New Hampshire's Golden Pond: Five Things to Know About Squam Lake

Squam Lake is nestled in the breathtaking Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Originally called Keeseenunknipee—the goose lake in the highlands—the lake's name was changed to Asquam and then shortened to Squam. The tranquil shores and picturesque beauty of Squam Lake was the site of the 1981 feature film "On Golden Pond," starring Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn, and Jane Fonda. Whether for a week or a lifetime, Squam Lake is the perfect place to call home.

Location

Located just south of the White Mountains, Squam Lake stretches across Grafton, Carroll, and Belknap Counties, and is northwest of the larger Lake Winnipesaukee. Squam Lake is the second largest lake in the state of New Hampshire and covers 6,791 acres.

Geography

Squam Lake has approximately 30 named islands. The largest on the lake is Chocorura Island or Church Island. Church Island is the site of the country's first resident boys' summer camp, started in 1881. Some popular destinations for hiking and walking around the Squam Lake include Five Finger Point, Rattle Snake Mountain, Eagle Cliffs, and Chamber-Reynolds Natural Area. The lake is home to a variety of fish and waterfowl, including the loon, the great blue heron, bald eagle, rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, lake trout, whitefish, and largemouth bass. Both birders and fishing enthusiasts are drawn to Squam Lake.

Towns

The towns of Ashland, Holderness, Center Harbor, Sandwich, and Moultonborough are all located on Squam Lake. Holderness is the largest and is home to the Squam Lake Natural Science Center. The science center attracts visitors and locals year-round and features exhibits about the area's indigenous wildlife, such as the black bear, bobcat, deer, mountain lions, and bald eagles. Pick up a guided boat tour at the Squam Lake Natural Science Center to learn even more about the nature and local history of the area.

Recreation

The Squam Lake Association offers recreation activities for all tastes and budgets. Rent a canoe, kayak, or paddle board, hike a trail or rent a weekly campsite to get close up and personal with area beauty. And if getting away from it all is your idea of the perfect vacation, check out Bowman Island. This tiny, 23-acre island has rustic campsites for an unplugged retreat where you can watch the biggest screen of all—a star-studded night sky.

Squam Lake Real Estate

Squam Lake real estate options offer homes for year-round living or investment property with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Browse our Squam Lake waterfront properties and visualize living on the shores of New Hampshire's iconic Golden Pond. To find out more about all Squam Lake has to offer, contact us today!

Categories: New Hampshire Lakes Region