Snowshoe the Lakes Region

Many New Englanders can recall coming across an antique set of snowshoes, their wooden frames and rawhide latticework materials withstanding the test of time. While modifications have since been made to the popular outdoor sports gear, snowshoeing is still a sought-after winter activity for many Granite Staters.

In New Hampshire, known across the country for its robust East Coast outdoor adventure scene in all four seasons, there are 844 snowshoeing trails spread out across the state. And according to Wander’s Winter Adventure Index, the Granite State ranks No. 4, and the Lakes Region is a big factor.

Snowshoes, which allow wearers to walk over snow in an easier fashion than without them, are an old invention. They’ve existed for centuries, growing in popularity during the West Coast’s 1900s fur trade, and hail from many cultures, each with their own unique twist on the hardware.

With all the fresh snow the Lakes Region has received, outdoor snow adventures abound, from Gilford to Holderness, and many places in between. 

Gunstock Mountain Resort

There’s something serene about a peaceful stroll in the woods — but even more so when the world is coated in the white fluffy stuff.

Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford is the destination for some of the best powder conditions in the Lakes Region, which leans into the hobby by offering “restorative strolls” through the woods.

It’s easy to experience firsthand the wonders of the area mountains.

“All of our snowshoeing experiences take place from our Nordic Outdoor Center with two guided tours available. One guided tour comes up to the alpine ski area to ride up the lift to the summit and make their way down to the historic ski jumps and back to the outdoor center,” said Robert Drake, general manager of Gunstock Resort. “[Trail] guides are very knowledgeable on GMR history, and also talk about nature and woods, animal tracks and so forth, so it's an educational experience, as well as a fun one.”

Weekly on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 3 p.m., weather permitting, meet a guide at the Nordic Outdoor Center for a two-hour excursion up the mountain and back down.

Don’t have snowshoes but want to give it a try? Look no further than Gunstock’s rental counter.

“All of our trails are open to snowshoers, with some specific snowshoe trails,” Drake said. “The Cobble Mountain trail offers a picnic table, and great views of Gunstock.”

For more information, visit gunstock.com.

Bolduc Park

A summer golf course-turned-outdoor winter adventure, Bolduc Park on Gilford Avenue in Gilford, right near the town line with Laconia, boasts a thriving network of snowshoeing opportunities.

The trails are maintained all winter long, and offer prime conditions for looking to stay in the Lakes Region wonderland.

A voicemail greeting at Bolduc Park says, “We do have great cross-country skiing right now, so come on over and ski around our 1K track, or go through the woods on our trails.”

Clubhouse Manager Marc Poulin encouraged guests to visit. 

The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and visitors can check in at the clubhouse on weekends. For visits during the week when the clubhouse is unstaffed, donations can be made in a secure deposit location.

"As a nonprofit organization, we ask guests using Bolduc Park to give a donation of $5. They can either go to our website bolducpark.org and donate ahead of time, or donate at the park in the clubhouse when there is a volunteer present," Poulin said. "The donations we receive pay for the upkeep of the park."

Cross-country ski lessons begin at 10 a.m. on Jan. 10, and continue on Jan. 17, 24, and 31. For those who need ski rentals, head to nearby Piche's Ski & Sports Shop, open at 9 a.m., to grab gear. 

For more information, visit bolducpark.org/winter-sports.

Prescott Farm

There are three main trails at Laconia’s Prescott Farm Environmental Educational Center: the Forest Trail, Pond Loop Trail and Sugar Trail ‚ and all are ripe opportunities for snowshoeing enthusiasts. 

Open seven days a week, year-round, from sun up to sun down, Prescott Farm is dedicated to providing environmental education programs for all ages, and a place to encourage curiosity, discovery, fun and connection to the natural world. Prescott Farm has been offering outdoor recreation since 1997. 

“At Prescott Farm, one of our goals is to provide opportunities for the community to get outside and have personal experiences in nature that help cultivate connections to the natural world,” said Jude Hamel, executive director. “This happens in all seasons, and snowshoes help to make these experiences easier, and more fun, in winter.”

Guests can take advantage of the various opportunities to learn about the flora and fauna of the Lakes Region, and Prescott Farm makes it easy for those who may not have their own snowshoes. 

“Snowshoe rentals are available for use on the premises for a nominal cost of $10, and are free for members,” Hamel said. 

For more information, visit prescottfarm.org/calendar.

Squam Lakes Association

With more than 50 miles of trails maintained by the Squam Lakes Association in Holderness, there are many options for a variety of snowshoeing excursions. From the Five Finger Point Trail to different lakeshore paths, there’s no shortage of wooded places to explore.

Some of the most popular trails are the East and West Rattlesnake network, and those who are curious to learn the area can park in the lot on Route 113, before heading up the Old Bridle Path trail.

For those with youngsters, visit the StoryWalk at Chamberlain-Reynolds Memorial Forest in Center Harbor until Saturday, Feb. 28. This year’s trail features “Frederick” by Leo Lionni. "Frederick" won the Caldecott Honor in 1968, for its unique illustrations and heart-warming tale about a mouse who prepares for winter in a unique way.

Winter adventurers can access trail maps and more at squamlakes.org/hiking-trails.

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Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.