Ossipee Lake Area Towns:
Effingham, Freedom, Madison, Ossipee, Sandwich, Tamworth

Nature Preserves

* Bearcamp Woodlands – 244 Acres, once hayed, but returned to woodland when Lake Ossipee was dammed. Land and forest types are very diverse. It is now home for black bear, moose, muskrat and otter. Bearcamp borders the unspoiled Bearcamp River, which is superb for canoeing. Located on the east side of Rte. 16, 6.8 miles north of the junction of Rte. 28 and Rte. 16. The entrance to the forest is directly across the highway from the Mt. Whittier Motel and to the left of the Ossipee Fire Station.

* Stimson Forest - 45 acres; near Pine River State Forest; white pine and wildlife habitat demonstration area At the junction of Routes 16 & 28 in Ossipee, travel on Route 16 for 0.2 miles. Turn right onto Elm St. Go 0.1 miles to a fork in the road, and then turn right at fork (Elm St.). Go 1.1 miles to property on the left. Ossipee - Elm St. off Rt. 16

* White Lake State Park – Rt 16, Tamworth - 140 acre state park – swimming beach – well-maintained footpath around the lake, great for canoeing, kayaking and trout fishing. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails. National Natural Landmark – 72 acre forest of NH pines.

* Madison Boulder Natural Area – Off Rt 113, Madison - Largest know erratic in New England, and among the largest n World. Huge granite rock measuring 83 feet in length and 23 feet in height above the ground, 37 feet in width. It weighs upwards of 5,000 tons!

* Hemenway State Forest - Trails are wide and challenges varied along the chapter loop. Two highlights include the long, flat trip beside Paugus Brook and the views from the fire watchtower atop Great Hill. Trail surface, double track and secluded gravel roads. Rt 113, Tamworth

Covered Bridges

* Whittier Bridge, Ossipee: 132 feet, 7 inches (1870’s) Bearcamp River, west of N.H. 16 at Ossipee Village. Paddleford truss, added arch, built by Jacob Berry. In 1958 steel telltales were erected to protect upper bracing in bridge.

* Durgin Bridge, Sandwich: 96 ft. (1869) Cold River, 1-1/2 miles north of N.H. 113, 2 miles east of North Sandwich Village. Paddleford truss, built by Jacob Berry. Repaired by Milton Graton and son, Arnold. Built by Herman Marcy.

Hiking

* Champney Brook Trail – Trail begins at the Champney Brook Parking Lot 10 miles west of Route 16 on the south side of the Kancamagus Highway. 3.8 miles to summit of Mt Chocorua, - 3 hours, one way. The Champney Brook Trail begins at the Kancamagus Highway and ends on the Piper Trail in the flat saddle between Mt. Chocorua and the Three Sisters. Along the way, a loop path diverges left of the trail to Champney Falls & Pitcher Falls. The most dramatic water fall viewing occurs during wet times of the year. Level of difficulty to the Falls- moderate Level of difficulty to the summit – Difficult

* Ossipee Mountains, Bald Peak, Tuftonboro - Trail access from Castle in the Clouds offering a variety of difficulty levels.

* Mt Chocorua – Piper Trail -4.5 miles, 3 hours, 35 minutes to summit - moderate to difficult- Piper Trail offers maximum walking on open ledges to the summit of Mt. Chocorua. Trailhead/Parking: Rt 16, six miles south of Conway behind the Piper Trail Cabins & restaurant. Private land, fee to park.

* Mt. Hedgehog Hiking Trail - Beginner hikers or those short on time Lenght & Difficulty, moderate, total loop 5 miles, 3 hours. Best views if you take the loop clockwise- ledges at summit – use caution.

Beaches

* White Lake State Park – Rt 16, Tamworth - 140 acre state park – swimming beach – well-maintained footpath around the lake, great for canoeing, kayaking and trout fishing. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails. National Natural Landmark – 72 acre forest of NH pines.

* Chocorua Lake - Chocorua – Rt 16 Just off main north –south corridor, lake lies in the shadow of Mt. Chocorua, named after the Pequawket Indian chief.

* Duncan Lake – Ossipee town beach

Other Recreation

Hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, swimming, boating, shopping, golf, terrific dining, lodging and camping options. Ice-skating, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snow shoeing in the winter months.

Boat Access

Ossipee Lake – Center Ossipee Ret 25 east off Rt 16. Pine River Marina