Mother Nature has been working her magic on New Hampshire’s Lakes Region this fall. To say there is an awesome array of autumn on display would be an understatement. Here’s a route of out of the way spots sure to wow with stunning scenery.
Make your way to Ahern State Park in Laconia and enjoy a peaceful walk along the shores of pristine Lake Winnisquam. There are hiking and biking trails to explore throughout the parks 128 acres, and with easy access to the lake consider getting out on the water in a kayak or canoe to see the view. Or just sit and relax on one of the sandy beaches. As one of the lesser known State Parks, you might just have the area all to yourself.
Tucked away in the lakeside town of Meredith, you’ll find the Laverack Nature Trail. What a great find! This scenic trail follows along the Hawkins Brook and most of the route is on a boardwalk with interpretive signage and several look out stops. Watch for the spot where there is a wonderful vantage point into town. The trail is about ¾ mile round trip and you can access it from behind the tennis courts in Meredith’s Prescott Park. Factor in a little extra time to explore Meredith’s downtown and th Meredith Sculpture Walk, an outdoor are exhibit featuring sculptures from local artists.
Immerse yourself in all things fall with a stop at Moulton Farm in Meredith. The farm stand is a cornucopia of color. Check out the variety of baked goods including pies, breads, cookies and cider doughnuts. On weekends throughout fall there are free wagon rides. And did we mention the pumpkins? Their pumpkin patch is packed with orange as far as the eye can see.
There’s a reason it’s called Top of the World Road. Take a drive along this quiet country road that runs from Sandwich to North Sandwich and you’ll soon see why. This is definitely off the beaten path. Rock walls line the roadsides and there’s so many places to stop, see the foliage and take in the wide open mountain views.
Continue on the backroads around Sandwich and you’ll come to Durgin Bridge. Located at the intersections of Fellows Hill, Foss Flats and Bridge View Roads, this bridge has a long history in the area. Similar structures have spanned the Swift River since 1820, and was once a link in the underground railroad from Sandwich to Conway. There is a small parking lot and a short trail down to the river, a great time to get out and stretch your legs and perhaps snap a few photos.
Wide open pastures with vistas of the Sandwich and Ossipee Mountain Ranges are just a couple reasons you’ll want to stop at White Gates Farm in Tamworth. This small four-season farm has a farm stand, yoga at the farm, dinner tours and pizza nights. And in the fall, the farm is framed by foliage and mountain views that are quintessential New Hampshire.
Why not wrap up your day with a stop at Narrows Bridge in Tamworth. The bridge offers a great look out to Chocorua Lake with Mt. Chocorua just beyond it. The changing colors on the leaves that border the water only adds to the beauty of the scene this time of year. It’s picture worthy any time of day, but if you happen to stop when the sun is setting, it’s something you won’t soon forget. The Chocorua Lake Conservancy maintains this area to preserve it for future generations to be able to enjoy.
