Lake Winnipausakee, New Hampshire

Mount Major - 4 mile loop rated moderate in Alton Bay, NH.
Lockes Hill - 2 mile loop in Gilford, NH rated moderate. Several trails are comprised of this network.
Brook Walk - just over 1 mile out & back trail in Moultonborough, NH at Castle in the Clouds. There are 7 waterfalls along this trail.
Bald Knob - 4.1 mile out and back trail rated moderate with an incline in Moultonborough, NH at Castle in the Clouds.
I recommend driving 10 minutes to Laconia for more restaurant options!
O Steaks - fine dining in Laconia.
Ellacoya Bar & Grille - barn turned cozy, rustic American restaurant in Gilford.
Junction Restaurant & Provisions - elevated American restaurant in Laconia.
The Breeze - Seafood restaurant in Gilford.
Mello Moose - cozy coffee shop with artisan coffee, baked goods, and homemade breakfast sandwiches located in Meredith.
Cup & Crumb - local bakery in Moultonborough serving pastries and coffee.
Castle in the Clouds - tour the castle, hike the trails, admire the lake views, and dine at the restaurant onsite.
Explore Meredith downtown area
Scenic Railroad - located in Meredith and Weirs Beach. The train is a fun, different way to see the lake and foliage!
Mount Washington Cruise - scenic boat tour of the lake plus dining options.
Fun Spot - world’s largest arcade located in Weirs Beach.
Gunstock Mountain Resort - Adventure park includes activities for the whole family.
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center - Wildlife center & zoo located in Holderness.
Belknap Range Trails - includes the fire tower and scenic overlooks.
Lake Winnisquam Scenic Trail - 2 miles of scenic lake views on a paved trail.
Tanger Outlet Shopping in Tilton

Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire Travel Guide:

If you’re looking for a quintessential New England fall getaway, Lake Winnipesaukee deserves a spot on your list. Surrounded by mountains, small towns, scenic roads, and seemingly endless fall foliage, New Hampshire’s largest lake is especially beautiful during peak leaf-peeping season.

I visited in the fall, and the combination of colorful mountains and lake views made this one of those destinations where the drive is just as much a part of the trip as the stops along the way.

When to Visit:

For fall foliage, late September through mid-October is generally the sweet spot around Lake Winnipesaukee, although peak color varies each year depending on weather and elevation.

If you have flexibility, keep an eye on New Hampshire’s foliage reports as your trip gets closer. Even if you miss the exact peak, there’s usually a window of several weeks when you can catch beautiful color somewhere around the lake.

Take a Scenic Drive

One of the best things to do around Lake Winnipesaukee in the fall is simply drive.

The roads surrounding the lake take you through small towns, wooded areas, and stretches of waterfront with mountain views in the distance. Give yourself extra time to pull over at scenic viewpoints and explore anything that catches your eye along the way.

For an even bigger foliage day trip, head north toward the White Mountains and Kancamagus Highway, one of New Hampshire’s most iconic fall drives.

Make It a Fall Road Trip

Lake Winnipesaukee is a great destination on its own, but it also works perfectly as part of a longer New Hampshire fall road trip.

Pair a few days around the lake with the White Mountains, North Conway, Kancamagus Highway, or Franconia Notch for a trip filled with scenic drives, hiking, mountain views, and peak New England foliage.

Located by Lauren Tips:

Time your trip around peak foliage. Color can change quickly, so check New Hampshire’s foliage tracker in the days leading up to your trip rather than relying only on historical peak dates.

Rent or bring a car. This is definitely a destination where having your own car makes a difference. Some of the best views are found simply driving between towns.

Save stops ahead of time - but leave room to wander. Part of the fun is pulling over when you spot a beautiful lake view, roadside stand, covered bridge, or particularly colorful stretch of road.

Download AllTrails before hiking. Cell service can be inconsistent once you get into more mountainous areas, so download your trail map ahead of time.

Pack layers. Fall weather in New Hampshire can change quickly, especially in the mornings, evenings, and at higher elevations.

Check seasonal hours. Lake Winnipesaukee is a major summer destination, so some businesses begin reducing their hours or closing for the season in the fall.

Start your days early. You’ll have better light, fewer crowds at popular foliage stops, and more time to explore before the earlier fall sunsets.