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Lake Winnipesaukee – The Smile of the Great Spirit

Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest and one of the deepest lakes
in New Hampshire. Centered in the popular vacation area known as
the Lakes Region it provides 4-season pleasure for millions
every year.

The lake is surrounded by the foothills of New Hampshire’s White
Mountains, which provides stunning backdrops to this jewel of a
New Hampshire lake, and magnificent views for those prepared to
hike a few miles to the summit of surrounding peaks.

The lake is spring fed and clean, and many homes on the lake
take their water supply directly without any filtering.

But the native people have known this lake and its beauty for
10,000 years. They gave Lake Winnipesaukee the Indian name
meaning “Smile of the Great Spirit.”

These days people still fish and canoe on the lake but it’s
shared with modern day jet skis and motorboats. But essentially
Lake Winnipesaukee is an area to take your time exploring, and
let the hours tick slowly by.

I’ve been visiting Lake Winnipesaukee for the last twenty years
and I have these suggestions for enjoying your visit to the Lake.

M/S MOUNT WASHINGTON CRUISE

For a 132-years a cruise boat has been traveling up and down the
72 square miles of the lake. The current boat – M/S MOUNT
WASHINGTON has been operating since 1946. Due to the demand it
was extended in 1982 by cutting the boat in half and placing a
middle section.

Today with it’s three decks and ample room there’s no better way
of getting oriented on the Lake. You can board the boat at Weirs
Beach and take the 2 and ½ hour cruise down to Alton Bay or up
to the picturesque town of Meredith.

When you make the trip be prepared to do a lot of waving. The
M/S Mount Washington is a popular and the most distinctive boat
on the lake, and you’ll find most boaters and people on the
shorelines waving in recognition of this majestic large ship.

THE LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE SCENIC TRAIN RIDE

The Lake Winnipesaukee scenic train runs from Meredith to Weirs
Beach to Lakeport and back. You can take a 1 hour or 2 hour
ride. You’ll get spectacular views of the lake and shoreline and
Belknap Mountain.

This is a slow ride train as it travels the shoreline on Paugus
Bay, and you’ll get plenty of time to admire many of the
stunning homes built on this stretch of the ride.

Snacks and ice cream are sold on the journey.

THE CASTLE IN THE CLOUDS

The Castle in the Clouds is a magnificent home built on a
mountaintop in 1913 by industrialist Thomas Plant.

You can tour the castle and grounds where you’ll find waterfalls
and miles of trails to explore. During the fall foliage season
it offers majestic views of the lake and surrounding area.

The Castle is near Moultonboro on the eastern side of the lake
and you can get there by following Route 171 in Ossipee.

BELKNAP MOUNTAIN HIKE

For these willing to be a little more adventurous Lake
Winnipesaukee offers some great hiking tails. Many are moderate
to difficult, but the Belknap Mountain hike in Gilford is easy
and can be done by most people including small kids.

This is an enjoyable walk and you should allow 2 and ½ hours
round trip to appreciate the walk to its fullest. At the summit
you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view of Lake
Winnipesaukee, and if conditions are right you can sometimes
spot Mount Washington in the distance.

Take Route 11A to Gilford and drive south through the village.
Stay on this road as it climbs Belknap Mountain road. Eventually
you’ll see signs and a parking area on the left.

These are just a few activities you can do when visiting Lake
Winnipesaukee.

For more information and details on Lake Winnipesaukee
attraction and things to do visit the Lakes Region web site at
www.lakesregion.org

About the Author

Cliff Calderwood is the owner and contributing writer of
http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com . You can read more
about Lake Winnipesaukee and get a free travel report at his
http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com web site.

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