Tuftonboro has a shoreline on Lake Winnipesaukee, trails leading to waterfall viewpoints, and local history that reaches back to a former schoolhouse. So, when looking for a place to stay, it’s worth first asking what you want to focus on during your visit: the lakeshore and water, trails, or local history. The details below bring these perspectives to life and help you choose how to explore Tuftonboro based on your travel interests.
Lake and Landscape
Tuftonboro is one of eight towns with a shoreline on Lake Winnipesaukee and encompasses ten percent of the lake’s watershed. Local waters also play a practical role in your visit: they are used for fishing, swimming, and recreation. If water is a particular draw when choosing a destination, you’ll find both a connection to the lake and a variety of ways to enjoy it here.
Another way to experience the landscape is at the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area in the Ossipee Mountains of Moultonborough and Tuftonboro. It is part of the National Historic Landmark Lucknow Estate and encompasses more than 5,000 acres of protected land. Within the area, the Brook Walk leads to viewpoints overlooking seven waterfalls.
Choose Water Access Based on Your Plans
Town Beach – 19 Mile Bay is a public lakeshore with seasonal restrooms, swimming programs, and access to protected island land. Melvin Village Wharf is a public lakeshore with a boat ramp and docking for small watercraft. The Launching Ramp – 19 Mile Bay is a public boat ramp; trailer parking is located off-site. When choosing, consider whether you’re looking for a shoreline with swimming programs, docking for small watercraft, or a ramp with off-site trailer parking. These are different forms of water access. Before traveling, check seasonal facilities and programs, as well as information about the ramp, docking, and trailer parking.
Trails and Viewpoints
The Abenaki Tower can be reached via a quarter-mile trail that climbs gently and is unpaved; a short climb follows. The trail length, surface, and final ascent are specific details to consider when planning this destination. The Brook Walk in the Castle in the Clouds Conservation Area, in turn, leads to viewpoints overlooking seven waterfalls.
Local History and a November Tradition
The Tuftonboro Historical Society Museum was a one-room schoolhouse in the early 19th century and remained a schoolhouse until 1937. The Tuftonboro Historical Society preserves the town’s history. So, alongside the lake and landscape, local history can be another focus of your visit.
A November tradition of public salmon-stripping demonstrations by New Hampshire Fish and Game at Pope Dam in Melvin Village dates back to 1978. If this event matters to your trip, check whether the demonstration is scheduled for the year in question.
Discover more destinations: Center Harbor, Wolfeboro, Wakefield, Moultonboro, Hart's Location, Tamworth, Jackson, Conway.
For the regional travel overview: Carroll.
