Chocorua, nestled by mountains, lakes, and streams, is one of the most picturesque villages in the White Mountains. Throughout its history Chocorua has been home to writers (William James summered here), poets (e.e. cummings) and artists, many of whom have painted local landscapes. Chocorua bed and breakfasts have hosted generations of guests wanting to explore the area's natural beauty. Lake Chocorua is a perfect spot for swimming or to explore on a sunny summer afternoon by canoe or kayak. Nearby hiking (or snowshoe) trails lead past ancient glacial kettles, maple and birch forests and old logging roads. Chocorua bed and breakfasts host weddings, civil unions, family reunions, birthday celebrations and thousands of leaf-peepers each fall. Mt. Chocorua, reflected in the pristine waters of Lake Chocorua, has been a popular hiking destination for centuries since Native Americans were the area's only inhabitants. The lake, mountain and village all get their name from the legend of Chief Chocorua, who was friendly to early settlers. When the chief went to Canada for a tribal meeting, he left his son in the care of the Campbell family. During the father's absence, the son fell ill and died. When Chocorua returned, he found his son's grave then killed Mrs. Campbell and her son in retaliation and fled to the mountain to grieve. Campbell and a posse followed the chief to the summit, where he yelled curses at them before throwing himself off the peak. Nonetheless, Mt. Chocorua is today one of the world's most photographed mountains. The small village of Chocorua, home to bed and breakfasts, inns, pottery studio, a popular ice cream shop, massage studio and several gift shops lies on Route 16, a main artery connecting Boston to North Conway and the Mount Washington Valley.