Squam Lake and Newfound Lake: Quieter Lakes Region Getaways

Lake Winnipesaukee gets most of the attention in the Lakes Region, and for good reason. But many New Hampshire families have a quieter favorite. Squam Lake and Newfound Lake sit a short drive to the west and north of Winnipesaukee, and both feel calmer, with fewer crowds and more of the old lake-country character. If you are planning a trip to Newfound Lake NH or Squam, this guide covers what each lake offers, how to split your time between them, and some local businesses to build a getaway around.

Two lakes, two personalities

Squam Lake sits in central New Hampshire, south of the White Mountains, straddling Grafton, Carroll and Belknap counties. Holderness is the largest town center on its shore. Squam covers 6,791 acres, making it the second-largest lake located entirely in New Hampshire. It drains through a short natural channel into Little Squam Lake, a 408-acre lake in Holderness and Ashland, and then through a dam on the Squam River into the Pemigewasset at Ashland.

Squam is much less commercialized than Winnipesaukee. Unlike the many businesses along Winnipesaukee's shores, only a few sit near Squam, and none are on Squam itself. The Squam Lakes Association maintains four boat-launching sites on the lake. Squam is also famous as the setting where the 1981 film On Golden Pond was filmed.

The lake's name has a long history. It was originally called Keeseenunknipee, meaning "the goose lake in the highlands." Later settlers used names such as Casumpa and Kusumpy. In the early 19th century it was given another Abenaki name, Asquam, meaning "water," which was shortened to Squam in the early 20th century.

Newfound Lake lies to the west, in Grafton County, within the towns of Alexandria, Bridgewater, Bristol and Hebron. At 4,451 acres, it ranks behind only Winnipesaukee and Squam among lakes located entirely within New Hampshire. Bristol includes the lower two-thirds of the lake and is the main service town.

Swimming at Wellington State Park

The best-known public spot on Newfound is Wellington State Park, a 220-acre recreation area on the lake's southwest shore in Bristol. It has the largest freshwater swimming beach in the New Hampshire state park system. Visitors swim, fish, picnic, hike and use non-motorized boats there. A 7-mile trail system starting in the park leads to the tops of Little and Big Sugarloaf mountains.

The park has an interesting origin. In 1931 Elizabeth R. Wellington turned over the tract known as the Wellington Reservation to the state for $1. The Civilian Conservation Corps developed the park during the 1930s.

On a hot summer weekend, plan to arrive early. A big beach still fills up on the best days.

Getting out on Squam

The easiest way to see Squam is from a boat with a guide who knows it.

Experience Squam in Holderness runs a range of boat excursions on the lake. Its website lists tours such as the Essence of Squam and a Golden Pond tour, sunset and moonlight cruises, fishing and wildlife trips, and fall foliage and spring tours. It also offers road trip excursions and services such as weddings and island delivery. See the listing at Squam Lake Cruise Charter.

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness also runs lake cruises, along with its main attraction, the Live Animal Exhibit Trail. The center was founded in 1966 and opened to the public on July 1, 1969. Its trail winds through meadows, forest and marsh boardwalks and features native New Hampshire wildlife such as black bear, mountain lions, river otters, bobcats, foxes and raptors. The website notes that cruise tickets should be bought in advance because space is limited. It also lists Kirkwood Gardens and hiking trails on the campus. See Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.

A morning on the animal trail followed by an afternoon cruise is one of the best family days in the Lakes Region.

Hiking near Newfound

Beyond the Sugarloaf trails at Wellington, the big hike in the area is Mount Cardigan, in Orange and Alexandria to the west of the lake. Its summit is only 3,155 feet, but extensive bare granite ledges and alpine scrub make it feel like a much higher mountain. Most of the summit was cleared by forest fires in 1855. The mountain sits within the 5,655-acre Cardigan Mountain State Park. The Appalachian Mountain Club's Cardigan Lodge, operated since 1934, sits at the eastern foot of the mountain and is a common base for hikers.

Where to stay

The Newfound Lake Inn in Bridgewater has been welcoming travelers since 1840, when it was an overnight stop on the stagecoach route from Boston to Montreal. It has a full veranda overlooking the lake, 250 feet of shoreline with a private beach and a boat dock. The inn offers dining and lodging and also hosts weddings. Its website calls Newfound one of the cleanest lakes in the nation. See Newfound Lake Inn.

Coppertoppe Inn and Retreat in Hebron is a bed and breakfast that has been operating since 2004. It describes itself as a place to slow down in the Newfound Lake region, with scenic views, quiet trails and waterfalls nearby. Each stay includes a personalized breakfast, and the inn welcomes singles, couples, families, small groups and pets. It also hosts small weddings and retreats. See Coppertoppe Inn and Retreat.

Where to eat

The Homestead Restaurant and Tavern has a location in Bristol, as well as one in Merrimack. Its website says it uses locally sourced ingredients, and it offers dinner, takeout and catering. It is a convenient dinner stop after a day at Wellington State Park. See The Homestead.

The Common Man in Ashland is part of a family of New Hampshire restaurants that also includes locations in Lincoln, Concord, Claremont, Merrimack and Windham. The Ashland restaurant is close to the Squam lakes and makes an easy meal stop on the way to or from Holderness. See The Common Man.

How to split your time

The two lakes are close enough that you can base yourself at one and visit the other.

• Base at Newfound if swimming and beach time are the priority. Wellington State Park and the Sugarloaf trails are right there, and Mount Cardigan is a short drive.
• Base at Squam if you want boat tours, wildlife and the On Golden Pond setting. Holderness puts you close to the science center and the cruises.

A three-day trip works well: one day on Newfound, one on Squam, and one for Mount Cardigan or a rainy-day backup.

Tips for a quiet lake trip

Go midweek. Both lakes are calmer than Winnipesaukee, but summer weekends still bring traffic.

Buy cruise tickets ahead. Squam cruises have limited space.

Paddle early. Early mornings are a peaceful time to be out on the water.

Respect private shoreline. Much of the shore around both lakes is private. Use public beaches and launches.

Leave no trace. Part of what makes these lakes special is how clean and undeveloped they feel. Pack out what you bring.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I swim at Newfound Lake?

Wellington State Park in Bristol has the largest freshwater swimming beach in the New Hampshire state park system.

Was On Golden Pond filmed on Squam Lake?

Yes. The 1981 film On Golden Pond was filmed on Squam Lake.

How big is Newfound Lake?

It covers 4,451 acres, behind only Winnipesaukee and Squam among lakes located entirely within New Hampshire.

Can I take a boat tour of Squam Lake?

Yes. Experience Squam and the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center both run cruises on the lake.

Sources

• Squam Lake, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squam_Lake
• Little Squam Lake, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Squam_Lake
• Newfound Lake, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newfound_Lake
• Bristol, New Hampshire, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bristol,_New_Hampshire
• Wellington State Park, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wellington_State_Park
• Mount Cardigan, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Cardigan
• Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squam_Lakes_Natural_Science_Center
• Squam Lakes Natural Science Center official site: https://www.nhnature.org/
• Experience Squam official site: https://www.experiencesquam.com
• Newfound Lake Inn official site: https://newfoundlakeinn.com/
• Coppertoppe Inn and Retreat official site: https://www.coppertoppe.com
• The Homestead Restaurant and Tavern official site: https://homesteadnh.com/
• The Common Man official site: https://www.thecman.com/