Nestled within central New Hampshire, Lake Wicwas invites adventurers with its picturesque landscapes merging into three protected wildlife havens. This serene waterbody spans over 350 acres, its tranquil surface basking beneath the mountainous backdrop. Known also as Wickwas Lake, it beckons year-round enthusiasts seeking thrills from hiking and camping to ice fishing and snowshoeing. Belknap County’s Lake Wicwas boasts a meandering shoreline, a favorite retreat for canoeists, kayakers, and sailors. With a shallow profile, averaging 12 feet deep and reaching 35 feet at its lowest point, the lake holds warmth through summer in New Hampshire. Launch your expedition from the public boat ramp at its south end and journey around the four private, forested islands sprinkled across the lake. Anglers find bliss at Lake Wicwas, with abundant catches awaiting year-round. From largemouth bass in winter to pickerel in summer, the lake teems with hornpout, crappies, smallmouth bass, and perch beneath its surface. Autumn unveils a tapestry of colors for wilderness trekkers in the Hamlin-Eames Recreation and Conservation Area near Lake Wicwas. With 310 acres of wooded terrain and extensive trails, encounters with diverse wildlife like loons, herons, and deer are common in this New Hampshire section. While sailboats drift peacefully and anglers cast their lines at Lake Wicwas, the scene livens up with powerboats carving through the waters, towing waterskiers and tubers.
Visitors should navigate cautiously in certain areas due to shallow depths and narrow passages. As for water regulations, New Hampshire law prohibits ski crafts and jetskis on the lake. The dam on the eastern shore, erected in 1957, manages water levels, and the outflow feeds into Winnisquam Lake before merging with the Winnipesaukee River. Merely a 10-minute drive from Lake Wicwas’ southern tip lies the bustling Town of Meredith, offering a cultural vacation after a day on the lake. Indulge in local cuisine, amble through public parks, or explore attractions like doll and children’s museums. For a grander aquatic adventure, swap Lake Wicwas for the vast expanse of Lake Winnipesaukee to the east, spanning a whopping 44,586 acres. Central New Hampshire’s Lakes Region holds more than just the charm of Lake Wicwas—explore the verdant forests and vibrant wildlife with a welcoming small-town aura urging you to linger a bit longer. Who knows, perhaps the allure will prompt you to consider settling down permanently by Lake Wicwas?
