Alfa’s guidebook

Alfa
Alfa’s guidebook

Welcome to our Guidebook!

Franklin Fall Festival October 19 with vendors costume race, costume parade and more. Octoberfest at Veteran’s Memorial Recreational Area in Franklin October 19, food, live music and beer. October 25-26 Haunted River Walk and bonfire in town. Franklin and our cottage on Webster Lake is a perfect location to visit great restaurants, hikes, kayaking, rafting, mountain biking, skiing, wineries, holiday events, concerts, motorsports, ice fishing, snowmobiling, sledding, skating, live theatre and performances, wildlife exhibits and shows, outlet shopping, and more. In town dining includes Casamigos, The Franklin Studio, Asian Delight and The Waterhorse Irish Pub. Hiking, biking, atv and snowmobiling opportunities at The Northern Rail Trail just across the road, also direct access to the lake. Terrific mountain biker’s dream, 20 minutes to lift operated Highland Mountain Bike Park, and right in Franklin is Franklin Falls trails where there are great trails planned and designed by bikers! Profile Falls, The Upside Down Covered Bridge and the City “Where Three Rivers Meet”. New England’s first whitewater park, Mill Falls has even more to offer kayakers and watersports enthusiasts. Several close by wineries and breweries. Webster Lake Ice Fishing Derby. 4th of July Boat Parade. Veteran’s Memorial Recreation Area with the closest skiing to the cottage. Close to Ragged Mountain. Less than an hour to Gunstock, Loon, Cannon, Sunapee, Pat’s Peak and Tenney Mountain Skiing. Franconia Notch State Park, White Mountains attractions like The Flume Gorge, Basin, Clarks Bears, Ice Castles and other Lakes Region attractions like the Polar Caves, Lost River Gorge, Weir’s Beach and the Winnipesaukee Pier, hikes and sights less than an hour and an easy day trip. About 25 minutes to Concord, too!
Webster Lake
Franklin Fall Festival October 19 with vendors costume race, costume parade and more. Octoberfest at Veteran’s Memorial Recreational Area in Franklin October 19, food, live music and beer. October 25-26 Haunted River Walk and bonfire in town. Franklin and our cottage on Webster Lake is a perfect location to visit great restaurants, hikes, kayaking, rafting, mountain biking, skiing, wineries, holiday events, concerts, motorsports, ice fishing, snowmobiling, sledding, skating, live theatre and performances, wildlife exhibits and shows, outlet shopping, and more. In town dining includes Casamigos, The Franklin Studio, Asian Delight and The Waterhorse Irish Pub. Hiking, biking, atv and snowmobiling opportunities at The Northern Rail Trail just across the road, also direct access to the lake. Terrific mountain biker’s dream, 20 minutes to lift operated Highland Mountain Bike Park, and right in Franklin is Franklin Falls trails where there are great trails planned and designed by bikers! Profile Falls, The Upside Down Covered Bridge and the City “Where Three Rivers Meet”. New England’s first whitewater park, Mill Falls has even more to offer kayakers and watersports enthusiasts. Several close by wineries and breweries. Webster Lake Ice Fishing Derby. 4th of July Boat Parade. Veteran’s Memorial Recreation Area with the closest skiing to the cottage. Close to Ragged Mountain. Less than an hour to Gunstock, Loon, Cannon, Sunapee, Pat’s Peak and Tenney Mountain Skiing. Franconia Notch State Park, White Mountains attractions like The Flume Gorge, Basin, Clarks Bears, Ice Castles and other Lakes Region attractions like the Polar Caves, Lost River Gorge, Weir’s Beach and the Winnipesaukee Pier, hikes and sights less than an hour and an easy day trip. About 25 minutes to Concord, too!

Dining, we recommend these:

Also see Wineries, Breweries, and Farms for more dining and food
Hands down best breakfast! Great lunch too with burgers, fresh pork chop, etc. About 6 miles away in Salisbury. “The Grain Box features foods prepared whenever possible from local product, eggs from farms in Salisbury NH, maple syrup from trees along your drive to get to the store, meats home grown and lean, boasting one of the best burgers you’ll ever have!” This place has a unique atmosphere, you might think you are in the wrong place from the outside but the restaurant is inside the barn store itself: just go on in! Every guest at Little Loon Cottage that has visited has loved it and we do too. While in Salisbury a visit to Tarbin Gardens or Black Bear Vineyard is always a good choice too.
The Grainbox Restaurant at the Barn Store
Hands down best breakfast! Great lunch too with burgers, fresh pork chop, etc. About 6 miles away in Salisbury. “The Grain Box features foods prepared whenever possible from local product, eggs from farms in Salisbury NH, maple syrup from trees along your drive to get to the store, meats home grown and lean, boasting one of the best burgers you’ll ever have!” This place has a unique atmosphere, you might think you are in the wrong place from the outside but the restaurant is inside the barn store itself: just go on in! Every guest at Little Loon Cottage that has visited has loved it and we do too. While in Salisbury a visit to Tarbin Gardens or Black Bear Vineyard is always a good choice too.
Nice atmosphere with antique conversation pieces throughout the decor, stunning mountain views and a fireplace. Regular gourmet specials and upscale pub grub: the specials are always very tasty. Live music and food is also served at the bar. A pleasant 20 minute drive away in Andover. While in Andover you might check out Cilleyville and Keniston covered bridges.
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Flying Goose Brew Pub
40 Andover Road
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Nice atmosphere with antique conversation pieces throughout the decor, stunning mountain views and a fireplace. Regular gourmet specials and upscale pub grub: the specials are always very tasty. Live music and food is also served at the bar. A pleasant 20 minute drive away in Andover. While in Andover you might check out Cilleyville and Keniston covered bridges.
Authentic tasty Mexican food, dine in and takeout reasonable prices and excellent service, cozy yet lively atmosphere. Decent vegetarian options. Great family booth seating, nice people. 13min/5.9 miles away
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Casamigos
276 Main St
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Authentic tasty Mexican food, dine in and takeout reasonable prices and excellent service, cozy yet lively atmosphere. Decent vegetarian options. Great family booth seating, nice people. 13min/5.9 miles away
Upscale quality BBQ food, great takeaway items and meat counter. Bbq packages hot and ready for pickup (call to order). The brisket and fries for 13 bucks or the family takeout pkg for 6 for $96 do NOT disappoint. Brisket, ribs, chicken, pulled pork, steaks, shrimp. 11miles/16 minutes away in Andover
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The Refinery
4 Mill Rd
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Upscale quality BBQ food, great takeaway items and meat counter. Bbq packages hot and ready for pickup (call to order). The brisket and fries for 13 bucks or the family takeout pkg for 6 for $96 do NOT disappoint. Brisket, ribs, chicken, pulled pork, steaks, shrimp. 11miles/16 minutes away in Andover
Fresh homemade ice cream and homemade waffle cones. Beautiful farm, Farm animals, miniature horses, 7.2 miles/13 minutes away in Sanbornton.
Milltuck Farm & Creamery
Fresh homemade ice cream and homemade waffle cones. Beautiful farm, Farm animals, miniature horses, 7.2 miles/13 minutes away in Sanbornton.
Right in town! We like the crispy pad Thai, the Bim bam bop, crispy rolls, crab rangoon, and mango fried rice. Good curries and Thai iced tea. Good vegetarian options. They have Thai, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean options and do dine in or take out. Service is good and it is pleasant, clean, reasonably priced and family owned/operated. 6 min./2.9 miles away
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Asian Delight NH
330 Central St
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Right in town! We like the crispy pad Thai, the Bim bam bop, crispy rolls, crab rangoon, and mango fried rice. Good curries and Thai iced tea. Good vegetarian options. They have Thai, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean options and do dine in or take out. Service is good and it is pleasant, clean, reasonably priced and family owned/operated. 6 min./2.9 miles away
Prime rib, seafood and Italian options, Oscars with fresh Maine Lobster. In Bristol, 24 minutes away.
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Homestead Restaurant
1567 Summer St
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Prime rib, seafood and Italian options, Oscars with fresh Maine Lobster. In Bristol, 24 minutes away.
This is very close by, good food (breakfast and lunch all day). Good specials too. Homefries are yummy, good meal options and service. Reasonable prices, great for families.
Wyatts Family Restaurant
This is very close by, good food (breakfast and lunch all day). Good specials too. Homefries are yummy, good meal options and service. Reasonable prices, great for families.
Neat little place in town serving unique crepes (both savory and sweet) to take away or eat in. High quality and locally sourced coffee, delicious smoothies and milkshakes. Macarons too!
Downtown Crepes
Neat little place in town serving unique crepes (both savory and sweet) to take away or eat in. High quality and locally sourced coffee, delicious smoothies and milkshakes. Macarons too!
A whole restaurant for grilled cheese? Yep and they are great! The Tuscan is a fave. Great ice cream, clean fun atmosphere just down the road in Franklin. Open Wed-Sat in fall.
Shorey's Grilled Cheese & Ice Cream
A whole restaurant for grilled cheese? Yep and they are great! The Tuscan is a fave. Great ice cream, clean fun atmosphere just down the road in Franklin. Open Wed-Sat in fall.
Nice Vietnamese place in small town NH! the pho, caramalized pork sandwich and spring rolls are yum! Takeout only. 4.7 miles away in Tilton.
V's Sandwich
285 Main St
Nice Vietnamese place in small town NH! the pho, caramalized pork sandwich and spring rolls are yum! Takeout only. 4.7 miles away in Tilton.
The BEST handcut fresh donuts you could want: they are special! Particularly the yeast donuts, maple bacon, fritters and crullers. Old school kind of place. Get there early or order ahead because they do sell out as the day goes on, or check them on fb for daily specials and limited delivery. 2.1 miles away in Franklin.
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Brothers Donuts & Deli Shop
426 Central St
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The BEST handcut fresh donuts you could want: they are special! Particularly the yeast donuts, maple bacon, fritters and crullers. Old school kind of place. Get there early or order ahead because they do sell out as the day goes on, or check them on fb for daily specials and limited delivery. 2.1 miles away in Franklin.
Good kind of sports pub vibe, good American food. Prime rib, baked shrimp, clam chowder, specialty drinks. 4.6 miles away
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Park Street Pub and Tavern
41 Park St
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Good kind of sports pub vibe, good American food. Prime rib, baked shrimp, clam chowder, specialty drinks. 4.6 miles away
4.7 miles away, this is the best pizza around here. (Actually voted best in NH). You can eat on the patio overlooking the river which is nice. Great subs and greek style pies too!
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Tilton House of Pizza
298 Main St
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4.7 miles away, this is the best pizza around here. (Actually voted best in NH). You can eat on the patio overlooking the river which is nice. Great subs and greek style pies too!
New restaurant, very fresh Maine lobster, live music. 8.6 miles away in Tilton.
Dox on Winnisquam
New restaurant, very fresh Maine lobster, live music. 8.6 miles away in Tilton.
Menu changes frequently, farm to table, nice outdoor dining on a quaint street near theatres shopping and the water. Great for a date night. Mixed cuisine: New England/ American/ Italian. Good vegetarian and gluten free options. Locally sourced food. We love the coconut shrimp, osso bucco, and filet mignon. Really every dish we have tried has been fresh, well prepared and delicious. About 11.5 miles away in Laconia (app. 30 minutes). Online ordering available.
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Laconia Local Eatery
21 Veterans Square
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Menu changes frequently, farm to table, nice outdoor dining on a quaint street near theatres shopping and the water. Great for a date night. Mixed cuisine: New England/ American/ Italian. Good vegetarian and gluten free options. Locally sourced food. We love the coconut shrimp, osso bucco, and filet mignon. Really every dish we have tried has been fresh, well prepared and delicious. About 11.5 miles away in Laconia (app. 30 minutes). Online ordering available.
Haus made chocolates candies and ice cream. Special place with a long history and worth a visit! We love the ice cream, turtles, fudge and holiday selections. It is a bit of a drive: 40 minutes away in Laconia. Open year round, closed Tuesdays.
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Kellerhaus
259 Endicott St N
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Haus made chocolates candies and ice cream. Special place with a long history and worth a visit! We love the ice cream, turtles, fudge and holiday selections. It is a bit of a drive: 40 minutes away in Laconia. Open year round, closed Tuesdays.
Door dash available from DQ, Pizza Chef, Pizza Hut, China Gold Cafe, Wendys, Taco Bell,McDonalds, KFC, Franklin Cafe, Maaz’s Chicken, 99 Restaurants, Shorey’s, Green Ginger, UNO, 5 Guys Burgers and Fries,Applebees, Aroma Joe’s, Dunkin, Starbucks, Tilt n Diner and more. Also Hannaford for groceries. Make sure to note On your order to deliver to the first place on right after Lagace Beach, guest cottage, as google sometimes sends drivers to the beach because they have both us and the beach as our address. (We get beach orders frequently). If you choose “hand it to me” you should be fine.
DoorDash
Door dash available from DQ, Pizza Chef, Pizza Hut, China Gold Cafe, Wendys, Taco Bell,McDonalds, KFC, Franklin Cafe, Maaz’s Chicken, 99 Restaurants, Shorey’s, Green Ginger, UNO, 5 Guys Burgers and Fries,Applebees, Aroma Joe’s, Dunkin, Starbucks, Tilt n Diner and more. Also Hannaford for groceries. Make sure to note On your order to deliver to the first place on right after Lagace Beach, guest cottage, as google sometimes sends drivers to the beach because they have both us and the beach as our address. (We get beach orders frequently). If you choose “hand it to me” you should be fine.
This is 45 minutes away in Manchester, they have the closest best Indian and Nepali food available. Soups, curries, VERY good Indian food, worth the drive if you crave good Indian cuisine.
KS Kitchen
This is 45 minutes away in Manchester, they have the closest best Indian and Nepali food available. Soups, curries, VERY good Indian food, worth the drive if you crave good Indian cuisine.

AUTUMN FUN

Corn mazes, fall festivals, pumpkins, hay rides, haunted houses, fairs
Summer farmstand and year round store, barnyard animals, huge fall corn maze and Halloween “fear farm”, hayrides, mini ziplines. Deli and shop. Notch Biergarten. Farm to table country music brunch every Sunday 10-3. Pumpkin bouncer for kids. Pet the goats. Live music and entertainment in the pavilion. Winner of multiple Best in Lakes Region awards 2022. About a half hour away in Gilford.
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Beans & Greens Farm
245 Intervale Rd
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Summer farmstand and year round store, barnyard animals, huge fall corn maze and Halloween “fear farm”, hayrides, mini ziplines. Deli and shop. Notch Biergarten. Farm to table country music brunch every Sunday 10-3. Pumpkin bouncer for kids. Pet the goats. Live music and entertainment in the pavilion. Winner of multiple Best in Lakes Region awards 2022. About a half hour away in Gilford.
37 minutes away in Pittsfield 2022 WMUR #2 Orchard in NH. Hayrides and apple picking, cider.
Appleview Orchard
1266 Upper City Rd
37 minutes away in Pittsfield 2022 WMUR #2 Orchard in NH. Hayrides and apple picking, cider.
Gould Hill Farm, taste a four variety flight of ciders produced start to finish at the orchard/farm. Hot apple cider donuts. About a half hour away.
Contoocook Cider Company
Gould Hill Farm, taste a four variety flight of ciders produced start to finish at the orchard/farm. Hot apple cider donuts. About a half hour away.
Apple picking, pumpkins, peaches. 16 miles away
Meadow Ledge Farm
612 NH-129
Apple picking, pumpkins, peaches. 16 miles away
Pick your own apples and blueberries. 11 miles away.
Smith Orchard
184 Leavitt Rd
Pick your own apples and blueberries. 11 miles away.
They have hayrides, bouncy house for kids, food truck, picnic tables. Pick your own apples and blueberries. Fresh cider and donuts. 21 miles away.
Hackleboro Orchard
61 Orchard Rd
They have hayrides, bouncy house for kids, food truck, picnic tables. Pick your own apples and blueberries. Fresh cider and donuts. 21 miles away.
5 miles away. Fresh picked strawberries, pick your own apples, pick your own blueberries. Fresh peaches.
Surowiec Farm
53 Perley Hill Rd
5 miles away. Fresh picked strawberries, pick your own apples, pick your own blueberries. Fresh peaches.
Excellent indoor/outdoor haunted experience! Close by in Salisbury. Opening 10/5/24. This is a really fun time!
The Salisbury Woods
Excellent indoor/outdoor haunted experience! Close by in Salisbury. Opening 10/5/24. This is a really fun time!
NH Pumpkin Festival in Laconia is 10/25-10/26 this year. Guests will be in awe of the pumpkin and jack-o-lantern tower and enjoy the children’s costume parade, a 5k, vendors and crafters, food, beer garden, children’s games, pumpkin bowling, 34′ tower of pumpkins and much more.
Laconia Pumpkin Fest
NH Pumpkin Festival in Laconia is 10/25-10/26 this year. Guests will be in awe of the pumpkin and jack-o-lantern tower and enjoy the children’s costume parade, a 5k, vendors and crafters, food, beer garden, children’s games, pumpkin bowling, 34′ tower of pumpkins and much more.

Hiking, Biking, Watersports and Cross Country

There are lots of White Mountains hikes too that we recommend: for this we have included our favorite local ones.
Franklin Falls Reservoir Park is alongside the Franklin Falls Dam which was built to control the Pemigewassett River flowing into the Merrimack River. Trails for all abilities, easy to black diamond. The area is very popular area with mountain bikers. Hunting is allowed in the area seasonally, so hikers and bikers should WEAR BLAZE ORANGE during hunting season for safety. MOUNTAIN BIKING: The trails here are famously very fast and flowing with very few rocky sections. Location is on both sides of the Pemigewasset River between Bristol and Franklin, NH. The property consists of more than 2,500 wooded acres and spans five towns. It is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The (free) mountain bike trail system currently consists of approximately 10 miles of multi-use trail, built by mountain bikers for mountain bikers. Much of the terrain is very “un-New England like” with very few rocks. As a result Franklin Falls is known for its flowing, buff single track. It is great venue for group rides with mixed skill levels. Experts can enjoy high speed tree-slaloming, while novices can enjoy the trails at a more relaxed pace without getting in over their heads in difficulty level. Even your roadie friends can have fun here! Some of the fastest flow can be found on trails that include Moose Gully, Pine Snake, Bee, Lost Wall Rusty Bucket, and Stump. Trails on the slightly tighter side include Rogue, Caddywhompus, and Cellar Hole. The newest trail, Sniper is a nice combination of flow and undulating terrain. For advanced riders looking for a more technical challenge, Salmon Brook Trail offers steeper pitches, tight switchbacks, narrow benches, bridges, and rock gardens. It rides best when entering at its intersection with the Rusty Bucket Trail. The signature trail at Franklin Falls is the Mighty Chicken which is a gravity trail, built in a natural half-pipe created by the walls of Chicken Ravine. The trail surfs up and down the ravine walls then finishes out over a series of drops and berms. It continues to be tuned to increase the yeehaw! index. The trail system is open year round, and is a great choice for early spring riding when other trail systems are closed for mud season. Sandy sub-soil keeps the area extremely well drained so mud is virtually non-existent. eMTBs are allowed on these trails.
Franklin Falls Recreational Trails
Franklin Falls Reservoir Park is alongside the Franklin Falls Dam which was built to control the Pemigewassett River flowing into the Merrimack River. Trails for all abilities, easy to black diamond. The area is very popular area with mountain bikers. Hunting is allowed in the area seasonally, so hikers and bikers should WEAR BLAZE ORANGE during hunting season for safety. MOUNTAIN BIKING: The trails here are famously very fast and flowing with very few rocky sections. Location is on both sides of the Pemigewasset River between Bristol and Franklin, NH. The property consists of more than 2,500 wooded acres and spans five towns. It is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The (free) mountain bike trail system currently consists of approximately 10 miles of multi-use trail, built by mountain bikers for mountain bikers. Much of the terrain is very “un-New England like” with very few rocks. As a result Franklin Falls is known for its flowing, buff single track. It is great venue for group rides with mixed skill levels. Experts can enjoy high speed tree-slaloming, while novices can enjoy the trails at a more relaxed pace without getting in over their heads in difficulty level. Even your roadie friends can have fun here! Some of the fastest flow can be found on trails that include Moose Gully, Pine Snake, Bee, Lost Wall Rusty Bucket, and Stump. Trails on the slightly tighter side include Rogue, Caddywhompus, and Cellar Hole. The newest trail, Sniper is a nice combination of flow and undulating terrain. For advanced riders looking for a more technical challenge, Salmon Brook Trail offers steeper pitches, tight switchbacks, narrow benches, bridges, and rock gardens. It rides best when entering at its intersection with the Rusty Bucket Trail. The signature trail at Franklin Falls is the Mighty Chicken which is a gravity trail, built in a natural half-pipe created by the walls of Chicken Ravine. The trail surfs up and down the ravine walls then finishes out over a series of drops and berms. It continues to be tuned to increase the yeehaw! index. The trail system is open year round, and is a great choice for early spring riding when other trail systems are closed for mud season. Sandy sub-soil keeps the area extremely well drained so mud is virtually non-existent. eMTBs are allowed on these trails.
About 20 minutes away. Lift-access mountain bike park with cross-country trails, an indoor training center & a bag jump. Lessons and rentals. Events. Closes Nov.17 2024
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Highland Mountain Bike Park
75 Ski Hill Dr
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About 20 minutes away. Lift-access mountain bike park with cross-country trails, an indoor training center & a bag jump. Lessons and rentals. Events. Closes Nov.17 2024
Ebike rentals, Fat Bikes and trail information. Right in town.
Lakes Region eBikes
419 Central Street
Ebike rentals, Fat Bikes and trail information. Right in town.
Accessible from Franklin Falls Recreational Trails. A short hike brings you to lovely scenic waterfalls. Picnic tables. 0.2-mile out-and-back trail near Bristol, New Hampshire. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 4 min to complete. This trail is great for walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.
Profile Falls
Accessible from Franklin Falls Recreational Trails. A short hike brings you to lovely scenic waterfalls. Picnic tables. 0.2-mile out-and-back trail near Bristol, New Hampshire. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 4 min to complete. This trail is great for walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.
This is also where Veteran’s Memorial Recreation Area is (skiing/eats/skating/events). It is 3 miles/2 hours (500 feet up) hike via Shaw Pond and Elks trails. To get to the trail take Chance Pond Road across from the cottage, (2 miles) then right onto Flaghole Rd (1.2 miles).
Great Gains Memorial Forest
This is also where Veteran’s Memorial Recreation Area is (skiing/eats/skating/events). It is 3 miles/2 hours (500 feet up) hike via Shaw Pond and Elks trails. To get to the trail take Chance Pond Road across from the cottage, (2 miles) then right onto Flaghole Rd (1.2 miles).
At Winslow State Park climb to a shortcut to the White Mountains! The views are comparable to Mt. Monadnock, Mt. Cardigan, Welch Dickey Loop, but the hike is 10 times easier (if you drive up from the south). The fire tower is also a plus. The top is smooth granite with nearly 360 deg views, on a clear day you can see Mt. Washington. If you want a longer hike you can walk up on the north side. The best views are from the top 500 feet so you get them from either approach.
Mt Kearsarge Trailhead
Kearsarge Mountain Road
At Winslow State Park climb to a shortcut to the White Mountains! The views are comparable to Mt. Monadnock, Mt. Cardigan, Welch Dickey Loop, but the hike is 10 times easier (if you drive up from the south). The fire tower is also a plus. The top is smooth granite with nearly 360 deg views, on a clear day you can see Mt. Washington. If you want a longer hike you can walk up on the north side. The best views are from the top 500 feet so you get them from either approach.
$4/adult, $2/youth. Mount Kearsarge is a must-do hike for anyone living in the Kearsarge area. The summit has a fire tower (which is occasionally open to enter). The top is very exposed and offers 360-degree views of the surrounding area. Check to see if your GPS is leading you to Kearsarge Mountain Rd before departing if you're using Maps. Sometimes there are seasonal road closures. Winslow/Barlow 2.5-mile loop near Wilmot, New Hampshire. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 54 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring
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Winslow State Park
475 Kearsarge Mountain Rd
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$4/adult, $2/youth. Mount Kearsarge is a must-do hike for anyone living in the Kearsarge area. The summit has a fire tower (which is occasionally open to enter). The top is very exposed and offers 360-degree views of the surrounding area. Check to see if your GPS is leading you to Kearsarge Mountain Rd before departing if you're using Maps. Sometimes there are seasonal road closures. Winslow/Barlow 2.5-mile loop near Wilmot, New Hampshire. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 54 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring
$4/adult, $2/youth. This short trail starts from the parking lot at the end of the Rollins State Park auto road and climbs to meet the Lincoln Trail just below the summit of Mount Kearsarge. The Rollins trail is the easiest way to the summit and the total distance from the parking lot to the summit is about 0.6 mile. The trail starts as a crushed gravel path, crossing a few small bridges as it passes through the picnic area. It then ascends via easy to moderate grades as it climbs along the old route of a carriage path. It meets the Lincoln Trail, which ascends 0.1 mile to the open summit over bare ledge.
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Rollins State Park
1066 Kearsarge Mountain Rd
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$4/adult, $2/youth. This short trail starts from the parking lot at the end of the Rollins State Park auto road and climbs to meet the Lincoln Trail just below the summit of Mount Kearsarge. The Rollins trail is the easiest way to the summit and the total distance from the parking lot to the summit is about 0.6 mile. The trail starts as a crushed gravel path, crossing a few small bridges as it passes through the picnic area. It then ascends via easy to moderate grades as it climbs along the old route of a carriage path. It meets the Lincoln Trail, which ascends 0.1 mile to the open summit over bare ledge.
Explore this 8.9-mile out-and-back trail near North Sutton, New Hampshire. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 3 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and snowshoeing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are April through September. Trail is about 25 minutes away.
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Mount Kearsarge State Forest Park
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Explore this 8.9-mile out-and-back trail near North Sutton, New Hampshire. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 3 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and snowshoeing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are April through September. Trail is about 25 minutes away.
Hiking and Biking, “magical river walk” Get to know this 6.1-mile out-and-back trail right in town. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 0 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, paddle sports, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
Winnipesaukee River Trail - Franklin Trailhead
Hiking and Biking, “magical river walk” Get to know this 6.1-mile out-and-back trail right in town. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 0 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, paddle sports, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
4 season 59 mile scenic rail trail from Boscawen to Franklin at Webster Place and on to Lebanon Nh. Hiking, Biking, snowmobiling. There is a trailhead just across from the cottage giving you direct access. Bikes may be rented from EBikes in town.
Northern Rail Trail
4 season 59 mile scenic rail trail from Boscawen to Franklin at Webster Place and on to Lebanon Nh. Hiking, Biking, snowmobiling. There is a trailhead just across from the cottage giving you direct access. Bikes may be rented from EBikes in town.
Discover this 4.7-mile out-and-back trail near Wilmot, New Hampshire. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 40 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. About 19 minutes/13 miles away to the trailhead on New Canada Rd. In Wilmot.
Ragged Mt. Trailhead
Discover this 4.7-mile out-and-back trail near Wilmot, New Hampshire. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 40 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. About 19 minutes/13 miles away to the trailhead on New Canada Rd. In Wilmot.
Mt. Sunapee via Andrew Brook Trail. This route passes Lake Solitude before it reaches the popular White Cliffs Overlook and the summit of Mount Sunapee. The summit is wooded so some hikers choose to turn around after the overlook. The trail is rocky and has plenty of exposed roots, some hikers might find trekking poles useful to help navigate the uneven terrain. Trailhead is about 40 minutes away. Get to know this 5.8-mile out-and-back trail near Newbury, New Hampshire. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 26 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through October
Andrew Brook Trail
Mountain Road
Mt. Sunapee via Andrew Brook Trail. This route passes Lake Solitude before it reaches the popular White Cliffs Overlook and the summit of Mount Sunapee. The summit is wooded so some hikers choose to turn around after the overlook. The trail is rocky and has plenty of exposed roots, some hikers might find trekking poles useful to help navigate the uneven terrain. Trailhead is about 40 minutes away. Get to know this 5.8-mile out-and-back trail near Newbury, New Hampshire. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 26 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are May through October
Another option for the Northern Rail Trail is to take the trail from Highland Lake Inn or Tucker Mountain Rd in Andover. Explore this 13.1-mile out-and-back section of trail. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 4 h 6 min to complete. This is a popular trail for mountain biking, road biking, and running,
Northern Rail Trail Parking
Another option for the Northern Rail Trail is to take the trail from Highland Lake Inn or Tucker Mountain Rd in Andover. Explore this 13.1-mile out-and-back section of trail. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 4 h 6 min to complete. This is a popular trail for mountain biking, road biking, and running,
In Franklin. Rentals (they deliver to the lake and rail trail) of standup paddleboards, solo and tandem kayaks, canoes, mountain bikes. Also tours and lessons, including wild and scenic river kayaking, river tubing, white water rafting (year round). River tubing and whitewater rafting on the Winnipesaukee River, Kayaking on the Merrimack, Guided Kayak Fishing Trips. They also offer beginner to intermediate whitewater kayak lessons, and Roll, Gripper to Ripper, and Swiftwater Rescue sessions.
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Outdoor New England
376 Central St
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In Franklin. Rentals (they deliver to the lake and rail trail) of standup paddleboards, solo and tandem kayaks, canoes, mountain bikes. Also tours and lessons, including wild and scenic river kayaking, river tubing, white water rafting (year round). River tubing and whitewater rafting on the Winnipesaukee River, Kayaking on the Merrimack, Guided Kayak Fishing Trips. They also offer beginner to intermediate whitewater kayak lessons, and Roll, Gripper to Ripper, and Swiftwater Rescue sessions.
47 minutes away, 4.4 mile loop relatively easy access to some great views. Welch and Dickey Mountains, Waterville Valley.
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Welch-Dickey Trailhead
Orris Road
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47 minutes away, 4.4 mile loop relatively easy access to some great views. Welch and Dickey Mountains, Waterville Valley.
THE ESSENCE OF SQUAM Come experience pristine Squam Lake in a way that is personalized to your liking. Bask in the sun or stay shaded under the boat's canopy. Zoom fast around the lake or putter along. Anchor in quiet coves or off sandy beaches, swim or jump off the boat. Be daring and jump off infamous "Jumping Rock". View wildlife, tour historic Church Island and On Golden Pond movie sites. Stroll along a boarded swamp-walk or pick native blueberries in season. Cruise at sunset, or star gaze under a full moon. Experience Squam is a private boating excursion business now in it’s 11th season. We cater to personalizing your boating experience. Relax aboard a 23' Sea Ray Bow-Rider. Bask in the sun or stay shaded under the boat's canopy. Zoom fast around the lake or putter along. Anchor in quiet coves or off sandy beaches, swim or jump off the boat. Be daring and jump off infamous "Jumping Rock". View wildlife, tour historic Church Island and On Golden Pond movie sites. Stroll along a boarded swamp-walk and pick native blueberries in season. Cruise at sunset, or star gaze under a full moon. This is the perfect excursion for those who'd like to rent a boat for a day or a couple of hours, but are leery of navigating Squam's shallow and rocky waterways, and don't want to have to get a boater's license. Bathroom facilities are accessible on several public islands. Our commercially licensed drivers have been boating on Squam for over 30+ years and love to show you why Squam is such a unique and pristine place and why It is in the book of “1000 Places to See Before You Die”, worldwide edition. You can bring up to 12 people. 12 adults is squishy, mix of adults and kids plenty of room. Bring your own food and beverages. No glass cups. Provided: life jackets (required for children 12 and under), cooler with ice packs, cups, bottle opener, blankets, binoculars.
Experience Squam
859 US-3
THE ESSENCE OF SQUAM Come experience pristine Squam Lake in a way that is personalized to your liking. Bask in the sun or stay shaded under the boat's canopy. Zoom fast around the lake or putter along. Anchor in quiet coves or off sandy beaches, swim or jump off the boat. Be daring and jump off infamous "Jumping Rock". View wildlife, tour historic Church Island and On Golden Pond movie sites. Stroll along a boarded swamp-walk or pick native blueberries in season. Cruise at sunset, or star gaze under a full moon. Experience Squam is a private boating excursion business now in it’s 11th season. We cater to personalizing your boating experience. Relax aboard a 23' Sea Ray Bow-Rider. Bask in the sun or stay shaded under the boat's canopy. Zoom fast around the lake or putter along. Anchor in quiet coves or off sandy beaches, swim or jump off the boat. Be daring and jump off infamous "Jumping Rock". View wildlife, tour historic Church Island and On Golden Pond movie sites. Stroll along a boarded swamp-walk and pick native blueberries in season. Cruise at sunset, or star gaze under a full moon. This is the perfect excursion for those who'd like to rent a boat for a day or a couple of hours, but are leery of navigating Squam's shallow and rocky waterways, and don't want to have to get a boater's license. Bathroom facilities are accessible on several public islands. Our commercially licensed drivers have been boating on Squam for over 30+ years and love to show you why Squam is such a unique and pristine place and why It is in the book of “1000 Places to See Before You Die”, worldwide edition. You can bring up to 12 people. 12 adults is squishy, mix of adults and kids plenty of room. Bring your own food and beverages. No glass cups. Provided: life jackets (required for children 12 and under), cooler with ice packs, cups, bottle opener, blankets, binoculars.
Sunken Ships, Ghost Stories, Exciting Activities like Tubing, Swimming, Scenic Mansions, History, Wildlife! In Laconia, departs from the Winnipesaukee Pier.
Daleys Adventure Boat Tours - Lake Winnipesaukee
Sunken Ships, Ghost Stories, Exciting Activities like Tubing, Swimming, Scenic Mansions, History, Wildlife! In Laconia, departs from the Winnipesaukee Pier.
In Concord. Pedal the rails on our custom Rail-Bikes! Rail Biking is an activity most people can do! Scenic RailRiders is a pedal powered Scenic Railroad Co. When was the last time you got to do something for the first time? Now is your chance! The trip is 6.2 miles and takes about 1 hour 45 mins. Advanced booking required.
Scenic Railriders
188 Sewalls Falls Rd
In Concord. Pedal the rails on our custom Rail-Bikes! Rail Biking is an activity most people can do! Scenic RailRiders is a pedal powered Scenic Railroad Co. When was the last time you got to do something for the first time? Now is your chance! The trip is 6.2 miles and takes about 1 hour 45 mins. Advanced booking required.
There are very few places in the world you can ride in a 6x6 Swiss Army Pinzgauer, Zipline across a 1500’ ravine 240’ above the ground at speeds up to 60 MPH, ride down a four-story ramp in a snow tube onto a BigAirBag Stuntzone, and challenge yourself at an aerial course. These experiences are offered at one location in the breathtaking White Mountains of New Hampshire. Winter tours too.
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Alpine Adventures Outdoor Recreation
45 Main St
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There are very few places in the world you can ride in a 6x6 Swiss Army Pinzgauer, Zipline across a 1500’ ravine 240’ above the ground at speeds up to 60 MPH, ride down a four-story ramp in a snow tube onto a BigAirBag Stuntzone, and challenge yourself at an aerial course. These experiences are offered at one location in the breathtaking White Mountains of New Hampshire. Winter tours too.

Sightseeing and Nature

Leaves, Lake cruises, live animal exhibits natural wonders, moose tours, caves gorges and waterfalls
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Loon Preservation Committee
183 Lees Mill Rd
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North Conway Moose Safari Moose Tour
40 Norcross Cir
About 45 minutes away.
Sculptured Rocks
About 45 minutes away.

Attractions

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Zahnradbahn Mount Washington
3168 Base Station Rd
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A great center to experience the beauty and nature of NH: cruises, live animal exhibit(s), hikes, demonstrations/shows: Cruises through October 14.
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Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
23 Science Center Rd
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A great center to experience the beauty and nature of NH: cruises, live animal exhibit(s), hikes, demonstrations/shows: Cruises through October 14.
About 35 minutes to the Laconia Station, other stations are Meredith, Lincoln, and Weirs Beach, Themed and seasonal train rides along the west shore of Winnepesaukee and The Pemigewasset River. Dinner trains, Santa Express,Pumpkin Express, Fall Foliage trains, and more.
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Hobo Railroad
64 Railroad St
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About 35 minutes to the Laconia Station, other stations are Meredith, Lincoln, and Weirs Beach, Themed and seasonal train rides along the west shore of Winnepesaukee and The Pemigewasset River. Dinner trains, Santa Express,Pumpkin Express, Fall Foliage trains, and more.
Stations are Laconia, Meredith, Lincoln, and Weirs Beach, Themed and seasonal train rides along the west shore of Winnepesaukee and The Pemigewasset River. Dinner trains, Santa Express,Pumpkin Express, Fall Foliage trains, and more.
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Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad
154 Main St
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Stations are Laconia, Meredith, Lincoln, and Weirs Beach, Themed and seasonal train rides along the west shore of Winnepesaukee and The Pemigewasset River. Dinner trains, Santa Express,Pumpkin Express, Fall Foliage trains, and more.
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Clark's Trading Post
110 Daniel Webster Hwy
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Polar Caves Park
705 Rumney Rte 25
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Flume Gorge
852 Daniel Webster Highway
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Lost River Gorge and Boulder Caves
1712 Lost River Road
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Mount Washington Cruises
211 Lakeside Ave
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For art enthusiasts of all ages, walk ins welcome: painting, ceramics, classes including glassblowing and more. Create your own unique works of art. Spatter room is fun!
Art Escape
636 Union Ave
For art enthusiasts of all ages, walk ins welcome: painting, ceramics, classes including glassblowing and more. Create your own unique works of art. Spatter room is fun!
Sightseeing, mineral collecting, hiking. About 40 minutes away. Newly reopened!
Ruggles Mine
Sightseeing, mineral collecting, hiking. About 40 minutes away. Newly reopened!
Fifty thousand years ago, a continental glacier moved southward over New Hampshire. As the ice sheet thawed, great blocks of granite cleaved from Hawk's Cliff. These massive granite blocks created a series of caves and passageways for you to explore. The park's name refers to the "polar" breath that emanates from the caves even on the hottest summer day. Temperature differences between the air above ground and in the caves are why it's a good idea to review our FAQs. Polar Caves offers a welcome environment that allows you to explore at your own pace, to experience nature and plug into your inner explorer. Attractions include: The Animal Exhibit (fallow deer and ducks) Nine granite boulder caves Main Lodge Gift Shop Nature Trails Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and take advantage of the picnic area, gazebos and benches located throughout the park. Check out our Attractions page for more information about attractions, and where to find them in the park. Cool Fact: The largest glacially deposited granite boulder in the world landed at Polar Caves. Spanning a stunning 110 feet in length, the boulder towers 50 feet into the sky, is 75 feet thick and is estimated to weigh 50 million pounds - that's 25,000 tons. Located in Rumney.
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Polar Caves Park
705 Rumney Rte 25
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Fifty thousand years ago, a continental glacier moved southward over New Hampshire. As the ice sheet thawed, great blocks of granite cleaved from Hawk's Cliff. These massive granite blocks created a series of caves and passageways for you to explore. The park's name refers to the "polar" breath that emanates from the caves even on the hottest summer day. Temperature differences between the air above ground and in the caves are why it's a good idea to review our FAQs. Polar Caves offers a welcome environment that allows you to explore at your own pace, to experience nature and plug into your inner explorer. Attractions include: The Animal Exhibit (fallow deer and ducks) Nine granite boulder caves Main Lodge Gift Shop Nature Trails Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and take advantage of the picnic area, gazebos and benches located throughout the park. Check out our Attractions page for more information about attractions, and where to find them in the park. Cool Fact: The largest glacially deposited granite boulder in the world landed at Polar Caves. Spanning a stunning 110 feet in length, the boulder towers 50 feet into the sky, is 75 feet thick and is estimated to weigh 50 million pounds - that's 25,000 tons. Located in Rumney.

Franklin

There are many spectacular sights in the Lakes Region and the White Mountains of NH. Please ask for info on day trips, dining, or anything else that interests you.
Winni River days June 14-16, outdoor concerts, New England’s first whitewater park and much more. Franklin’s Veteran’s Ski Area very close by too, winter carnival activities in February and March, including the downhill kayak event, “Boat Bash Snow Crash” in March.
Franklin
Winni River days June 14-16, outdoor concerts, New England’s first whitewater park and much more. Franklin’s Veteran’s Ski Area very close by too, winter carnival activities in February and March, including the downhill kayak event, “Boat Bash Snow Crash” in March.
In Franklin. Closest whitewater rafting to Boston. Also Winter whitewater rafting with warm toasty gear and lots of thrills. Offers paddleboard and kayak rentals, wild and scenic river kayaking, river tubing trips, whitewater kayak lessons, bike and paddleboard combo trips, moving water and swift water kayak fishing lessons and more. One delivers rentals/does lessons at the lake as well, including stand up paddle boarding. Boogie boarding is easily accessible at Franklin’s whitewater park and ONE rents them as well. Located in town. Outdoor adventures where the Winnepesaukee and Pemigewasset Rivers form the Merrimack River.
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Outdoor New England
376 Central St
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In Franklin. Closest whitewater rafting to Boston. Also Winter whitewater rafting with warm toasty gear and lots of thrills. Offers paddleboard and kayak rentals, wild and scenic river kayaking, river tubing trips, whitewater kayak lessons, bike and paddleboard combo trips, moving water and swift water kayak fishing lessons and more. One delivers rentals/does lessons at the lake as well, including stand up paddle boarding. Boogie boarding is easily accessible at Franklin’s whitewater park and ONE rents them as well. Located in town. Outdoor adventures where the Winnepesaukee and Pemigewasset Rivers form the Merrimack River.
In Franklin. New England’s first whitewater park on the Winnipesaukee River. Whitewater features include the “standing wave”, also viewing areas, water play area, mountain bike course, climbing wall and more. Located in town. Boogie board in the river for non-stop surfing fun.
Mill City Park
6 Willow Street
In Franklin. New England’s first whitewater park on the Winnipesaukee River. Whitewater features include the “standing wave”, also viewing areas, water play area, mountain bike course, climbing wall and more. Located in town. Boogie board in the river for non-stop surfing fun.
Webster Lake Wildlife Management Area Comprises 1,660 feet of frontage along the predominantly developed shoreline of Webster Lake. The upland portion of the Webster Lake WMA is primarily made up of hemlock/hardwood/pine forest. Hardwoods include red oak, red maple, and beech. Approximately thirteen acres of a 17.5 acre wetland falls within the WMA along the southern border. A steep oak-pine dominated hill with rock outcrops dominates the eastern half of the property. Common Wildlife: Common wildlife species include white-tailed deer, turkey, and fisher. Wood ducks and mallards commonly use the wetland. Bald eagles frequent the shoreline on the WMA. Webster Lake is stocked by the NH Fish and Game Department with rainbow and brown trout. (The most heavily stocked lake in NH). Typical warm water species occurring in the lake include smallmouth and largemouth bass, chain pickerel, hornpout and white perch. Directions: Webster Lake WMA can be accessed from Lake Shore Drive off either NH Route 11 or NH Route 3A in Franklin. Although the property contains significant lake frontage, there is no boat or canoe access. The lakeshore is nearly 0.5 mile across the property from Lake Shore Drive. We also have Loon Island which is quite a paddle but can be reached by canoe or kayak. It is on the opposite side of the lake and to the left when you are standing on the cottage beach. When you look across and see Griffin Beach the island is to the left. We have breeding Loons on the lake and a protected nest was installed by the Loon Preservation Society in 2022 to help with eagle predation. Awesome eagle sightings and photo ops all along the wildlife area.
Webster Lake
Webster Lake Wildlife Management Area Comprises 1,660 feet of frontage along the predominantly developed shoreline of Webster Lake. The upland portion of the Webster Lake WMA is primarily made up of hemlock/hardwood/pine forest. Hardwoods include red oak, red maple, and beech. Approximately thirteen acres of a 17.5 acre wetland falls within the WMA along the southern border. A steep oak-pine dominated hill with rock outcrops dominates the eastern half of the property. Common Wildlife: Common wildlife species include white-tailed deer, turkey, and fisher. Wood ducks and mallards commonly use the wetland. Bald eagles frequent the shoreline on the WMA. Webster Lake is stocked by the NH Fish and Game Department with rainbow and brown trout. (The most heavily stocked lake in NH). Typical warm water species occurring in the lake include smallmouth and largemouth bass, chain pickerel, hornpout and white perch. Directions: Webster Lake WMA can be accessed from Lake Shore Drive off either NH Route 11 or NH Route 3A in Franklin. Although the property contains significant lake frontage, there is no boat or canoe access. The lakeshore is nearly 0.5 mile across the property from Lake Shore Drive. We also have Loon Island which is quite a paddle but can be reached by canoe or kayak. It is on the opposite side of the lake and to the left when you are standing on the cottage beach. When you look across and see Griffin Beach the island is to the left. We have breeding Loons on the lake and a protected nest was installed by the Loon Preservation Society in 2022 to help with eagle predation. Awesome eagle sightings and photo ops all along the wildlife area.