Holderness: a spectacular wilderness on your doorstep
The tiny agricultural town of Holderness lies on the shores of Squam Lake. It doesn't matter whether you visit in spring, summer or fall, the changeable natural scenery is exquisite. There's history here aplenty, from old cruise boats that ply the waterways to buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Further north, you'll find the vast White Mountain National Forest. If water sports aren't your thing, the hiking trails and wildlife spotting in the park might be just what you're looking for. Holderness might be small, but the surrounding wilderness is anything but.
Activities and attractions in Holderness
Are you looking for attractions to see in the area? Venture out of your cozy vacation rental and experience everything that makes Holderness a fun spot to vacation. Here are some of the most popular attractions to explore, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (0.1 mi / 0.2 km)
- Tenney Mountain (9.8 mi / 15.7 km)
- Funspot Family Fun Center (9.9 mi / 15.9 km)
- Owl's Nest Resort & Golf Club (10.1 mi / 16.3 km)
- Waterville Valley Ice Arena (15.6 mi / 25.2 km)
- Jack O'Lantern Resort Golf Course (15.7 mi / 25.3 km)
Sailing and kayaking in Holderness
Being so close to Squam Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee, it's hardly surprising that most of the activities near your Holderness vacation rental are on the water and it's the best way to experience this gorgeous corner of New Hampshire. You can take your pick on how you experience the lake. Launch your sailboard to take advantage of the year-round consistent breeze, or nab yourself a kayak and paddle along at your own pace. The newest water sports craze is paddle boarding and Squam Lake has them in droves. Alternatively, pack up your rod and bait and find a sunny bank to cast in your line.
Holderness' hot summers are best spent on the lake
The weather around the lakes is prone to bigger swings than down along the coast. That said, the summer makes for the best time to stay in a Holderness vacation rental, when the temperature is consistently warm. It's also the most popular time to visit, so if you're planning a summer getaway, book up early. Outside the peak months, travelers abandon Holderness. If you don't mind the cooler temperature and prefer fewer crowds, then spring makes for a good time to visit. Alternatively, try fall, when the foliage is at its brightest and the walking trails are most appealing.
Get up close to black bears in Holderness
From the White Mountain National Forest to the Mount Kearsarge State Forest Park, you'll find wildlife everywhere you look near your Holderness vacation rental. If you walk along the trails in the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, you'll find the butterfly-filled Kirkwood Gardens, which teems with colorful flowers best seen in spring. Continue along the trails and there's an astonishing number of critters to spot, including black bears, coyotes and river otters, all of which are kept in enclosures as close to their natural habitat as possible. Don't miss the raptor area, where you can see eagles and hawks.
Transportation to and around Holderness
The nearest airport is in Lebanon, NH (LEB-Lebanon Municipal), located 36.7 mi (59.1 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you might consider flying into Laconia, NH (LCI-Laconia Municipal), which is 13.7 mi (22 km) away.
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