Set amid the rugged mountains of central New Hampshire, Newfound Lake is a boating gem waiting to be discovered.
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Just a two-hour drive from Boston and nestled between New Hampshire’s Mount Cardigan and Mount Stinson is Newfound Lake, a remarkably clear, aquatic playground for boaters, paddlers, and fishermen.
Boating Regulations: Anyone wishing to operate a boat with an engine of more than 25 horsepower on New Hampshire waters must possess a safe-boating certificate from the state or proof of an equivalent certificate from another state. For more information, go to New Hampshire Safety Division website
Dockage, Moorings & Service: West Shore Marine (603) 744-2900: The only marina on Newfound Lake, West Shore offers gas, service, boat sales, and rentals.
Launch Ramp: Wellington State Park (603) 744-2197: Launch ramp for motorized and non-motorized vessels, but the parking lot fills quickly on summer weekends. Launching is included in the general access fee of $5 per adult and $2 per child. The park also has the largest freshwater beach in the state park system, as well as picnic areas, hiking trails, fishing spots, access to nearby islands, and other amenities.
Purple Pit Coffee Lounge (603) 744-7800: This café in Bristol’s Central Square offers a selection of fine coffees, sandwiches, and salads, along with live local music during the summer.
Bridgewater Inn (603) 744-3518: Specializes in steak, but also offers wide range of soup, pasta, seafood, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and more.
Provisions: Newfound Country Store(603) 744-8616: Country store with market, deli, gifts, beer/wine, clothing, and more. Great place to stock up on picnic items for the boat.
DESTINATION NEWFOUND LAKE
Things To Do: Newfound Eco Tours (603) 744-8689: The Newfound Lake Region Association offers two-hour educational tours aboard its pontoon boat, docked at the Grey Rocks Conservation Area at the northern end of the lake.
Newfound Audubon Center (603) 224-9909: Educational nature center overlooking Hebron Marsh in the northwest corner of the lake. Features picnic areas, walking trails, events, presentations, and a nature store.
Cardigan Mountain State Park(603) 227-8745: Spanning 5,655 acres, this state forest offers great hiking. A mountain road leads to trails on the west slope of Mount Cardigan, as well as a trail to the 3,121-foot exposed summit, which offers spectacular views.
Cool Shops: The Mill Fudge Factory(603) 744-0405: Located in a historic 1700s grist mill overlooking the Newfound River, the Mill Fudge Factory makes handcrafted, small-batch fudge. Also sells ice cream.
Where to Stay: Newfound Lake Inn(603) 744-9111: This lakeside charming inn has been welcoming travelers since 1840, when it served as an overnight stop on the stagecoach route from Boston to Montreal. The inn boasts great views of Newfound Lake, 250 feet of private beach, and a boat dock.
Bridgewater Inn (603) 744-3518: Offers six motel rooms with separate heat/AC, TV, refrigerator, and private bath. Two-night minimum.
Boat, Kayak & Pontoon Rentals: Wellington State Park (603) 744-2197: Kayaks and paddleboards can be rented at the park’s camp store. The park also features a launch ramp for motorized and non-motorized vessels. General access fee of $5/adult and $2/child. The park also has the largest freshwater beach in the state park system, as well as picnic areas, hiking trails, fishing spots, access to nearby islands, and other amenities.