Day on the lake

Lake view

From the iconic Winnipesaukee to hidden gems like Beaver Lake, New Hampshire has no shortage of lakes. Here are eight of the best for kayaking and canoeing, according to Hippo readers.

1. LAKE MASSABESIC

Manchester and Auburn, 624-6482, manchesternh.gov/departments/water-works/lakemassabesic-watershed The 2,560-acre lake has three public boat launches: one in Auburn Village; one off Route 121 near the Manchester-Auburn town line; and one at Deer Neck Bridge off the Londonderry Turnpike in Auburn. The latter is designed for kayaks and canoes.

2. NEWFOUND LAKE

Wellington State Park, 614 W. Shore Road, Bristol, 744-2197, nhstateparks.org A boat launch is just outside the park, providing free 24/7 access to the 4,106-acre lake. Boaters can access the park (regular admission fee charged) via the boat lanes set up by the beach. Kayaks are available to rent at the park store.

3. LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE

Located in Belknap and Carroll counties, lakewinnipesaukee.net With 71 square miles of surface area, the state’s largest lake has 18 boat launches in eight towns (launch fee charged at some locations). Local businesses can provide everything you need to hit the water, including boat rentals, cleaning, accessories and storage.

4. PAWTUCKAWAY LAKE

Pawtuckaway State Park, 7 Pawtuckaway Road, Nottingham, 895-3031, nhstateparks.org The park (admission fee charged) offers canoe and kayak rentals at its camp store as well as a public launch for the 784-acre lake.

5. LAKE SUNAPEE

Mount Sunapee State Park, 86 Beach Access Road, Newbury, 763-5561, nhstateparks.org Access the 4,085-acre lake from a boat launch at the state park’s beach (admission fee charged). Canoe and kayak rentals are also available.

6. BEAVER LAKE

Pond Road, Derry, beaver-lake.org Located off Route 102 a couple miles from the center of Derry, the 137-acre lake has a public-access launch for canoes and kayaks.

7. GLEN LAKE

300 Elm St., Goffstown, 497-4824, goffstown.com/dept/pr/facilities-p-r The Piscataquog River feeds this 137-acre lake, just outside the center of Goffstown. A concrete boat ramp, open to all, is available at the town beach.

8. LAKE WINNISQUAM

Water Street, Laconia, winnisquamwatershed.org/public-access With 4,264 acres, the lake, fed by Lake Winnipesaukee, is the state’s fourth largest, spanning across five towns including Laconia, Tilton, Sanbornton, Belmont and Meredith. There are two public boat ramps and a floating dock in Laconia.

By Owner/Author Dawn Hunt

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