Information
Landmark: Lake SquamCity: Central NH
Country: USA New Hampshire
Continent: North America
Lake Squam, Central NH, USA New Hampshire, North America
Overview
Lake Squam, a clear, quiet stretch of freshwater in central New Hampshire, lies mostly within the towns of Holderness, Ashland, and Sandwich, what’s more spanning about 6,791 acres, it’s New Hampshire’s second-largest lake, admired for its glassy water and the thick ring of pine forest that frames its shore.Compared to the busier lakes nearby, Lake Squam feels tucked away and calm, with loons calling across the water and only a few docks in sight-perfect for watching wildlife, paddling out in a small boat, or settling into a peaceful lakeside hideaway, meanwhile lake Squam runs about seven miles from end to end and spans two miles across, its shoreline twisting into coves, peninsulas, and small islands where pine trees lean over the water.Forested shorelines stretch along the lake, with dense hardwoods and tall conifers casting cool shade over the water, simultaneously they keep the area wild and untouched while sheltering deer, birds, and countless smaller creatures.Mountains and hills rise all around, with the Squam Range offering trails that lead to high vantage points where you can glimpse the lake shimmering below, likewise more than 20 islands and hidden coves invite you to slip away for a quiet boat ride, watch herons lift off the water, and wander through scenery that feels untouched.Lake Squam feeds the Squam River, which winds its way into the Pemigewasset and, later, the Merrimack River, carrying its cool, clear water downstream, likewise lake Squam offers a peaceful escape for those who love gentle, nature-based activities, from paddling a canoe past quiet pine-lined coves to exploring hidden islands by kayak or motorboat.People often turn to electric motors to keep things quiet, like the steady hum of a ceiling fan on a summer afternoon, furthermore fishing’s good here-the lake’s home to brook trout, landlocked salmon, and smallmouth bass, and you’ll observe anglers casting lines from dawn to dusk in every season.You’ll find public spots and little sandy stretches where you can swim, spread out a picnic, and unwind with the sound of waves lapping at the shore, what’s more the lake draws birdwatchers and photographers with its loons calling across the water, ospreys swooping overhead, beavers paddling near the shore, and bald eagles gliding in the open sky.Hike the trails winding through nearby hills and mountains-like those at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center-and you’ll catch sweeping views of the lake while breathing in the cool, pine-scented air, equally important spring brings its own highlights: flocks of migratory birds wheel back into view, wildflowers scatter color along the shoreline, and warmer days spark a lively bite in the water.It seems, Summer brings warm days perfect for swimming, gliding across the water in a boat, or sharing a quiet picnic by the still, sunlit lake, equally important quiet coves tucked along the lake invite you to unwind, their still water catching the soft glint of afternoon light.In autumn, the forests blaze with color, their leaves turning fiery red and gold, and the lake mirrors every shade in its glassy surface, on top of that there’s something deeply satisfying about hiking a quiet trail and snapping a photo when the light hits just right.In winter, the lake turns solid under the cold, inviting ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing along nearby trails, while quiet, snow-dusted hills stand watch all around, along with a trip to Lake Squam offers a quiet, nature-filled escape, far from the crowded, chattering shores of southern New Hampshire’s busier lakes, in some ways Crystal-clear water laps against pine-lined shores, where loons call across the stillness, giving the spot a peaceful, far-off feel-perfect for paddling, watching birds, or just soaking in northern New England’s quiet beauty, at the same time because the lake sits close to the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center and is ringed by mountains, visitors can paddle its calm waters in the morning, then spend the afternoon hiking, spotting wildlife, and learning about the region’s ecology.Believe it or not, With its wild, untouched shore and a quiet stillness that hangs in the air, it’s among the state’s most radiant freshwater spots for reflection, on top of that lake Squam captures New Hampshire’s wild charm, where you can paddle past quiet coves, spot an osprey overhead, and soak in the stillness of its untouched shoreline.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-10-19
