Top 20 Lakes in Grafton County

Newfound Lake is particularly renowned for its exceptional water clarity, making it one of the cleanest lakes in the country. Newfound Lake spans 4,451 acres and is surrounded by 98% forested watershed, contributing to its pristine condition. Squam Lake is also known for its crystal-clear waters and natural beauty.

Yes, several lakes in Grafton County are great for families. Squam Lake offers stunning views and is known for its clear waters, while Mascoma Lake is a popular spot for swimming with a public beach. Lily Pond is also a picturesque and serene spot suitable for families, offering swimming and picnicking. Wellington State Park on Newfound Lake features the largest freshwater swimming beach in the New Hampshire state park system, making it ideal for families.

Grafton County's lakes offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the Franconia Ridge Loop or the Flume Gorge Trail, which are accessible from areas near lakes such as Lonesome Lake and Echo Lake. For cycling, consider routes like the Kancamagus Highway Scenic Drive or the Squam Lake loop. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails like the Green Woodlands loop. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking, cycling, and MTB guides for Grafton County.

Newfound Lake is excellent for swimming, particularly at Wellington Beach State Park, which boasts the largest freshwater swimming beach in the New Hampshire state park system. Mascoma Lake also has a public beach and is a popular swimming destination. Echo Lake, located in Franconia Notch State Park, features a swimming beach with stunning mountain views. Lake Tarleton also offers an unguarded swimming beach.

Yes, Ethan Pond offers shelters and campsites, making it a convenient stop for hikers on the Appalachian Trail. For a unique experience, the AMC hut at Lonesome Lake provides refreshments and even overnight stays, being one of the easiest huts to access.

Grafton County offers excellent fishing opportunities. Newfound Lake is popular for species like smallmouth bass, rock bass, and lake char. Squam Lake is a haven for anglers, with rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, lake trout, and both smallmouth and largemouth bass. Lake Tarleton is stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, smallmouth bass, and chain pickerel. Mascoma Lake is well-stocked with rainbow trout, brook trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and yellow perch, and is also popular for ice fishing in winter.

Yes, the Canaan Street Historic District is a notable historical site located near a lake, offering a glimpse into the region's past. While not directly on a lake, the area around Squam Lake gained international recognition as the filming location for the movie "On Golden Pond," adding a cultural historical layer to its natural beauty.

Many lakes in Grafton County provide stunning vistas. The View of Squam Lake from the West Rattlesnake Natural area offers splendid perspectives of this large body of water. Lonesome Lake, nestled within Franconia Notch State Park, is celebrated for its pristine mountain setting and tranquil waters. Echo Lake, also in Franconia Notch State Park, provides stunning views of Cannon Mountain. Mascoma Lake also offers great views, especially from the Northern Rail Trail.

Yes, boating and paddling are popular activities. Squam Lake is ideal for kayaking and boating, with several public access points. Echo Lake in Franconia Notch State Park also offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. Mascoma Lake hosts the Dartmouth College sailing team and the Mascoma Sailing Club, indicating its suitability for sailing. Lake Tarleton is also great for canoeing.

Lonesome Lake is popular due to its pristine mountain setting within Franconia Notch State Park. It offers an easy-to-moderate 3.2-mile loop trail with stunning views of the Franconia Ridge. The presence of the AMC hut provides a unique stop for hikers to enjoy refreshments and panoramic vistas, making it a family-friendly hiking destination with magnificent mountain scenery.

Squam Lake is a significant haven for wildlife, serving as a nesting site for common loons, bald eagles, and great blue herons. Lily Pond is also a noted location for spotting moose. The forested areas surrounding many of the lakes, such as Newfound Lake, contribute to a rich habitat for various species.

The lakes in Grafton County are beautiful year-round. Summer is ideal for swimming, boating, and hiking. Autumn offers spectacular foliage, with picturesque reflections on lakes like Lily Pond. In winter, some lakes like Mascoma Lake freeze over, creating opportunities for ice fishing and other winter activities. Spring brings new life and milder temperatures for hiking and enjoying nature.