Abenaki Tower – Tuftonboro
| Date: | 11-27-2024 |
| Location: | Tuftonboro, NH |
| Distance: | .25 mi |
| Elevation Gain: | 106′ |
| Total Time: | 15 min |
| Parking: | 8+ cars |
I’ve been wanting to visit this tower for a while. Since I was already out for a little drive, why not make it a long-extended drive. So I headed to Tuftonboro. The tower is located in Melvin Village which is a section of Tuftonboro.
The entrance to the parking lot is at one of the high points on Rt.109. There is a sign but it could be easy to miss if you are not paying attention. I pulled into the lot and there was room for 8+ cars to fit.
I got out and there was a NH Historical marker and a kiosk that mentioned the tower just celebrated it’s 100th anniversary. The tower is maintained by Abenaki Tower and Trail Association
I knew this was a short walk, even shorter than the Garrison Tower I had just visited. This was also an easy walk up a rocky trail/road. When I got to the tower, it was shining in the evening sun and looked beautiful.
This is a totally wooden structure. It is actually the third tower that has been built on this site. There is also a lot of history in this area about the Abenaki.
I took a few photos and started up the tower. It reminded me of an old National Park Ranger tower. They sure don’t make them like this anymore.
At the top there were spanning views of Lake Winnipesaukee and Moultonborough Bay. To the west there beautiful views of the full Belknap Range. I had the tower all to myself, so I stayed up there a bit and just enjoyed the views. I really didn’t want to leave.
A few more pics and I started back down. This is undoubtedly one of my favorite towers I’ve been too. It is unique and wooden. Has history and stories that surround it. If you are in the area of Tuftonboro you should stop and visit. If you are not near Tuftonboro you should plan a trip as well. This is living history.
