The Local Area: things to do
Hiking Mountains
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
The Northern Rail 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
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
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
Skiing & Snowboarding
Ragged Mountain
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!
Vermont
Visit "Vermont's little grand canyon"; Quechee Gorge -- and explore the Quechee Gorge State Park. Don't miss the Quechee General Store & Living the Dream Alpaca Farm across the street, and take a stroll through the Vermont Antique Mall a few mins away.
Just up the road is Woodstock; a quaint village filled with historic charm. Stroll around the central green, pop in a shop or two, visit Sugarbush Farm, and stop for a drink or dine at the Woodstock Inn.
If you have time, take quick detour on your way back to visit the famous King Arthur Baking Company bakery/cafe & retail store.
45 mins away; learn more.
Lower White Mountains
The Rumney area in the southwestern White Mountains offers tons of activities for a day trip. Don't miss the Polar Caves Ice Park! Rattlesnake Mountain is a short but challenging hike offering views. Rumney Rocks Climbing Area, a world renowned rock-climbing destination, features hundreds of rock and ice climbs.
45 mins away; learn more.
Newfound Lake
Newfound Lake is considered to be one of the deepest lakes in NH, and thought by some to be among the cleanest lakes in the world.
Bring your own boat, book an eco-tour or charter, or rent kayaks or canoes. Lounge & swim at one of the state park sandy beaches, checkout a nature preserve, or hike trails that encircle the lake and offer great views.
In the southern town of Bristol you'll find shops & restaurants.
35 mins away; learn more.
Lake Winnipesaukee
The best place to check out Lake Winnipesaukee is to head to Meredith, NH -- a quaint lakeside village with no shortage of local shops, restaurants, walking trails, and seasonal events & festivals.
Swim at public Waukewan Beach, shop at the Mills Falls Marketplace, visit museums, ride the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, check out Twin Barns Brewing Co, grab a bite to eat at the town docks, do a wine tasting at Hermit Woods Winery, or you can even catch a show at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse.
55 mins away; learn more.