The 7 Most Beautiful Lakes to Visit in New Hampshire

New Hampshire has long been known as a haven for outdoor recreation. As such, the state is home to a myriad of stunning outdoor features including forests, mountain ranges, and of course, lakes. Of New Hampshire's estimated 1,000 lakes, nearly 300 lie in the state’s pristine Lakes Region. No matter the season, a visit to the Lakes Region is always a good time with activities such as chasing fall foliage, admiring spring flowers, summer swimming, and winter ice skating always easy to find.

From massive bodies of water with tons of recreation to peaceful secluded lakes with tons of privacy, The Granite State has it all. Travelers will even find one of the world's cleanest lakes here. So what are you waiting for? Pack a day trip bag and get ready to enjoy these seven beautiful lakes in New Hampshire.

Lake Winnipesaukee

Spanning a surface area of roughly 72 square miles and a maximum depth hovering around 200 feet, Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire. Between the lake's clear, spring-fed water and tree-lined shores, it’s not only the biggest but also one of the prettiest lakes in the state. Often referred to as Lake Winni by locals, this large body of water also serves as a hot spot for water-based recreation. Activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing are popular in the summer while skiing, skating, and snowmobiling are great options for winter visitors.

The lake is surrounded by various beaches, islands, state parks, and nature preserves which offer even more fun things to do by the water. Some surrounding highlights include Ellacoya State Park, the Gunstock Mountain Resort, Cate Park, and the well-reviewed Sandy Island Family Camp. Among those highlights, activities such as hiking, camping, beach swimming, and wildlife viewing are available. Although summer and winter on the lake are jam-packed with fun things to do, Fall is arguably the best time to visit Lake Winnipesaukee. Around early-mid October, the lake becomes a still mirror, reflecting gorgeous hues of red, orange, and yellow from the surrounding fall foliage. During this season, be sure to pack a nice blanket and a cozy picnic so you can sit and admire the lakeside views for hours.  

Squam Lake

A few miles northwest of Lake Winnipesaukee–still in New Hampshire’s lakes region–travelers will find the sparkling Squam Lake. The lake is broken into Little Squam Lake and Big Squam Lake and each section is connected by a narrow channel. Together, these two bodies of water have a surface area of approximately 10 square miles and plunge down 99 feet at their deepest point. Bird enthusiasts will want to spend some time resting along the lakes’ shoreline where loons, bald eagles, and great blue herons are commonly spotted. The loons, in particular, are a special sight and are protected by The Squam Lake Loon Initiative.

Outside of the wildlife, Squam Lake’s other claim to fame is “On The Golden Pond”–a 1980s-era movie that was filmed partially on the lake. Like most New Hampshire Lakes, recreation opportunities abound here. Activities such as boating, swimming, and hiking around the water are all on offer. That said, there is even more fun to be had in the surrounding area. For starters, be sure to visit the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. The outdoor center is ripe with marshlands, boardwalks, meadows, and dense forests. During a visit here, wildlife lovers will be in heaven as the chances of seeing black bears, mountain lions, raptors, river otters, bobcats, or other animals are quite high. Additional highlights around Squam Lake include hiking in the West Rattlesnake Mountain area and exploring the Castle in the Clouds–a historic mansion with breathtaking views.

Echo Lake

If you’re looking for a perfect day trip destination in any season, then Echo Lake in Conway, New Hampshire is the place for you. The lake is located within the boundaries of Echo Lake State Park and is surrounded by several local attractions that any outdoor enthusiasts would love. In the warmer months, the 15-acre lake is ideal for activities including swimming, fishing, and canoeing. Inside the state park, visitors can also enjoy rock climbing, picnicking, and hiking the scenic trail that loops around the lake. There is also a small but beautiful series of waterfalls and pools located nearby called Diana’s Baths that are worth a visit.

In the cooler months, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing can be enjoyed in Echo Lake State Park as well. Winter is also a great time to visit the nearby Cranmore Mountain Resort where visitors can enjoy snow tubing, mountain coasters, giant swings, and so much more. Despite all the different activities available here, sometimes you just want to sit back and soak up the view and Echo Lake is perfect for that as well. With the popular White Horse Ledge situated at the edge of the lake, scenic views are easy to stumble upon here. Keep the relaxing vibes going with a ride on the Conway Scenic Railway to end your trip on a high note.

Lonesome Lake

Hidden amidst the gorgeous White Mountains of New Hampshire lies a small 12-acre body of water known as Lonesome Lake. The lake has a maximum depth of just 8 feet, putting it on the shallow side. Its depth of beauty, on the other hand, runs quite a bit deeper. Surrounded by mountain views and tree-lined shores, the lake serves as a peaceful sanctuary for nature lovers. The water is also home to several cold-water fish including brook trout, and serves as a quiet and remote fishing location.

There are a few ways to access the lake, but most of them involve a modest amount of hiking. The easiest route involves taking a stroll along the Lonesome Lake Trail, which can be accessed inside Franconia Notch State Park at the Lafayette Place Campground. A portion of the famous Appalachian Trail also passes by the lake’s outlet. In addition to the lake itself, there are plenty of nearby natural attractions to enjoy while you’re in the area. In Franconia Notch State Park specifically, highlights such as the Flume Gorge and the aerial tramway leading to Cannon Mountain are some bucket-list-worthy features. 

Lake Sunapee

Lake Sunapee is among the top five largest lakes in the state and sits near the base of Mount Sunapee on the west side of New Hampshire. The lake spans a surface area of 6.4 square miles and boasts a maximum depth of roughly 100 feet. With views of densely forested areas and distant mountains, the lake feels far more rural and remote than it actually is. In reality, the lake and surrounding area are closely located to a range of family-friendly activities and in-town attractions. Things like boating, beach hopping, swimming, ice fishing, and skating are a few of the activities you can partake in on the water.

Nearby towns including Warner, Sunapee, and Nebury boast attractions such as the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, the historic John Hay Estate, and the beautiful Loon Island Lighthouse. There are also a handful of nearby state parks to explore including Mount Sunapee State Park. Here, visitors can hike the trails, including the challenging 75-mile loop known as the Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway. Camping is also available at the park. Outside of the park, the Clark Lookout Trail is another worthwhile hike that offers clear, breathtaking views of Lake Sunapee.

Newfound Lake

Newfound Lake is another picturesque body of water located in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. With a surface area of nearly 7 square miles and a maximum depth of 183 feet, Newfound Lake is considered the third largest New Hampshire lake located fully within the state’s borders. Additionally, the big body of water is boasted as the state’s “cleanest lake.” According to the Lakes Region website, many consider it to be one of the cleanest lakes in the entire world.

The spring-fed lake is surrounded by largely undeveloped land, adding to its cleanliness and pristine conditions. A few lighthouses also surround the lake including Reed’s Lighthouse and the Newfound Lake Lighthouse. During a visit to the lake, travelers will discover beaches, nature preserves, and hiking trails. Some highlights include Wellington State Park and the Sculpted Rocks Natural Area.

Silver Lake

New Hampshire is home to multiple bodies of water named Silver Lake. And while they are all beautiful in their own way, Silver Lake in Maddison, New Hampshire is one of the best. Not to be confused with the Silver Lake of Silver Lake State Park in Hollis, New Hampshire–the Maddison Silver Lake has a surface area of 1.5 square miles and drops 164 feet at its deepest point. It is considered a cold-water lake and is home to various types of trout, pickerel, bass, and whitefish. Much of the lake’s shore is covered with trees, however, there are a few clearings where activities like swimming and lounging lakeside are available. Views of distant mountain peaks can also be enjoyed from the lake. 

In Conclusion

New Hampshire’s most beautiful lakes are where adventure meets serenity. Whether you're casting a line, cruising the waters, or ice skating in winter, these lakes offer year-round fun. Picture yourself surrounded by stunning mountain views, colorful fall foliage, or peaceful mornings with a cup of coffee by the shore. Lakes like Winnipesaukee, Squam, and Sunapee aren’t just destinations—they’re experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you seek thrill or tranquility, New Hampshire's lakes have it all.