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The Local Area: things to do

Hiking Mountains

Hiking Trails

Cardigan Mountain

Cardigan Mountain State Park spans 5,655 acres and is an excellent area for hiking. A mountain road leads to trails on the west slope of Mount Cardigan as well as a trail to the summit. Mount Cardigan's 3,121-foot treeless granite summit has outstanding views of west central New Hampshire, with a panorama that includes Mount Monadnock and the White Mountains.

20 min drive from the cabin; learn more.

More Trails

Bog Mountain

A 4.4 mile out-and-back trail in the Gile State Forest; Bog Mountain trail takes about 2 hours and is a good moderate, local hike with 895 elevation gain and views from the top.

25 mins away; learn more.

Winslow State Park

Winslow State Park, is located on the northwest slope of Mt. Kearsarge in Wilmot, NH. The picnic area is on a plateau with outstanding views of the White Mountains to the north, while Mt. Sunapee, Ragged Mountain, and Pleasant Lake dominate the closer landscape. A 1-mile foot trail leads from the picnic area to the summit of Mt. Kearsarge. A 1.75 mile trail offers a loop option.

35 mins away; learn more.

The White Mountains

For moderate hiking; head up Rt 118 to the Rumney area, and check out Stinson Mountain Trail, Rattlesnake Mountain Trail, Three Ponds Trail, and Carr Mountain Trail.

40 mins away; learn more.

 

Head a bit further north to Mount Moosilauke for a more challenging day hike. At 4,800 ft in elevation, Mt Moosilauke is the western-most 4,000 footer in the Whites. The summit is well above tree-line and offers stunning 360 views.

55 mins away; learn more.

Recreation Trails

Recreation Trails

The Northern Rail Trail

Bike Trail

Spanning 58 miles from Lebanon to Boscawen, the Northern Rail Trail is New Hampshire’s longest rail-trail. The trail was highlighted in a Wall Street Journal article as one of "6 Incredible Bike Trips You Can Do Easily Yourself".

 

There are many entry points to the trail, depending on how far you’d like to go, and what you’d like to see. The entry point nearest to the cabin is across from The Danbury Country Store. Look up the trail map/elevation map online to help you plan your adventure.

 

In addition to walking and biking, permitted uses include horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and dogsledding.

12 mins to parking lot across from the Danbury Country Store; learn more.

The Green Woodlands Foundation

Mountain Bike

The Green Woodlands is a privately owned property, offering the public free access to well-groomed trails with the mission to connect people to nature.

From June - October over 70 miles of biking trails (half of which are machine-built, single-track trails) are available.

 

During snowy months, over 35 miles of wilderness XC trails are kept groomed-- along with a few warming huts along the way. There are also over 40 miles of snowmobile trails on the property.

 

Hiking/running are allowed on any trails during non-winter months; yield to mountain bikes. Horseback riding is allowed on any of the trails, except for the single-track bike trails.

25 mins away; learn more.

Ponds & Lakes

Pond & Lakes

Kilton Pond & Huff Beach

Kilton Pond is a small 66 acre pond; our closest body of water. You can catch views of it on a walk down our neighborhood dirt roads.

 

Public access (Huff Beach) is near the dam, about a mile up the road from the cabin.  There's a small sandy area with a picnic table & rope swing, and you can put your kayak or canoe in there.  We recommend taking a walk or having a picnic here anytime of year; it's beautiful & peaceful!

More Lakes

Grafton Pond Reservation

Grafton Pond is a 300+ acre lake with an almost entirely undeveloped shoreline. There are numerous bays and uninhabited islands to explore, offering excellent swimming, fishing, and wildlife-watching opportunities. A state-owned boat launch near the parking area offers the best spot for putting in your canoe or kayak (gas powered motorboats are not permitted) to begin exploring.

22 mins away; learn more.

Newfound Lake

Newfound Lake, which some say is among the cleanest in the world, is 4,106 acres and is considered one of the deepest lakes in New Hampshire. This pristine lake is about 2.5 miles wide and 7 miles in length.

 

Plan for a leisurely day visit -- pack a picnic, take a hike, rent a kayak or canoe, visit Newfound Audubon Center, and check out local shops & cafes in Bristol! The public beach will be Wellington State State Park, where you can also find a 7-mile trail system that leads hikers to the top of Little and Big Sugarloaf mountains.

35 mins away; learn more.

Lake Winnipesaukee

If you want to experience Lake Winnipesaukee, we recommend heading to Meredith --a resort town named a "top 10 best small town on the East Coast" by Travel & Leisure.

 

You'll find tons of local shops, waterfront restaurants, a brewery (Twin Barns) & winery (Hermit Woods), live music, a theater (The Winnipesaukee Playhouse) and plenty of seasonal festivals.

50 mins away; learn more.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Ski Mountain

Ragged Mountain

Ragged.jpg

One of New England's premier ski resorts; Ragged offers a high-speed 6-pack chairlift, 57 trails including 17 glades, 3 terrain parks, and a tubing park.  Also enjoy a charming lodge with a cafe, restaurant, and bar!

22 mins away; learn more.

 

More Skiing

Mount Sunapee

Mount Sunapee offers 66 trails with 233 acres of skiiable terrain, 11 lifts, 4 terrain parks, 9 glades, and over 1,500 ft vertical drop. It's also a great place to learn to ski or ride, with a designated learning area on South Peak.

55 mins away; learn more.

Whaleback Mountain

Whaleback Mountain is a non-profit, community owned local ski area in Enfield, NH. It offers a low-key, old school vibe and is a fun place for beginners and kids. There is a cafe & pub, as well as a rental shop.

35 mins away; learn more.

Green Woodlands

The groomed trails go past frozen lakes and sparkling streams. There are four warming huts throughout the property, plus there are campfire circles with chairs for taking a break. Propane stoves to make hot chocolate for the skiers are also provided.

 

Another generous act of the folks at Green Woodlands is that they provide free rental of cross country ski gear. Those without skis can hike in about a half-mile to find loaner skis, boots, and poles. The gear is top-notch and available free to anyone to use.

23 mins away; learn more.

More Things To Do

Favorite Day Trips

Head out and explore the broader area with these awesome day trip itineraries -- all within an hour drive from the cabin!

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