Located in the heart of the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region, just a stone’s throw from the Vermont border and a mere two-hour drive from Boston, lies the picturesque Eastman Lake. This idyllic retreat beckons year-round with its sprawling 320-acre expanse of water, perfect for boating and fishing, enveloped by winding trails tailor-made for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Eastman Lake is a quintessential western New Hampshire hideaway, catering to every member of the family’s desires. Distinguished as Eastman Pond interchangeably, this body of water stands as a reservoir stemming from a dam under the watchful care of the Eastman Community Association (ECA). Flowing in from Stony Brook and out through Eastman Brook, this lake spans an impressive length of two and a half miles and a width of half a mile. The Eastman community encircles the lake, featuring residential developments, vacation rentals, and real estate offerings. Water lovers revel in three charming islands dotting the lake’s landscape, the largest island providing a haven to dock boats for a leisurely lunch break or a refreshing swim. The lake’s periphery boasts several sandy beaches held by the ECA and exclusive to its members. Eastman Pond hosts many water activities, from boating, kayaking, and canoeing to sailing. The lake’s southern edge features a public boat ramp for convenient access, and the tranquil waters are maintained by a 10-mile-per-hour speed limit and a no-skiing policy. Fishing emerges as a popular pastime on Eastman Lake, drawing anglers with its thriving largemouth and smallmouth bass populations. In addition to its residential allure, the lake is enveloped by hiking and biking trails that transform into snowy wonderlands for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing come winter. Complementing the recreational offerings are a golf course and tennis courts. Most of Eastman Lake lies in Grantham, with a small portion extending into Enfield.
Enfield boasts a rich historical tapestry, with roots dating back to the chartering by Governor Benning Wentworth in 1761. The arrival of the Shakers in 1793 ushered in a new era, with the construction of their community on the western fringes of Mascoma Lake. The legacy endures through the Enfield Shaker Museum, occupying the grand Great Stone Dwelling and offering visitors a glimpse into the Shaker way of life. Eastman Lake is conveniently situated near two notable New Hampshire Wildlife Management Areas, each offering a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts. The Henry Laramie WMA, formerly known as the Enfield WMA, sprawls across 3,062 acres in Grafton and Sullivan Counties and teems with diverse habitats inhabited by moose, deer, grouse, bear, turkey, and waterfowl. The McDaniels Marsh State Wildlife Management Area, established in 1957, envelops 609 acres in Grafton County, featuring sprawling wetlands and abundant waterfowl. Eastman Lake shines as a recreational gem with its serene waters, prime fishing spots, sandy beaches, and surrounding natural wonders. Factor in the neighboring wildlife havens, winter sports pursuits, and the rich historical tableau of nearby Enfield, and a vacation to Eastman Lake is bound to carve out a special place in your heart.