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The WOW Trail is named after the three bodies of water that can be seen from this rail trail: Lake Winnipesaukee, Opechee Bay, and Lake Winnisquam. This picturesque 2.7-mile trail shares a corridor with the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad between Meredith and Lakeport. This urban path provides diverse experiences for users, offering the serenity of nature as well as the comforts of local restaurants and shops.
About the Route
Leaving off from the eastern trailhead in Laconia’s Lakeport neighborhood, the first mile of the trail runs along the banks of Opechee Bay to the right. Beautiful murals and public art brighten this section of the trail, and picnic tables are available for trail users who want to enjoy the view. After crossing over the bay, the next section runs through the heart of Laconia. Just 0.5 miles from the bridge, it's impossible to miss the former Laconia B&M Railroad Station, on the left just after the trail crosses Main Street. Although passenger service ended in 1965, trail users can still find shops and restaurants inside, as well as parking.
The southernmost 1.2 miles of trail follow Lake Winnisquam, delivering picturesque vistas of the water, mountains, and wildlife. About 0.75 miles from the railroad station, Bartlett Beach is another site worth seeing. Here, there are seasonal restrooms, a playground, a volleyball court, picnic facilities, and water access. Look for signs for local restaurants for a bite to eat. The remaining portion of the trail continues along the water and reaches its southern end at the Leslie E. Roberts Beach and Recreation Area, which has water access, restrooms, and parking. Fishing is allowed at the lake, with license-free fishing days occurring in January and June.
Connections
At the southern end of the trail, the WOW Trail connects to the Lake Winnisquam Scenic Trail.
The WOW Trail runs between Elm St. (Laconia) and 94 Daniel Webster Hwy (Belmont), with parking available at both ends.
Parking is also available at:
Please see TrailLink Map for detailed directions.
I'm riding an eletric wheelchair & it's a nice ride.Off the street. Barbara
Lots of stop signs involving crossing streets and Frost heaves on the trail. Not a terribly wide trail, expect to go over bricks and wooden Bridges also which are pretty bumpy unless you’re on a bike or something. The other nearby scenic trail is much better
This isn’t really a rail trail. It is a trail that parallels a working rail. A lot of the trail goes through commercial areas, and it is likely you will see homeless people and the less desirable parts of town. More an urban passage. Given where the trail goes, the views are unremarkable.
This trail is paved going through the center of Laconia and then following Rt 3. It is great for walking, biking and running. It is very well maintained and passes multiple beach areas where one can stop. It is a 5 star trail.
The original trail was 2.7 miles long. The current trail is 4.3 miles long. Unlike some trails that just cover up old tracks, this one follows an active trail system. The trail and the tracks are well separated by fences. The first 3/4 of the trail are flat with the last 1/4 of the trail having some small rises and falls. I have been mapping trails for a few decades and will attempt to send a new .gpx file of the current trail with it's extension to the developers of this web site.
Nice ride on a beautiful sunny day. Nice wide paved trail. Lovely areas to stop along the trail to watch the lake and/or birds. Plenty of parking, in the parking lot, at the beginning of the trail.
parked at the opecheee inn and rode about 3 miles to Leslie Roberts Drive
and back.
trail is paved, mostly flat, sidewalk sections well marked.
Phase 2 extends the trail from downtown Laconia to Belmont's Winni Scenic Trail. Passes by Pitmans Freight Room, Bartlett Beach before heading into forest behind the Belknap Mall. Now 4 1/2 miles to enjoy. Trail is in great shape. Check out wayfarer coffee shop or burrito me in downtown Laconia.
Great for going for a family walk or bike ride .
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