Lakes is a region defined by its numerous bodies of water, including Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, and Newfound Lake, set amidst extensive forests and two small mountain ranges, the Belknap Mountains and the Ossipee Mountains. This landscape provides diverse terrain for outdoor activities, from lakeside trails to mountain ascents. The area's glacial history has shaped features such as gorges and waterfalls, contributing to varied routes for several sports like hiking, jogging, road cycling, mountain biking, and more.
195
Routes
4.7
(6235)
Average rating
56794
People visited

4.8
(446)
3,739
hikers
17.7km
06:01
890m
890m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.7
(99)
753
hikers
11.7km
04:23
730m
730m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.8
(164)
741
hikers
7.37km
02:26
300m
300m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(57)
636
hikers
19.4km
07:18
1,070m
1,070m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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4.0
(6)
897
runners
17.7km
02:36
870m
870m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.7
(7)
299
runners
9.37km
01:07
150m
150m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

3.4
(5)
41
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
38
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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5.0
(5)
756
riders
67.8km
03:19
990m
980m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(6)
584
riders
111km
05:53
1,980m
1,980m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(4)
137
riders
71.4km
04:03
1,170m
1,170m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
95
riders
139km
07:16
2,440m
2,440m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.4
(14)
111
riders
19.5km
01:33
330m
330m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

4.7
(34)
355
riders
32.5km
02:42
740m
740m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.6
(15)
182
riders
44.9km
03:24
700m
700m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.8
(24)
161
riders
12.5km
01:08
360m
360m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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3.0
(2)
21
riders
59.2km
04:41
1,150m
1,150m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(14)
229
riders
47.4km
03:36
780m
780m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

4.9
(12)
244
riders
32.1km
02:06
440m
440m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(3)
752
riders
55.4km
04:06
1,270m
1,270m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(10)
52
riders
35.1km
02:26
660m
660m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(6)
49
riders
23.9km
01:33
400m
400m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(11)
30
riders
16.4km
01:04
260m
260m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(6)
19
riders
19.5km
01:07
220m
220m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
14
hikers
11.7km
05:08
840m
840m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

3.0
(1)
8
hikers
6.10km
02:56
610m
610m
Hard mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

7
hikers
12.3km
05:06
740m
740m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.0
(1)
7
hikers
11.9km
04:28
680m
680m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Lakes offers a variety of outdoor activities including Hiking, Jogging, Road cycling, Mountain biking, Touring cycling, Gravel biking, and Mountaineering. The region features more than 1,300 routes for exploration. These activities take place amidst numerous lakes, extensive forests, and two small mountain ranges.
Hiking trails are available throughout the Lakes region, including routes around the numerous lakes, through forests, and up mountainsides. The region has more than 630 hiking routes. For specific options, consult the Hiking around Lakes guide.
Yes, Lakes offers family-friendly hiking trails suitable for various ages and skill levels. These routes often feature easier terrain and scenic points of interest. A dedicated resource for these options is the Family-friendly hikes around Lakes guide.
Many trails in Lakes are dog-friendly, allowing companions to join outdoor adventures. It is advisable to check specific route details for any restrictions or leash requirements. The Dog-friendly hikes around Lakes guide provides relevant information.
Lakes features scenic road cycling routes through charming towns and countryside. Multi-use pathways, such as the WOW Trail, also provide paved surfaces for cycling. Explore options in the Road Cycling Routes around Lakes guide, which lists more than 70 routes.
Mountain biking trails in Lakes range from beginner-friendly paths to technical singletrack. Options include the Franklin Falls Dam Trail and the Pemigewasset Valley Mountain Bike Trails. The MTB Trails around Lakes guide details more than 80 routes.
The Lakes region is known for its numerous lakes, including Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, and Newfound Lake. Other notable features include the Belknap Mountains and Ossipee Mountains, which offer elevated viewpoints. Waterfalls and gorges, shaped by glacial history, are also present.
Yes, Lakes provides easy hiking options suitable for beginners or those seeking less strenuous walks. These trails often feature gentle gradients and well-maintained paths. The Easy hikes around Lakes guide offers specific recommendations.
Lakes is a popular destination for outdoor activities, with more than 536,000 visitors having explored routes in the region. The average rating for routes in Lakes is 4.59 out of 5 stars, based on over 58,000 ratings. There are more than 1,300 total routes available.
Some trails in Lakes are accessible from public transport hubs, making it possible to start adventures without a personal vehicle. These routes are often located near bus stations or other transit points. The Hikes from bus stations around Lakes guide provides relevant information.
Komoot offers several guides for Lakes, covering various sports and interests. These include Hiking around Lakes, Family-friendly hikes around Lakes, Road Cycling Routes around Lakes, and MTB Trails around Lakes. Other guides focus on jogging, cycling, waterfall hikes, and easy hikes.
For general tourism information related to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce serves as a key resource. Their website is https://lakesregionchamber.org/. The main phone number for the Lakes Region Chamber is (603) 524-5531.

