Length: 97 miles
Towns: Alton, Ashland, Center Harbor, Gilford, Holderness, Laconia, Meredith, Moultonborough, New Hampton, Ossipee, Sandwich, Tamworth, Tuftonboro and Wolfeboro
Highlights: Circumnavigate New Hampshire’s largest lake – Lake Winnipesaukee – and stop for a mountain hike, a walk through the region’s friendly downtowns, a visit to a historical museum, or cruise the Big Lake on the MS Mount Washington.
Website: www.lakesregion.org
The Lakes Region Scenic Byway circles Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest and most popular lake in New Hampshire. Beginning in Alton, the route follows NH 11 north through Alton Bay up through Gilford. This western side of the lake shows off exceptional views of the lake and Ossipee Mountain Range and offers many different recreational opportunities. Take a hike up to the summit of Mt. Major for wonderful sights of the Lake and surrounding mountain ranges or stop in at Ellacoya State Park for a picnic or a swim.
Weirs Beach, with its amusement parks, arcades, and shopping, is one of the most popular family resort areas in the state. This area of the Lakes Region Tour is always bustling with activity. A few miles to the north, view scenic gateways to Meredith's traditional New England village with a panorama of Lake Winnipesaukee and the White Mountains.
The route can then be followed via NH 25 toward the town of Moultonborough where travelers can enjoy the quaint downtown of Center Harbor and the charm of the less-developed eastern side of Lake Winnipesaukee. Travelers may also partake in a wide variety of outdoor activities such as boating, fishing and hiking.