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Forest Lake, New Hampshire, USA

A clear summer day finds many visitors and locals enjoying the weather at Forest Lake, where a 200-foot white beach is covered with sunning families and sandy towels. From the nearby dock, children take flying leaps into this shimmering 196-acre lake. Surrounded by mountains covered in snow for skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, Forest Lake is an all-round destination that covers all the…
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    • All About Forest Lake, NH

    Lake Locations: USA - US New England Region - New Hampshire - Great North Woods Region, NH -

    A clear summer day finds many visitors and locals enjoying the weather at Forest Lake, where a 200-foot white beach is covered with sunning families and sandy towels. From the nearby dock, children take flying leaps into this shimmering 196-acre lake. Surrounded by mountains covered in snow for skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, Forest Lake is an all-round destination that covers all the activity bases.

    Located in Coos County, which is set in the Great North Woods tourism region of New Hampshire, Forest Lake is a shallow, freshwater lake with an average depth of 10 feet and a maximum depth of 15 feet. A public boat ramp is located along the eastern shoreline, while the northern shoreline connects the lake to its sister park, the Forest Lake State Park. The park, which was created in 1935, reaches across 400 acres and is a day use facility only, where visitors come to relax in or around the lake.

    Explore Forest Lake by boat, canoe or kayak. Admire the houses set alongside the lake’s forested shoreline, keeping in mind that there are numerous real estate opportunities available. Wildlife may pop up at any time, as deer frequent the forests and birds nest in the tree tops. Anglers eager for a catch will have no trouble snagging fish within the lake’s depths. Chain pickerel, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and brown bullhead are found in these waters.

    Less than a 20-minute drive south from Forest Lake is the City of Bethlehem, where a small yet vibrant community embraces activities all throughout the year. Take a stroll through the quaint downtown area and pop into a few boutiques, cafes or restaurants that overlook the Ammonoosuc River nearby. The city puts on outdoor music festivals during the summer, where locals sit out to enjoy friends, family and the summer air. Once the air has a certain chill factor to it, local maple syrup producers bring out their wares and show the public what the process of making this sweet treat is like.

    Many see New Hampshire as the prime location to witness the autumnal change in leaf color during the cooler months, and the area in and around Forest Lake is no exception. Hike or mountain bike the trails that pop up throughout the area. Don’t forget your camera — you’ll need it when standing atop a mountain, looking out over a vibrant vista of dark mahogany, popping red, orange, and gold colors that seem to shimmer during this season.

    Some visit the Forest Lake area for autumn’s amazing change in color while others visit during the winter. With White Mountain National Forest just to the east of the lake, snowboarders, skiers and back country travelers will find this spot the perfect way to spend the snowy months. Nearly 800,000 acres are devoted to the forest, which offers over 100 waterfalls, backpacking trails and solitary camping spots for the outdoor enthusiasts.

    Forest Lake has it all, from splashing into the water during the summer months to skiing down nearby slopes in the winter months. Come to the area and make yourself at home at one of the many real estate opportunities along the lake’s shoreline and within the area. This northern lake offers it all.

    Things to Do at Forest Lake

    These are some activities in the Forest Lake, NH area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Waterfall
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • State Park
    • National Forest

    What Kind of Fish Are in Forest Lake?

    Forest Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Brown Bullhead
    • Chain Pickerel
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Pickerel
    • Pike
    • Smallmouth Bass
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    Find Places to Stay at Forest Lake

    If you’re considering a Forest Lake lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Forest Lake Vacation

    Our interactive Forest Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Forest Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Not Dammed

    Surface Area: 196 acres

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 1,115 feet

    Average Depth: 10 feet

    Maximum Depth: 15 feet

    Water Volume: 1,960 acre-feet

    Trophic State: Mesotrophic

    Forest Lake Map
    Local Weather Forecast
    Lake Homes For Sale

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