Outdoor Adventures in Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee: Trails, Water and Golf

The Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region is the part of New Hampshire that visitors tend to discover second. It lacks the crowds of the Lakes Region and the big peaks of the White Mountains, and that is exactly its appeal: a clear, deep lake, two classic hiking mountains, a long-distance trail loop, strong mountain biking, and some of the oldest golf in the state. This guide covers the outdoor activities around Lake Sunapee NH that hold up year after year, with local businesses from our directory.

The region at a glance

The region runs from the Lake Sunapee towns of Sunapee, Newbury and New London north and west to Hanover, Lebanon and Claremont on the Connecticut River. Interstate 89 cuts through the middle, which makes most of the area easy to reach from Concord and southern New Hampshire.

Spring arrives here a little later than on the Seacoast. In April, expect snow at higher elevations, high water in the rivers, and soft, muddy trails. It is a good time to plan the season ahead, and a few activities, covered below, work well even now.

Lake Sunapee

Lake Sunapee is the fifth-largest lake located entirely in New Hampshire. It runs about 8 miles north to south, covers 6.5 square miles, and reaches a maximum depth of 105 feet. Peninsulas and coves give it roughly 70 miles of shoreline, and it holds eleven islands and three lighthouses listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The drive around the lake is about 25 miles and has long stretches of water views, which makes it a good outing in any season. Public boat ramps are at Sunapee Harbor, Georges Mills, Newbury and Mount Sunapee State Park, among others. The state park beach in Newbury has canoe and kayak rentals in season, a playground and a restricted boat launch.

Hiking Mount Sunapee and Mount Kearsarge

Mount Sunapee State Park covers nearly 3,000 acres in Newbury, including most of Mount Sunapee and the beach on the lake. Its trail system is used in all seasons for hiking and in winter for snowshoeing. The park's ski area operates as Mount Sunapee Resort.

Mount Kearsarge, in Wilmot and Warner, is one of the most rewarding moderate hikes in the state. Its summit has been bare since a forest fire in 1796, and on a very clear day you can see Boston's skyscrapers from the fire tower, about 80 miles away. Winslow State Park sits at the northern base and Rollins State Park at the southern base.

Long-distance trails. The Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway is a 75-mile loop that links Mount Sunapee State Park with Wadleigh, Winslow and Rollins state parks and several state forests. The 50-mile Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway runs south from the park toward Pillsbury State Park and southern New Hampshire. Both are best tackled in sections.

A note on spring: the standard advice in New England is to avoid muddy high-elevation trails during spring thaw, since walking on soft ground damages them. In April, favor lower routes and save the summits for drier weeks.

Mountain biking

The western side of the region has a strong mountain bike culture, centered on Lebanon and Claremont.

• Mason Racing Cycles in Lebanon calls itself the Upper Valley's mountain bike headquarters and supports the Upper Valley Mountain Bike Association. It is a good first stop for service and local trail advice.
• The Wheel House in Claremont is an employee-owned bike shop that sells mountain, gravel, kids' and electric bikes and offers assembly and service. It is also home to more than 20 miles of hand-built community trails at Arrowhead.

Early spring is tune-up season. Getting a bike serviced in April means it is ready when the trails dry out.

Golf with history

The region's golf courses are among its best-kept outdoor secrets.

• Granliden in Sunapee is home to one of the oldest golf courses in New Hampshire. Golf was first played there in the late 1800s; Alexander Findlay designed a nine-hole course in 1899, and Walter Travis redesigned it in 1924. It is part of a lakeside community, so check access before planning a round.
• Eastman Golf Links in Grantham is an 18-hole semi-private championship course designed by Geoffrey Cornish, with a driving range, putting green and short-game area. It is an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and offers public tee times. In winter, the same community runs a cross-country ski center.
• Country Club of New Hampshire in North Sutton is a golf course in the Kearsarge valley, a short drive from New London.

For families

• Blackbeard's Cove Adventure Golf in Claremont is a pirate-themed mini golf spot, an easy add-on for families after a day on the trails or the lake.

A sample outdoor weekend

1. Day one, morning: drive the loop around Lake Sunapee and stop at Sunapee Harbor.

2. Day one, afternoon: a lower-elevation walk in Mount Sunapee State Park, or a round at Eastman once courses open.

3. Day two, morning: hike Mount Kearsarge from Winslow or Rollins State Park on a dry day.

4. Day two, afternoon: head west to Lebanon or Claremont for a bike ride or a visit to a local shop.

The region by season

Spring: lake drives, lower trails, bike tune-ups and the start of golf season.

Summer: swimming at the state park beach, paddling, and the full greenway.

Fall: Kearsarge and Sunapee summits are prime foliage hikes.

Winter: snowshoeing at Mount Sunapee and cross-country skiing at Eastman.

Planning tips

• Base yourself centrally. New London and Sunapee put you close to the lake, Mount Sunapee and Mount Kearsarge. Lebanon and Hanover are better if biking is the priority.
• Check state park status. Parking, beach services and campground seasons are set by New Hampshire State Parks and change through the year.
• Carry layers. Summits are colder and windier than the lake, even in summer.
• Confirm course access. Some courses are semi-private or community-run; check public play rules before you go.

Packing for a spring day outside

Spring around Lake Sunapee can feel like two seasons in one day. Pack layers, a waterproof shell, waterproof boots for muddy paths, and a warm hat for breezy shoreline stops. Bring water and snacks, since services can be spread out in the smaller towns, and leave a change of dry clothes in the car.

FAQ

What is there to do outdoors around Lake Sunapee?

Hiking Mount Sunapee and Mount Kearsarge, paddling and swimming at Mount Sunapee State Park, driving the 25-mile lake loop, mountain biking near Lebanon and Claremont, and golf.

How big is Lake Sunapee?

It covers about 6.5 square miles, runs about 8 miles long, and is up to 105 feet deep.

Can you see Boston from Mount Kearsarge?

On a very clear day, Boston's skyscrapers are visible from the summit fire tower, about 80 miles away.

What is the Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway?

A 75-mile loop trail linking Mount Sunapee State Park with several other state parks and forests in the region.

Sources

• Lake Sunapee, Wikipedia (size, depth, shoreline, islands, lighthouses, boat ramps): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Sunapee
• Mount Sunapee State Park, Wikipedia (acreage, beach, greenways): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Sunapee_State_Park
• Mount Kearsarge, Wikipedia (1796 fire, view of Boston, state parks): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Kearsarge_(Merrimack_County,_New_Hampshire)
• Business websites: masonracingcycles.com, thewheelhousebikes.com, granliden.com/golf, eastmangolflinks.com, countryclubofnh.com, pirateminigolf.com