United States

Gilford

Gilford

Gilford is a town in Belknap County, New Hampshire, United States. It is located on the southern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee and is surroun…

Best for you if…

  • A 4–5 day trip
  • Outdoor activities travelers
  • Skiing travelers
  • Visiting in Summer
Recommended stay
3-5 days
Best time
Summer
Walkability
Moderate
Guide depth
Solid guide
More about this guide

Gilford is a strong pick for outdoor activities & skiing — plan about 3-5 days. Peak season: Summer.

Solid guide guide · about 3 min to read · depth score 65/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Moderate density — A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops. (≈9.1 km span)

12 Places to explore
3-5 Recommended days
Summer Best season
8 Nearby places

Find nearby destinations

When to go

High season: Summer

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: January · February · November · December

Weather

Fall

50°F-70°F

Spring

50°F-70°F

Summer

70°F-90°F

Winter

20°F-40°F

How to get there

How to Reach Gilford, United States

Gilford is a charming town located in the state of New Hampshire, United States. If you are planning a visit to this picturesque destination, here are a few ways to reach Gilford:

By Air:

The nearest major airport to Gilford is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), which is approximately 60 miles away. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi to reach Gilford. There are also shuttle services available that provide transportation to various destinations in New Hampshire.

By Road:

If you prefer traveling by road, Gilford is well-connected with major highways. Interstate 93 is the primary route that connects Gilford to other cities in New Hampshire and neighboring states. You can drive to Gilford from Boston in about 2 hours, and from Manchester in approximately 1 hour.

By Bus:

There are bus services available that connect Gilford with nearby cities and towns. You can check with regional bus operators for schedules and routes. Greyhound and Concord Coach Lines are popular bus services that operate in the area.

By Train:

Although Gilford does not have its own train station, you can take a train to nearby cities like Manchester or Concord and then continue your journey to Gilford by road. Amtrak operates train services in New Hampshire, offering convenient options for travelers.

By Water:

If you are looking for a unique way to reach Gilford, you can explore the option of traveling by water. Lake Winnipesaukee, one of the largest lakes in New Hampshire, borders Gilford. You can rent a boat or join a cruise to reach Gilford while enjoying the scenic beauty of the lake.

Whichever mode of transportation you choose, reaching Gilford is relatively easy and offers a delightful experience. Plan your trip well in advance to ensure a smooth journey to this beautiful town in the United States.

Getting to know Gilford

Gilford is a town in Belknap County, New Hampshire, United States. It is located on the southern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee and is surrounded by mountains, making it a popular tourist destination for outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and boating. Gilford has a population of approximately 7,100 people and covers an area of 50.6 square miles.

The town was originally settled in 1778 and incorporated in 1812. It was named after a town in England and has a rich history, including being the site of the first organized church in the area and the birthplace of astronaut Alan Shepard. Today, Gilford is known for its natural beauty and recreation opportunities, as well as its charming downtown area featuring shops, restaurants, and galleries.

Some of the top attractions in Gilford include Gunstock Mountain Resort, a popular ski and outdoor recreation area, and the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook, an outdoor concert venue that hosts many well-known musicians and bands. Other outdoor activities in the area include fishing, kayaking, and golfing.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Pack sunscreen and insect repellent for outdoor activities
  • Bring warm clothing for winter visits

Places worth exploring

12 places mapped for this destination

0–1
1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Suggested 3-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Gilford?

Most travelers spend about 3-5 days in Gilford, United States.

When is the best time to visit Gilford?

High season is typically Summer.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Gilford?

Travelers often find better value in January, February, November, December.

What kind of trip is Gilford good for?

Gilford suits Outdoor activities, Skiing, Hiking.

Is Gilford walkable?

A mix of walkable clusters with some longer hops.

Any local tips for Gilford?

Pack sunscreen and insect repellent for outdoor activities

Build your trip

Add Gilford and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.

Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Gilford → Laconia → Meredith · ≈15 km
  • Gilford → Laconia → Sanbornton · ≈16 km
  • Gilford → Laconia → New Hampton · ≈20 km

Same vibe

Destinations sharing travel styles, stay length, or region.

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