Meredith

An 817-acre community forest with over 10 miles of trails across 7 routes. Features the historic Dudley Leavitt Cemetery — Leavitt authored the Old Farmer's Almanac from 1797 until his death in 1851 — and remains of an 1840 mill dam. Active beaver ponds and wetlands make it a wildlife viewing hotspot.

A 7-acre pocket park hidden on High Street just minutes from Main Street but missed by nearly every tourist. It sits along the historic Waukewan Canal — a 600-foot channel completed in 1818 connecting Lake Waukewan to Lake Winnipesaukee via a 40-foot drop at Mill Falls. Has 6 short trails, a picnic area, and a public canoe/kayak launch.

A 310-acre conservation area with 6+ miles of trails including the route to Crockett's Ledge — a scenic overlook with views of Lake Wicwas and Lake Winnisquam that most Meredith visitors never learn about. Trails range from an easy 1.6-mile pond loop to the 5.5-mile Lake to Ledges Loop with 900 feet of elevation gain.

While tourists crowd Leavitt Beach on Winnipesaukee, locals swim at this quiet town beach on Lake Waukewan — Meredith's drinking water source, which means no jet skis are allowed. Crystal clear water, limited parking keeps it uncrowded, and loons are frequently spotted in summer. The anti-Weirs Beach experience.

A year-round outdoor juried exhibition of 30+ sculptures by New England artists, winding from Main Street through Town Docks, Hesky Park, Scenic Park, and Clough Park along Meredith Bay. The collection rotates annually. Free, self-guided, with maps at kiosks. Transforms a routine waterfront stroll into an art experience most drive-through visitors miss.