One of my fav hikes in this gorgeous town. Yes, there is some road noise from I-89 in the beginning…read moreof the trail but as soon as one walks past the small knoll, it's a little Walden Pond. Still, that doesn't take from the fact that it's one of the nicest short hikes in New London's many trails, which are the work of a dedicated group of people in the New London Conservation Commission. About ten minutes after the trailhead, the trail skirts the shore of Otter Lake, providing placid, beautiful views of the shoreline across the lake, and a couple of benches to relax, admire the scenery, zen out or have a peaceful lunch. Afterwards, the trail climbs a bit steeply towards the former rock quarry, almost unrecognizable after decades of nature taking back what's hers. There is a small detour to see the quarry. After that, there is a gentle descent to the trailhead with a crossing of old New England stone fences. Great for the furry family - just be aware that the climb leaving the shore has slippery granite rocks that may make it lead easy for small dogs. Overall a delightful hike.

The Lyon Brook Trail it's one of the most popular hiking trails in the town of New London, New…read moreHampshire. It can either be a point to point at 2.5 miles, or a 5 mile round trip. There is parking at both of the trail heads on Trussell Ridge Road (about 100 yards from Exit 11 on I-89) and at Parkside Road nearby the center of New London. The trail is generally flat, following the contours of Lyon Brook as it meanders from Parkside and County Roads through its Trussell Ridge Road trailhead and then the Brook continues to become the headwaters for Keezar Lake. There is only one part of the trail on Pleasant Road as the trail segments are separated by about 200 feet. The trail is maintained by the New London Conservation Commission and goes through both public and private land, including the New London Outing Club property. It's a great trail for leashed dogs. However, unleashed animals run the risk of a wildlife encounter as the trail traverses wilderness that are home to bears and coyotes. As well, the trail has junctions with the Knights Hill Wildlife Preserve, where pet animals are absolutely forbidden.

Gorgeous trail! Beautiful views of the lake and very well maintained. A regular walking spot for…read moremorning walks with my dog. Getting good use from cyclists and walkers/joggers.

this is a pretty spot with a good trail system overall. still walkable in the winter but there are…read moresnowmobilers, yet also a concrete path partway. couple of benches and a nice view of the bridge/dam!

A very nice little walking hiking trail. Well marked with ski markers for cross country and maps…read moreeverywhere. Beautiful woods.

Winter was very very very slippery. Hard to get down the hill and don't want to stay in the center…read moreof the path. The view was gorgeous and there is a Christmas tree with guest book and it's all decorated was cute! Sadly two of the houses along the trail had dogs that scream barked with no care from the owners, one was i assume in an electric fence as it looked off lead and threatening and scared my dog to pieces.. probably won't be back for this reason. Sadly, because it's very pretty an easy walk!

1.5 mile oneway trail - mostly flat - non concrete. Great views of Lankin Pond and Head Pond…read more Peaceful. Great place for a jog or just to walk with friends! If I lived here, I would be on this trail everyday!

We had a fun day on Lake Winnesquam! Although still busy on a beautiful summer day, it's calmer…read morethan it's more famous, much larger, similarly named lake neighbor. NH fish and wild life have two boat launches onto a short river, right near the mouth of the lake. The ramps and a staging area to wait your turn are down a short drive, past parking. On the weekend, a 'lake host' is on hand to see that everything runs smoothly. There is no large sign telling you where the ramp is. On our visit, a small, wooden, hand painted 'Boat launch' sign had been nailed to a fence post. The entrance is two way traffic. A large NH Fish and Wildlife information board is in the staging area of the parking lot. If you are fishing, be sure to go onto the NH fish and wildlife website to get your license. Parking is for trailered vehicles only. A couple of spot, nearest the ramp are reserved for handicapped vehicles towing a trailer plus one for a handicapped van without trailer. Parking over flow for vehicles with trailers and all of those without, is on either side of Water Street. When we departed around 4pm, there were parking spots available in the lot. If you want to be sure you can park in the lot I recommend either an early arrival or after the early birds leave, later in the day. There are three porta-a-johns in the parking area, nearby the ramps, including one handicapped accessible model. On either side of the ramps is a dock where you can load and unload passengers and supplies. Head east (south?) on the river to access the lake. This is a 'no wake' area. Once out on the lake there are a couple of sandbars where boaters had anchored and were playing games. There are shallow area of the lake and a couple of public beaches where you can anchor and swim in. A few boaters had floating mats and were anchored out in the lake. Besides boats, there are a number of personal watercraft. Many boaters were waterskiing and tubing, so keep an eye out for fallen swimmers! There are also a fair number of fishermen (fisherpeople?) all around the lake in 'no wake' areas or close to shore. Definitely large enough to enjoy a day on the lake. The boats here are smaller than on other, larger lakes, so a smaller wake to deal with. There are rental properties around the lake if you want to stay nearby and watercraft rentals are available in the area. There is one marina on the lake for your fuel needs.

A nice small trail system for easy hiking. Good loops. Some double-wide trails. Well maintained…read more by the local scout troop. A small parking area at the end of a quiet, residential street. Trail map at the main entry.