The exact number of lakes in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire is difficult to determine since the region encompasses a vast area that includes parts of several counties. However, most maps of the area show somewhere between 80 and 100 lakes, and some sources provide an even higher estimate.
Typically, the Lakes Region is defined as encompassing all of Belknap County as well as parts of Carroll and Strafford counties. It is known for its many lakes and rivers, including Lake Winnipesaukee—which is the largest lake in New Hampshire and the second-largest in all of New England—as well as Squam Lake, Lake Winnisquam, and the headwaters of the Merrimack River.
Popular activities in the Lakes Region include swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking in the nearby White Mountain National Forest.
What towns are on the water in New Hampshire?
There are numerous towns on the water in New Hampshire, including a handful of popular summer destinations. Some of these towns include Portsmouth, which has an active harbor with shopping and waterfront dining, as well as a walkable coastal downtown and a lively music and arts scene; Wolfeboro, which is sometimes called the “Oldest Summer Resort in America” and has a beautiful lake shore and a variety of restaurants and stores; Laconia, home to Weirs Beach and its popular attractions; Meredith, with its stunning lake views, great restaurants, and excellent shopping; and Hampton Beach, with its beautiful stretch of sandy beach and many excellent restaurants.
Additionally, there are small towns such as North Hampton, Rye, and Hampton Falls, which are worth a visit if you’re looking for a more laid back atmosphere. All of these towns offer great water activities such as fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming, as well as many other things to do and see.
What towns are on Lake Winnipesaukee?
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire, located in the Lakes Region of the state. It is enjoyed for its many towns and villages that surround the lake’s shoreline. Some of the towns situated on Lake Winnipesaukee include:
Alton: An quaint New England town located on the lakes northern shore, Alton is known for its beautiful waterfront and old town charm.
Wolfeboro: Often referred to as the “Oldest Summer Resort in America”, Wolfeboro is an idyllic New England town with style that has been preserved over the years.
Center Harbor: This charming village is located on the lake’s northwestern shore and is a popular spot for boaters, as well as being a great place to shop, dine, and explore the town.
Gilford: A great place for vacationers, Gilford includes many options for both activities and dining. The town also includes picturesque views of the lake and the surrounding landscapes.
Meredith: This town can be found on the southwestern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, and it is known for its nearby state parks and hiking, boating, and swimming activities.
Tuftonboro: Located at the southwest end of the lake, Tuftonboro has a few small islands that can be accessed by boat, and there are plenty of nearby attractions for visitors.
Melvin Village: This quiet little village is located on the northernmost side of the lake and is known for its abundance of wildlife and excellent fishing spots.
Alton Bay: This small community is full of New England charm and is a great place to rent a boat and spend a day exploring the many islands on the lake.
Laconia: The largest city on the lake and located on the central eastern side, Laconia is home to some of the best restaurants, attractions, and activities that the lake has to offer.
What towns border Newfound Lake NH?
The towns that border Newfound Lake, New Hampshire, are Bridgewater, Hebron, Bristol, and Alexandria. Bridgewater is to the north of the lake, Hebron lies to the east, Bristol to the south, and Alexandria is to the west.
In addition to the four bordering towns, Newfound Lake itself is located in the town of Bristol. Newfound Lake is the second largest lake entirely within the state of New Hampshire and is a popular summer destination for swimming, fishing, and boating.
Is Newfound Lake the cleanest lake?
Newfound Lake is a beautiful lake located in the town of Bridgewater in central New Hampshire. It is a natural lake, approximately 4,451 acres in size and has been recognized as one of the cleanest lakes in the entire United States.
According to the New Hampshire Lakes Association, Newfound Lake has some of the lowest levels of phosphorus and nitrogen compared to any other lake in the state. This is a major contributor to the lake’s high water quality rating.
The watershed surrounding the lake is primarily undeveloped, which means there is minimal runoff into the lake, further contributing to the excellent water quality. In addition to its low levels of nutrients, the lake has very low levels of bacteria, making it ideal for swimming.
Year-round residents and visitors alike can enjoy swimming and fishing in the crystal-clear waters of Newfound Lake. It is definitely one of the cleanest and clearest lakes in the region.
How big is Newfound Lake New Hampshire?
Newfound Lake in New Hampshire is approximately 4,106 acres in size, making it the fourth-largest natural lake in the state. It is about seven miles long and one mile wide, with a maximum depth of 171 feet.
Its shoreline is 22 miles long and stretches between the towns of Alexandre, Bridgewater, Bristol, and Hebron. The lake is neat and tidy, surrounded by a mixture of private residential development and undeveloped forests.
The lake has many indented bays, shallow reefs, and small islands, making it an excellent spot for kayaking and canoeing. Pickerel, panfish, salmon, and other game fish, making it a popular destination for anglers.
Can you swim in Newfound Lake?
Yes, you can swim in Newfound Lake! Located in the beautiful White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Newfound Lake offers plenty of opportunity to enjoy your favorite water activities. Its seven miles of shoreline provide ample space for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely lap or just enjoy a refreshing dip, you can find a spot that suits your needs. However, as always, you should take necessary precautions for open water swimming, such as swimming with a buddy, wearing a life jacket, and being aware of your surroundings.
Newfound Lake is recognized as one of the cleanest lakes in the United States, and its outstanding water quality makes it ideal for swimming. Enjoy your stay in nature’s paradise!.
What is the water temperature of Newfound Lake?
The average temperature of Newfound Lake, located in central New Hampshire, is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 °C) during the summer months. In the winter months, the surface temperatures can drop below freezing, though temperatures at greater depths remain relatively constant at around 39 degrees Fahrenheit (4 °C).
The shallow waters at the east and west ends of the lake warm up quickly in the sunlight and often create currents that affect the rest of the lake’s temperature. Due to its shallow depth, Newfound Lake also has warmer water temperatures than many similarly sized lakes in the area.
Which US state has the most lakes?
The state with the most lakes in the United States is actually Minnesota. There are more than 15,000 lakes larger than 10 acres in size in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, which is why Minnesota is known for its vast number of lakes.
Of these 15,000 lakes, 3,500 are more than 10,000 acres in size. Minnesota is really a lake-lover’s paradise, containing some of the best fishing spots in the nation as well as plenty of lakeside trails and campgrounds.
Famous lakes in Minnesota include Lake Superior, Red Lake, Lake Pepin, and White Bear Lake. Even the state’s capital, St. Paul, is built along the banks of the Mississippi River, which is essentially a large lake.
Does NH have a lot of lakes?
Yes, New Hampshire has a lot of lakes. The state has over 400 lakes, ponds and reservoirs combined, totaling more than 1,300 miles of lake and pond shoreline. Major lakes in the state include Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, Newfound Lake, Sunapee Lake, and Lake Umbagog.
Lakes in New Hampshire range in size, with the largest being Lake Winnipesaukee with a size of 44,586 acres and a total shoreline of 290 miles. Lake Winnipesaukee is also the third-largest lake in New England.
Many of the smaller lakes are popular spots for fishing, swimming, paddling, and other recreational activities.
Is Lake Winnipesaukee a clean lake?
Yes, Lake Winnipesaukee is a clean lake. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) has been monitoring this lake since the 1990s, and according to its reports, the lake is healthy and well managed.
The DES has also remediated harmful sources that led to nutrient overload in past decades, such as sewage and stormwater, allowing for better overall water quality in the lake. While there have been a few reports of algae blooms in recent years due to climate change, the lake’s overall status remains healthy.
The lake is also monitored by the Lakes Lay Monitoring Program (LLMP) of New Hampshire, which consistently finds that the lake’s water quality is good and stable. To further help keep Lake Winnipesaukee clean, the state has put into place a ‘no motorboat washing’ rule that prohibits any motorboat-washing in order to reduce fecal coliform bacteria, which can be harmful to the lake’s health.
Additionally, the state has also enforce limits on phosphorous levels, which helps limit the growth of potentially damaging aquatic plants in the lake. Therefore, Lake Winnipesaukee is generally a clean lake.
Are NH lakes safe to swim in?
Overall, NH lakes are generally safe to swim in, particularly when precautions are taken. Most NH lakes have been tested for contaminants and found to contain safe levels for swimming and other recreational activities.
However, some lakes may still have higher levels of unsafe contaminants, such as E. coli, so it’s important to check local advisories and beach postings before swimming or engaging in other water activities.
Additionally, it’s important to watch out for strong currents, cold temperatures, hidden rocks or debris, and other potential hazards. Finally, it’s wise to use a life jacket or other flotation device, particularly with children and inexperienced swimmers.
By taking these precautions, swimming in NH lakes can be a safe and enjoyable experience.
Why do quiet lakes have clear water?
Quiet lakes typically have clear water due to a lack of agitation from wind and wave action. When there is little disturbance in the water, sediments and particles don’t get stirred up and suspended in the water, creating the illusion of clarity.
Additionally, the lack of wave action limits the amount of oxygen-rich air coming into the water, which can help to support an environment where algae and plant life can thrive. This abundance of plant growth can help to keep the water clean by filtering debris and sediment, while also promoting the growth of organisms that feed on harmful bacteria, helping to eliminate potential pollutants.
With a balanced ecosystem in place, the water in a quiet lake is free to be both clean and clear.
