Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire, USA

Also known as:  Sunapee Lake

Lake Sunapee has been a popular vacation destination since the heyday of passenger railroads and steamships. The lake’s clear waters and beautiful scenery hold many attractions, and for those who love outdoor activities, there are endless opportunities for enjoyment. Lake Sunapee’s 4,000-acre expanse stretches over a length of 10 miles, and is the sixth largest lake that is contained within the state of New Hampshire. Its waters…
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    • All About Lake Sunapee, NH

    Lake Locations: USA - US New England Region - New Hampshire - Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region, NH -

    Lake Sunapee has been a popular vacation destination since the heyday of passenger railroads and steamships. The lake’s clear waters and beautiful scenery hold many attractions, and for those who love outdoor activities, there are endless opportunities for enjoyment.

    Lake Sunapee’s 4,000-acre expanse stretches over a length of 10 miles, and is the sixth largest lake that is contained within the state of New Hampshire. Its waters are controlled by the Lake Sunapee Dam, which is owned by the Department of Environmental Services. Constructed in 1932, the dam regulates the water level for recreation. Lake waters are drawn down three feet in the fall; melting snow and spring rains re-fill the lake. Lake Sunapee also provides drinking water to lake residents. Founded all the way back in 1898, The Lake Sunapee Protective Association (LSPA) remains a primary non-profit organization that works year-round to provide environmental education and important water quality maintenance of Lake Sunapee and its watershed.

    One of the lake’s special distinctions is that it contains three of the five lighthouses in New Hampshire: Herrick Cove Lighthouse, Burkehaven Lighthouse, and Loon Island Lighthouse. Two of these lighthouses, Burkehaven Lighthouse and Loon Island Lighthouse, are located at two of the lake’s islands, Burkehaven Island and Loon Island. Lake Sunapee also contains six other islands: Great Island, Star Island, Little Island, Treasure Island, Minute Island, and Emerald Island. Little Island was once an entertainment spot for tourists – it was bought in the late 1800’s (for one dollar!) by a man named N.S. Gardner, who had a bowling alley built on it.

    There are many ways to enjoy Lake Sunapee’s wonders. Nature lovers can glide along the water in a kayak, gazing deep down into its clear depths. If you want a guided tour of the lake, take a leisurely ride on the MV Mt. Sunapee II. Or take the MV Mt. Kearsarge, a replica of an antique steamship, and enjoy a delicious meal along with your tour.

    Outdoor enthusiasts will find much to love about Lake Sunapee. Anglers can cast their lines and reel in salmon, smallmouth bass, lake trout, or pickerel. Those with a thirst for excitement can experience the thrill of windsurfing, water skiing, or sailing. If you feel like taking a refreshing dip into Lake Sunapee’s waters, Mt. Sunapee State Beach is the perfect spot. The State Beach also has a boat launch, and many other conveniences including a bathhouse, store, and canoe and kayak rentals.

    And the fun doesn’t end there. The nearby Mount Sunapee holds numerous attractions as well. Take an aerial sky ride to the top and enjoy the breathtaking views. Choose one of the hiking trails to explore. And in the winter, of course, Mount Sunapee is a fantastic play area for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and levels.

    There are many more attractions in the Lake Sunapee area – antique shops to browse, art galleries and museums to visit, and trails to walk. The John Hay National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful place to explore the world of nature. Enjoy some of the area’s rich history by taking a tour of “The Fells,” the summer home and gardens of John Hay (who was the former secretary of Abraham Lincoln).

    In addition to the regular activities around Lake Sunapee, many interesting and enjoyable events are also held in the area each year, including the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Fair and an antique boat parade on Lake Sunapee.

    Whether you enjoy filling your days with an abundance of activities, or prefer to spend your time soaking in the tranquility of nature, Lake Sunapee can fulfill your desires!

    Things to Do at Lake Sunapee

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

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Sailing
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Water Skiing
    • Hiking
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • National Wildlife Refuge
    • Museum
    • Antiquing

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Sunapee?

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

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Lake Trout
    • Pickerel
    • Pike
    • Salmon
    • Smallmouth Bass
    • Trout
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Sunapee

    If you’re considering a Lake Sunapee 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 Lake Sunapee Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Sunapee 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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    Lake Sunapee Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Dammed

    Water Level Control: NH Dept. of Environmental Services

    Surface Area: 4,090 acres

    Shoreline Length: 30 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 1,093 feet

    Average Depth: 37 feet

    Maximum Depth: 104 feet

    Lake Area-Population: 5,353

    Drainage Area: 45 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Oligotrophic

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