| Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest and one of the | | | | recognition of this majestic large ship. |
| deepest lakes in New Hampshire. Centered in the | | | | THE LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE SCENIC TRAIN RIDE |
| popular vacation area known as the Lakes Region it | | | | The Lake Winnipesaukee scenic train runs from |
| provides 4-season pleasure for millions every year. | | | | Meredith to Weirs Beach to Lakeport and back. You |
| The lake is surrounded by the foothills of New | | | | can take a 1 hour or 2 hour ride. You'll get spectacular |
| Hampshire's White Mountains, which provides stunning | | | | views of the lake and shoreline and Belknap Mountain. |
| backdrops to this jewel of a New Hampshire lake, | | | | This is a slow ride train as it travels the shoreline on |
| and magnificent views for those prepared to hike a | | | | Paugus Bay, and you'll get plenty of time to admire |
| few miles to the summit of surrounding peaks. | | | | many of the stunning homes built on this stretch of |
| The lake is spring fed and clean, and many homes on | | | | the ride. |
| the lake take their water supply directly without any | | | | Snacks and ice cream are sold on the journey. |
| filtering. | | | | THE CASTLE IN THE CLOUDS |
| But the native people have known this lake and its | | | | The Castle in the Clouds is a magnificent home built |
| beauty for 10,000 years. They gave Lake | | | | on a mountaintop in 1913 by industrialist Thomas |
| Winnipesaukee the Indian name meaning "Smile of | | | | Plant. |
| the Great Spirit." | | | | You can tour the castle and grounds where you'll find |
| These days people still fish and canoe on the lake | | | | waterfalls and miles of trails to explore. During the fall |
| but it's shared with modern day jet skis and | | | | foliage season it offers majestic views of the lake |
| motorboats. But essentially Lake Winnipesaukee is an | | | | and surrounding area. |
| area to take your time exploring, and let the hours | | | | The Castle is near Moultonboro on the eastern side |
| tick slowly by. | | | | of the lake and you can get there by following Route |
| I've been visiting Lake Winnipesaukee for the last | | | | 171 in Ossipee. |
| twenty years and I have these suggestions for | | | | BELKNAP MOUNTAIN HIKE |
| enjoying your visit to the Lake. | | | | For these willing to be a little more adventurous Lake |
| M/S MOUNT WASHINGTON CRUISE | | | | Winnipesaukee offers some great hiking tails. Many |
| For a 132-years a cruise boat has been traveling up | | | | are moderate to difficult, but the Belknap Mountain |
| and down the 72 square miles of the lake. The | | | | hike in Gilford is easy and can be done by most |
| current boat - M/S MOUNT WASHINGTON has been | | | | people including small kids. |
| operating since 1946. Due to the demand it was | | | | This is an enjoyable walk and you should allow 2 and |
| extended in 1982 by cutting the boat in half and | | | | ½ hours round trip to appreciate the walk to |
| placing a middle section. | | | | its fullest. At the summit you'll be rewarded with a |
| Today with it's three decks and ample room there's | | | | magnificent view of Lake Winnipesaukee, and if |
| no better way of getting oriented on the Lake. You | | | | conditions are right you can sometimes spot Mount |
| can board the boat at Weirs Beach and take the 2 | | | | Washington in the distance. |
| and ½ hour cruise down to Alton Bay or up to | | | | Take Route 11A to Gilford and drive south through |
| the picturesque town of Meredith. | | | | the village. Stay on this road as it climbs Belknap |
| When you make the trip be prepared to do a lot of | | | | Mountain road. Eventually you'll see signs and a |
| waving. The M/S Mount Washington is a popular and | | | | parking area on the left. |
| the most distinctive boat on the lake, and you'll find | | | | These are just a few activities you can do when |
| most boaters and people on the shorelines waving in | | | | visiting Lake Winnipesaukee. |