Squam Lakes NH Property - On Golden Pond
Take yourself back to the 1930’s when travelers took the train from New York or Boston up to New Hampshire to spend a week or summer on Squam Lake. Fast forward to 2017 get in your
canoe and start exploring the shores of Big Squam Lake. Much of the shoreline remains as it was at the turn of the century, woods! There are large estates on the lake but most are deep in the woods and not visible from the shore. Much of the shoreline is in conservation never to be built on. Squam is the second largest lake in NH. Traveling around the lake don’t expect to find anything more than woods, hiking trails, deer, moose, a few country stores, art galleries or an Inn along the way.
Ashland NH
Ashland is home to Little Squam. Ashland lies just about in the center of NH. Little Squam is dotted with cottages and two marinas a Wooden Covered Bridge where you can find gas, docking and boating supplies. The town has a small downtown where you can find a gourmet restaurant, groceries and lumber store for projects. Major ski resorts are 30 minutes north.
Holderness NH
Holderness is dotted with bed and breakfasts and is located Big Squam Lake and Little Squam. You can boat from Big Squam to Little Squam and the public boat launch is located just north of the bridge dividing the two lakes. Jet skis are allowed but not welcome on this scenic quiet lake. Plan on a visit to Squam Lakes Science Center an education center with NH native animals in natural settings. Cannon, Loon or Waterville Ski Areas are 30 minutes north of town. The Holderness School a well-known prep school is located in town on the Plymouth town line.
Sandwich NH
Sandwich a large rural town known as the cultural center of the NH lakes region has numerous art galleries at the town center. In October you can visit the Sandwich Fair, an agricultural fair that we visit every Columbus Day weekend. The town was recently ranked by Yankee Magazine # 8 in the top fall foliage towns to visit. You will find numerous hiking trails and scenic farms dotting the landscape around the town and Squam Lake.
Moultonborough NH
Moultonborough has miles of shoreline on Squam Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee resulting in some of the lowest property taxes in New Hampshire. There is a small town center with a general store, gas station, restaurants you must visit along with shops. Boating, hiking, and snowmobiling are popular in this resort town. There some great hiking trails at Castle in the Clouds or the Red Hills.
Center Harbor NH
Center Harbor has waterfront shoreline on Squam and Winnipesaukee. The town center is located on the shoreline of Lake Winnipesaukee. In town, you have a grocery store with an excellent bakery, art galleries and is known as the quilting headquarters for NH. There are some excellent restaurants in town with my favorite being Canoe. Center Harbor is also the winter berth for the Mount Washington Cruise Ship. There is boating activity to be had on Big Squam Lake along with golfing, hiking and biking. In the winter you can snowmobile, cross-country ski, snowshoe ice fish, ice skate, and major ski resorts are close by.
Squam Lake Local Area Activities, Events & Attractions
- Biking and Hiking - trails and opportunities are plentiful in the area. The popular Red Hill trails are in Moultonborough.
- Boating - a state maintained launch ramp is located in Holderness, next to the Science Center, providing easy access to Big Squam Lake and Little Squam.
- Castle in the Clouds - a historic hillside property that can be toured, with views over the lakes region. A great picnic spot!
- Fishing - Squam Lake is well known for Landlocked Salmon fishing, but other species like Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Pickerel and Perch are also to be found.
- Golf - Several courses are available in the area and throughout the Lakes Region.
- Islands - there are over 30 islands within the boundaries on Squam Lake. Many are owned by the association and visitors are welcome.
- Sandwich Fair - an annual Columbus Day Weekend family fair.
- Skiing - Ski resorts are located 10 – 45 minutes away.
- Squam Lakes Natural Science Center - a natural science discovery center with events, live animal exhibits, cruises, gardens and more, is located in Holderness.
Notable Local Town Profiles
- Ashland is at the southern end of Little Squam. Its small downtown area features restaurants, groceries, and a hardware store. Under the Covered Bridge at the south end of the lake you will find Squam River Landing / Riveredge Marina, a full-service marina with gas and docking available.
- Center Harbor is a quiet and picturesque New England lakeside town. Its village area is actually located shores of neighboring Lake Winnipesaukee.
- Holderness is located with shoreline access to both Big Squam Lake and Little Squam Lake. Holderness has a small downtown with a restaurant with docking and a marina.
- Moultonborough has its town center located off Route 25. Home to the popular hiking trails at Red Hill and the Castle in Clouds where you can enjoy lunch at the famed castle overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee.
- Sandwich is one of the largest towns in Carroll County. Along with having miles of shoreline, Sandwich has an active artist community in the center of town. It is also home to the annual Sandwich Fair, historic buildings and plenty of open space.
