Best Lakes in New England: New England is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the United States, and its picturesque lakes are no exception. From the clear, calm waters of Maine to the sprawling lakes of New Hampshire and Vermont, there’s no shortage of breathtaking lakes to explore in the region. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed vacation, the best lakes in New England offer something for everyone. With opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and more, these lakes are perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top lakes in New England and highlight what makes each one unique.
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Best Lakes in New England
Find some of the Best Lakes in New England
Squam Lake
New England is famous for its beautiful lakes, which offer a range of fun activities for families to enjoy. Squam Lake is one of the best, offering stunning natural beauty and plenty of things to do.
Located in central New Hampshire, Squam Lake is surrounded by gorgeous forests and mountains, making it the perfect spot for outdoor adventures. Families can explore the lake by boat, kayak, or paddleboard, taking in the breathtaking scenery and maybe even spotting some wildlife along the way.
The lake is also home to a variety of fish, making it a great spot for fishing. Families can try their hand at catching some bass or trout, or simply enjoy a relaxing day out on the water.
If you prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore around the lake, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. Along the way, you’ll encounter beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains, as well as some fascinating historical sites.
For a more laid-back day out, families can relax on one of the many beaches around the lake, or take a picnic and enjoy the scenery from the shore.
Overall, Squam Lake is one of the best family destinations in New England, offering a range of outdoor activities and beautiful natural scenery to explore.
Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain is one of the best lakes in New England for families to visit. Located in the northern part of Vermont, the lake is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and offers a wide range of activities for families to enjoy.
One of the most popular things to do on Lake Champlain is to explore the water by boat, kayak, or paddleboard. With more than 120 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of places to launch your watercraft and enjoy the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
For families who love fishing, Lake Champlain is a dream come true. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, trout, and salmon. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a big one.
If you prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore around the lake. Families can take a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike, and enjoy the stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
Lake Champlain is also home to several parks and beaches, perfect for a relaxing day out. Families can swim, play, and soak up the sun, while enjoying the picturesque scenery of the lake.
Overall, Lake Champlain is one of the best family destinations in New England, offering a range of outdoor activities and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or a relaxing day out, Lake Champlain has something for everyone.
Lake Winnipesaukee
Lake Winnipesaukee is one of the best lakes in New England for families to visit. Located in central New Hampshire, the lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests, and offers a wide range of activities for families to enjoy.
One of the most popular things to do on Lake Winnipesaukee is to explore the water by boat, kayak, or paddleboard. With over 200 miles of shoreline and 72 square miles of surface area, there’s plenty of room to explore the lake and take in the stunning scenery.
Fishing is also a popular activity on Lake Winnipesaukee, with a variety of fish species including trout, salmon, and bass. Families can rent a boat and try their luck catching some fish, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
For families who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore around the lake, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. Along the way, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Lake Winnipesaukee is also home to several beaches and parks, perfect for a relaxing day out. Families can swim, play, and enjoy a picnic while soaking up the sun and taking in the picturesque scenery.
Overall, Lake Winnipesaukee is one of the best family destinations in New England, offering a range of outdoor activities and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Lake Winnipesaukee has something for everyone.
Sunapee Lake
Sunapee Lake is one of the best lakes in New England for families to visit. Located in western New Hampshire, the lake is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and offers a wide range of activities for families to enjoy.
One of the most popular things to do on Sunapee Lake is to explore the water by boat, kayak, or paddleboard. With over 8 miles of shoreline, there’s plenty of space to enjoy the lake and take in the beautiful scenery.
Fishing is also a popular activity on Sunapee Lake, with a variety of fish species including trout, bass, and pickerel. Families can rent a boat and try their luck catching some fish, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
For families who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore around the lake, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Sunapee Lake is also home to several beaches and parks, perfect for a relaxing day out. Families can swim, play, and enjoy a picnic while soaking up the sun and taking in the picturesque scenery.
In the winter, Sunapee Lake transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a range of snow-based activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.
Overall, Sunapee Lake is one of the best family destinations in New England, offering a range of outdoor activities and stunning natural beauty throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Sunapee Lake has something for everyone.
Moosehead Lake
Looking for the perfect family destination for your next vacation? Look no further than Moosehead Lake in Maine, one of the best lakes in New England! With crystal clear waters surrounded by lush forests, this idyllic location offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing, or boating, or just want to relax and soak up the serene natural beauty, Moosehead Lake has it all. And with plenty of family-friendly activities like swimming, kayaking, and exploring the nearby towns, there’s never a dull moment.
But Moosehead Lake isn’t the only great lake in New England. From the majestic mountains of New Hampshire to the historic charm of Cape Cod, the region is home to a wealth of stunning lakes just waiting to be discovered. So pack up the family and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of the best regions for lake vacations in the country!