New Hampshire is full of lakes. When the glaciers receded from the Granite State, they carved the mountains and lakes that now make New Hampshire the envy of the rest of the country. With crisp, clear water that goes for miles and miles, our lakes are simply the best. From the largest in the state to some of the smallest, here are the 13 best New Hampshire lakes you’ll want to check out:

1. Lake Francis
Lake Francis State Park, 439 River Rd, Pittsburg, NH 03592, USA
Stephen Bugno/flickr
Located in far northern New Hampshire, this lake is actually the start of the Connecticut River.
2. Bow Lake
Bow Lake, New Hampshire, USA
Stephanie Rogers/flickr
Bow Lake is large, with deep water, making it a perfect destination for fishermen and boaters. Bow Lake also has a something of a haunted past.
3. Umbagog Lake
Umbagog Lake State Park, NH-26, Errol, NH 03579, USA
Catherine Bligh/flickr
Spanning the border between New Hampshire and Maine, this marshy lake is a popular fishing spot.
4. Lake Winnipesaukee
Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, USA
Andrew Walker/flickr
Covering 71 square miles and containing 258 islands, Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire and perhaps also the best lake in New Hampshire, making it the crown jewel of The Lakes Region.
5. Newfound Lake
Newfound Lake, New Hampshire, USA
Doug Kerr/flickr
Newfound Lake is beautiful even on a dreary day.
6. Echo Lake
Echo Lake, Conway, NH 03860, USA
Robert Linsdell/flickr
Located in Echo Lake State Park in Conway, this beautiful lake with a gorgeous view of Cathedral Ledge is a must see.

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7. Highland Lake
Highland Lake, New Hampshire, USA
Jeff-O-Matic/flickr
Located in southwestern New Hampshire Near Keene, Highland lake is a popular spot.
8. Lonesome Lake
Lonesome Lake Loop, Franconia, NH 03580, USA
Neil Hunt/flickr
This tiny lake tucked into the White Mountains is especially picturesque. Check out this awesome trail at Lonesome Lake.
9. Lake Massabesic
Massabesic Lake, New Hampshire, USA
Kevin Micalizzi/flickr
This large lake is located right near Manchester, making it easily accessible for many people in New Hampshire. There is also a neat hiking trail that around the lake.
10. Ossipee Lake
Ossipee Lake, New Hampshire, USA
Nick Wells/flickr
This lake near the Maine border has absolutely breathtaking sunsets.
11. Pawtuckaway Lake
Pawtuckaway Lake, Nottingham, NH 03290, USA
Gerald Azenaro/flickr
This small lake in the south of the state in Rockingham county is charming and easily accessible through Pawtuckaway State Park, which features a large sandy beach.
12. Squam Lake
Squam Lake, New Hampshire, USA
Chuck Taylor/flickr
This serene lake – a smaller neighbor of Winnipesaukee – is where is the 1981 movie "On Golden Pond," featuring Katherine Hepburn, Henry Fonda and Jane Fonda was filmed. Check out the lake here for more visitor information before going.
13. Lake Wentworth
Lake Wentworth Inn, 427 Center St, Wolfeboro, NH 03894, USA
Doug Kerr/flickr
The people who love this smaller body of water in the Lakes Region will tell you that size does not matter.

Well there you have it, the best new Hampshire Lakes. Do you agree? Can you think of other lakes in new Hampshire that deserve to be on this list? Let us know below in the comments section.

Also check out these best beaches in New Hampshire that are perfect for summer trips in NH.

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Luke | June 03, 2022

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