I spend a lot of time in the area of Mt. Cardigan, as that region of New Hampshire is one of my favorite areas to get outside. There are various ways to get to my destinations there, but more often than not I get to drive by Newfound Lake, located in the towns of Alexandria, Bridgewater, Bristol, and Hebron. At nearly 4,500 acres in size, it's the third largest of the New Hampshire lakes behind Lake Winnipesaukee and Squam Lake. It is also one of the deepest, with its furthest point from the surface being 183 feet down.

The lake is well-known for its pristine water quality. The University of New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, in cooperation with the Newfound Lake Region Association (NLRA), have developed goals that are continually monitored to ensure the lake's continued good health. Part of this effort also includes permanently conserving more than 6,600 acres of land surrounding the lake.

Some of this land is open for recreational uses like mountain biking, snowmobiling, and hiking. The Sugarloaf Ridge-Goose Pond Conservation Area, managed by Lakes Region Conservation Trust in cooperation with NLRA, contains trails that bring hikers to secluded Goose Pond. The trails here connect to other paths within neighboring Wellington State Park, which spans over 200 acres and features the largest freshwater swimming beach in the entire New Hampshire State Parks system. From the park, hikers can also reach the summit of Little Sugarloaf, which offers good views over Newfound Lake.

The lake itself offers plentiful opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing, with the lake being restocked each year with several species of trout and salmon. Sadly, what you won't find on the lake nowadays are the steamboats that used to cruise its waters. The steamboat era here began in the 1860s and lasted until the early 20th century. Unfortunately, it seems that many of the ships tended to catch fire, which no doubt put an end to their appeal.

All of the New Hampshire lakes and waterways are precious resources to be protected not only for their recreational opportunities but also to ensure safe drinking water and rich habitat for the diverse wildlife that call these areas home. Newfound Lake is a stellar example of these conservation efforts. For more information on visiting and recreating Newfound Lake, visit the Newfound Lake Region Association. If you want to turn your visit to the lake into a multi-day stay, consider an overnight at the funky Kelby, a modern boutique hotel located on the western shore.