Alton is located in
Belknap County on beautiful Lake Winnispesaukee surrounded by mountains, lakes and natural wildlife. Seasonal activities include boating, swimming, water skiing, skate boarding, basketball, tennis, baseball, softball, soccer, playgrounds, volleyball, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, skating, skiing, snow shoeing, ice fishing and more.
Once called New Durham Gore because of the upland areas, or "gores," Alton was settled mainly by farmers seeking higher land that provided less frost. It was incorporated in 1796. In nearby Alton Bay, the first side-wheeler boats were launched in 1872.
