Splash, paddle and float

In a region that’s long been influenced by its waterways, recreation on the water offers options for party boaters to puddle-jumpers.

The Mighty Lake Sunapee

Lake Sunapee, the fifth-largest lake in New Hampshire, serves as the headwaters of the Sugar River. The lake features 11 islands, three working lighthouses and has four public boat ramps and one private ramp open to the public (Sunapee Harbor, Georges Mills, Mount Sunapee State Park, Burkehaven and Blodgett Landing).

Out of Sunapee Harbor, you can take to the water on a group tour or private cruise with Sunapee Cruises. Departing from Sunapee Harbor, a narrated boat tour on Lake Sunapee is a time-honored way to spend an afternoon seeing the historical features and newer lake homes. You can also enjoy a night on the water with a dinner cruise featuring delicious food from the same owners of Appleseed Restaurant, while taking in the views of amazing sunsets, lighthouses and mountains.

If you’re prepared to DIY your day on the water, you can rent pontoon and bowrider power boats from companies such as Goodhue Boat Company or Bob’s Beacon Marina.

Manually powered boat rentals, such as canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, are available at Sunapee State Park, as well as other vendors, including Sunapee Trading Post.

Swimming is available at the public beach at Sunapee State Park. Dewey Beach, Georges Mills Beach and Newbury Town Beach are available for residents and their guests to access for swimming.

Options for swimming and paddling

Just to the south of Sunapee, Pillsbury State Park between Goshen and Washington also has a swimming beach, boat ramp, and canoe and kayak rentals. Along the Sugar River, there are swimming holes beloved by locals. For example, Pollards Mills in Newport features pools and waterfalls.

Finally, the Sugar River reaches the Connecticut River, which is well enjoyed by paddlers. The Connecticut River Paddlers Trail, which stretches along the river from the Great North Woods to Long Island Sound, features a map of places you can put in your boat. In the Sugar River Region, the Cornish Boat Landing, Ashley Ferry State Park, Charlestown Lower Landing and Herrick’s Cove are among the locations with boat launches.

A local favorite

Vilas Pool Park in Alstead is another popular spot to cool off in sparkling waters. It is a man-made swimming area formed by a dam on the Cold River. There is a pavilion, which is sometimes rented out for events, a snack stand, a footbridge bell tower and swan pedal boats.