Lakeside barns near Manchester

Lying on the Merrimack River in southern New Hampshire, Manchester promises year-round fun, from hiking and boating on lakes and rivers in summer to skiing and tubing at the city’s McIntyre Ski Area in winter. The city is also an arts and cultural destination that is home to the historic Palace Theatre and Currier Museum. In the heart of New England, Manchester also has a convenient location that’s within an hour’s drive of Boston and the Atlantic Ocean and less than two hours from the White Mountains, Lakes Region, and many other top destinations in Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts.

Massabesic Lake

About a 10-minute drive west of downtown, Massabesic Lake covers 2,500 acres and is a popular spot for boating, sailing, and fishing. Around 50 miles of multi-use trails surround the lake for use by hikers and bikers.

Lakes Region

Home to the state’s largest lake, Lake Winnipesaukee, as well as Squam Lake, Newfound Lake, Ossipee Lake, and Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire's Lakes Region offers an abundance of outdoor activities, from paddling and swimming in the summer to ice fishing and skating in the winter. On the southwest shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, camping is available at Ellacoya State Park Campground, an hour’s drive north of Manchester.

White Mountains

The hardwood forests, alpine peaks, and towering mountains of the White Mountains National Forest are less than two hours from Manchester. Within the area, Echo Lake State Park offers canoeing, kayaking, and mountain biking, while Crawford Notch State Park has waterfalls and camping at its Dry River Campground.

While spring and summer are the most popular times to visit, Manchester and its surrounding area are four-season destinations. Summer is perfect for getting out onto the water; fall offers the chance to enjoy the spectacle of the landscape blazing with rich hues as the leaves turn, while winter promises snowy adventures, from skiing to ice fishing.