Lake Kanasatka, a pristine 371-acre freshwater oasis nestled amidst the towering trees of New Hampshire, is a serene haven encircled by gentle hills. Formerly known as Red Hill Pond, in honor of the majestic hill overlooking its northern edge, Lake Kanasatka sees many recreational activities year-round. From anglers casting their lines at dawn to children frolicking in the water during the summer or gliding gracefully across the icy surface in winter, a day spent on this lake’s shores is well spent. Historical maps from the 1800s alternatively dubbed Lake Kanasatka as Long Pond owing to its elongated form spanning approximately two miles in length and 0.3 miles in width. In the yesteryears, the lake was a transportation route for floating logs to the former sawmill, now home to a quaint bait shop. Fed by various sources, including Wakondah Pond to the west, melted snow from the neighboring slopes, and underground springs, Lake Kanasatka’s water levels are regulated by a dam erected in 1954 and currently maintained by the New Hampshire Water Division. The lake drains into a creek into Lake Winnipesaukee, 44,586 acres large and the largest lake in New Hampshire. The lake’s maximum depth is 40 feet, while its average is 18 feet. The lush, tree-lined banks of Lake Kanasatka offer a serene escape, with an abundance of vacation rentals and real estate opportunities dotting the shoreline. Visitors can partake in many lake-centered activities, each season offering its unique charm. Autumn and spring beckon explorers to roam the nearby trails, while summers are best spent indulging in all things aquatic. The glistening surface of the lake plays host to wakeboarders, water skiers, kayakers, and canoeists, each reveling in their chosen watercraft. Winter brings a blanket of ice, perfect for skating and fishing amid this winter wonderland. Anglers flock to Lake Kanasatka for its bountiful catches of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, white perch, yellow perch, sunfish, and brown bullhead. A public boat launch invites all vessels except ski crafts like jet skis, urging caution to respect the nesting loons scattered across the lake’s enclaves.
Nestled less than five miles to the northeast lies the charming Town of Moultonborough, where families have found solace in the embrace of Lake Kanasatka. Visitors can immerse themselves in summertime music festivals, meander through unique shops, or explore the historic Castle in the Clouds perched atop a neighboring mountain, crafted in the early 1900s by a wealthy shoemaker. For outdoor enthusiasts, the southern reaches of the White Mountain National Forest beckon, a mere 20 miles from Lake Kanasatka’s shores. Spanning 800,000 acres, this forest offers backcountry skiing, hiking, camping, and the challenge of scaling Mount Washington, the pinnacle of the northern Smoky Mountains. Witness the diverse wildlife, from bears and moose to the reintroduced peregrine falcon. Lake Kanasatka is a gateway to all these adventures, providing a tranquil sanctuary for those seeking respite throughout the seasons. Whether it’s a summertime barbecue or a wintry trek encircling the lake, Lake Kanasatka promises a sanctuary of serenity for all who seek it.