In nearby North Sandwich, take Route 113A north past 4,010-foot-high Mount Whiteface, named for the white rocks on its summit. A few 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 take you past 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 state). Back on our main scenic route, follow Route 16 south through the towns of Chocorua and Ossipee, where the road snakes around the Ossipee Mountain Range. Drive carefully as moose may be crossing.

Next, follow Route 28 west toward Wolfeboro to Route 109 east to Gov. John Wentworth State Historical Site, site of New Hampshire's first governor's home. Unfortunately, only the foundation remains, but it's a place to learn a bit about the State's history. In Wolfeboro, take Route 109 north to Libby Museum, with its 350-year-old dugout canoe and Abenaki Indian artwork. The drive ends in the town of Melvin Village, where you can visit 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:
Squam Lake
Mount Whiteface
Castle in the Clouds

UsedCars.biz Road Trip in the Same State:
New Hampshire--Kancamagus Scenic Highway

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