Lake Winnipesaukee
Locations
USA > New England > New Hampshire
Lake Winnipesaukee: Description
By far the largest lake in the state, Lake Winnipesaukee covers an incredible 44,586 New Hampshire acres. The lake is the third largest lake in all of New England, closely trailing Lake Champlain and Moosehead Lake. Lake Winnipesaukee lures tourists and residents to its shores year-round. Five dams control the lake's water levels as it flows downhill to meet the Merrimack River on its way to the Atlantic Ocean.
The lake is huge, and just driving around it is a 63-mile undertaking. As if to prove its size, 365 islands dot Lake Winnipesaukee's surface, 274 of them actually inhabitable. Because of the sheer size of the lake and circuitous nature of driving its circumference, it is best to see the lake by boat. You can either take your own or rent one when you get here, but you are in for a treat when you head out into the Winnipesaukee waters.
Surprisingly to some, boating on Lake Winnipesaukee is truly a year-round activity. Summer brings power boaters who speed over wake, hair blowing in the breeze, pontoon boats out for an afternoon pleasure cruise, and canoeists and kayakers interested in testing their endurance as they explore each nook and cranny of a cove. Ice sailing prevails in winter, and you will find sailboats lined up for competitions or friendly contests in this interesting sport.
If you're a swimmer, you'll enjoy the crystal clear Lake Winnipesaukee waters. Just cool enough to refresh you from some sunbathing, swimming in the lake is one of life's simple pleasures. Float on your back, watch the clouds, bring some goggles to observe fish, or test your skill by swimming for as long as you can. After you've worn yourself out, drag yourself out of the inviting waters and enjoy a lakeside picnic.
New Hampshire's Lakes Region is well-known for its beautiful four season scenery. All the photos you've seen are accurate: you'll find covered bridges, old red barns, babbling brooks, homes from another century, and more. Don't underestimate the power of New England charm, as scenic drives through nearby towns are accented by mountain overlooks where the landscape seems to travel forever into the horizon.
It isn't hyperbole to say that Lake Winnipesaukee's natural beauty is awe-inspiring. Incredibly, four castles exist near its shores: Kimball Castle, Roxmont Castle, Castle in the Clouds, and Graystone Castle, which are accented by beautiful wrought-iron, stunning architecture, large verandas, and so many other details that your eyes will eagerly take in.
Lake Winnipesaukee offers something for everyone year-round, and you and your family are sure to have an experience you won't soon forget.
Lake Winnipesaukee: Statistics
- Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Dammed
- Water level control: New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
- Area: 44,586 acres
- Shoreline length: 240 miles
- Normal elevation: 504 feet
- Mean depth: 43 feet
- Maximum depth: 180 feet
