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.

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 New England Vacation online Guide site.

---

Scuba diving in South Africa

This truly beautiful country at the southern tip of dark... Read More

4 Steps to an Enjoyable Hike

Some people have fought many years of their lives to... Read More

Alternatives to Pressurized Fuel

Recently I attended a Boy Scout Leader Roundtable meeting where... Read More

A Fishy Road Trip in Cairns

The Cairns Fishing Adventure A Great Australia Road TripYou love... Read More

You Might Be An Ultralight Backpacker If...

If you you find yourself saying "Hey, that's a good... Read More

Discover The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden In Arcadia California

In The city of Arcadia California, right next door to... Read More

Shark Pictures Not The Real Thing

Pictures of a massive dead Great White shark on the... Read More

Retired LoWs Do Yuma

Yuma, Arizona. In the winter, it's the best town in... Read More

Student Travel ? Backpacking In Europe

For the fortunate few, life isn't complete without a backpacking... Read More

Calculate Food Quantities for Camping and Outdoor Recreation

As the warmer weather approaches, we look forward to another... Read More

African Safari Gear Packing List - What To Take Along

The last thing you want on an African safari is... Read More

Planning Your Own Gorilla Safari Will Save You Money - Heres How

Going on a gorilla safari must rank as one of... Read More

Dont Forget that Camping Gear Checklist Before You Leave on that Family Camping Adventure

A camping gear checklist is an important tool to help... Read More

Edible Wild Plants For Backpackers

Knowing a few edible wild plants can make your next... Read More

Visiting Whistler in Summer

It is the end of the season for the year... Read More

True North & Magnetic Declination - A Trick to Make it Stick

Magnetic declination is an essential principle to understand when navigating... Read More

San Francisco Beaches

When you are planning a vacation to Maui or Rio... Read More

Kenya Safari Top Five National Parks

The Kenya safari circuit is one of the best in... Read More

Catch Another Falling Star

Recently we stayed at a state campground in Michigan near... Read More

Maples for Autumn Colour

As the weather cools in late summer and the days... Read More

Bunbury Western Australia

The first recorded mapping of what is now Koombana Bay... Read More

Why Should You Use Hiking Poles?

Why should you use hiking poles is perhaps the first... Read More

Navigating on the Mountain, in Water, or in Woods there is an eTrex Unit For You

Truly a small wonder, the eTrex takes the best features... Read More

The Price of Gas Really Doesnt Matter!

"The good news is that there is no reason to... Read More

Yellowstone Camping In The Fall

Soon, the busy summer tourist season will be over in... Read More

San Diego Beach Hikes ? Cardiff to Carlsbad

San Diego offers a bevy of interesting hikes. With the... Read More

A Holiday in Rajasthan

Romancing History ? A Holiday in RajasthanRajasthan, the name evokes... Read More

How to Repair an Inflatable Boat

The owner can attempt small inflatable boat repair if factory-gluing... Read More

Hiking from Your Own Home

Picture this. You are stuck at home knee deep in... Read More

PaintBall Gun Buying Tips

There are so many selections available when it comes to... Read More

Old Barney -- A Visit to Barnegat Light, New Jersey

Barnegat Light, NJ is the home to "Old Barney" a... Read More

Great Indian Holidays

Holidays in India, awesome in her size and diversity. This... Read More

Should You Buy a Used Inflatable Boat?

There are two types of used inflatable boats for sale... Read More