15 Best Things to Do at Newfound Lake, NH | Local Guide

There is something special about Newfound Lake.

Located in the heart of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, Newfound Lake offers the kind of New Hampshire vacation many people are searching for: beautiful water, mountain views, great restaurants, hiking, boating and plenty of places to simply slow down and enjoy where you are.

We fell in love with this area long before we built Eagle Ridge and Big Bear. Today, we love sharing Newfound Lake with our guests and helping them discover some of our favorite places around the lake.

Whether you are planning a summer vacation, fall foliage getaway, winter weekend or your first visit to the Lakes Region, here are 15 of our favorite things to do around Newfound Lake.

1. Spend the Day at Wellington State Park

No trip to Newfound Lake is complete without spending some time at Wellington State Park in Bristol.

The park sits directly on Newfound Lake and is known for its beautiful beach, clear water and incredible views. Pack a lunch, bring the family and plan on spending a few hours enjoying the lake.

During the busy summer months, plan ahead because this is one of the most popular destinations on Newfound Lake.

2. Get Out on Newfound Lake

You really need to experience Newfound Lake from the water.

Boating, kayaking and paddleboarding give you a completely different perspective of the lake and surrounding mountains. Early mornings can be especially beautiful when the lake is quiet and the water is calm.

Newfound Lake is one of the reasons we chose this area for both Eagle Ridge and Big Bear. No matter how many times you see it, the view never seems to get old.

3. Explore Newfound Lake’s Beaches

Wellington State Park may be the best known beach, but it is not the only way to enjoy the water.

Spend some time exploring the different areas around Newfound Lake. Swimming in the clear water surrounded by New Hampshire mountains is one of those simple experiences that makes a summer vacation here memorable.

4. Hike Around Newfound Lake

One of the best things about staying at Newfound Lake is that you can spend one day on the water and the next in the mountains.

There are hiking opportunities throughout the area for different ages and ability levels. Whether you are looking for a family friendly walk or something more challenging, the Newfound Lake area gives you plenty of choices.

Fall is an especially incredible time to hike as the Lakes Region changes color.

5. Visit Sculptured Rocks Natural Area

Sculptured Rocks Natural Area in Groton is one of the most unique natural attractions near Newfound Lake.

Over thousands of years, the Cockermouth River carved incredible shapes into the bedrock. It is an easy addition to a day of exploring and a great place to see another side of this part of New Hampshire.

Bring your camera.

6. Explore Downtown Bristol

Bristol is the hub of the Newfound Lake area and worth spending some time exploring.

Grab breakfast or lunch, stop for coffee, visit some of the local businesses and enjoy the small town atmosphere. One of our favorite things about the Newfound Lake area is that it still feels like New Hampshire.

7. Find a Great Local Restaurant

Part of every good vacation is finding the places locals and returning visitors love.

The Newfound Lake area has everything from casual breakfast and pizza to great dinners and places where you can sit back after a day on the lake.

We keep an updated list of our favorite restaurants and recommendations on our website so our guests can find the places we enjoy ourselves.

8. Take a Scenic Drive Through the Lakes Region

Sometimes you do not need a destination.

Get in the car and explore the roads surrounding Newfound Lake. The combination of lakes, mountains, farms and small New Hampshire towns makes this a beautiful area for a scenic drive.

This is especially worth doing during fall foliage season.

9. Experience New Hampshire’s Fall Foliage

If you have only visited Newfound Lake during the summer, you are missing one of the best times of year.

Fall transforms the entire area.

The mountains surrounding Newfound Lake explode with color, the air gets cooler and the crowds begin to thin. It is one of our favorite seasons at both Eagle Ridge and Big Bear.

Wake up with a cup of coffee, look out toward Newfound Lake and watch the colors change across the mountains.

10. Visit a Local Brewery or Winery

New Hampshire has a growing craft beverage scene, and there are several breweries and wineries worth exploring within driving distance of Newfound Lake.

This can be a great afternoon activity, particularly on a cooler or rainy day when you want to explore beyond the lake.

11. Take a Day Trip to the White Mountains

One of the advantages of vacationing at Newfound Lake is its location.

You can enjoy the Lakes Region while still being within reach of the White Mountains and some of New Hampshire’s most famous scenery and attractions.

Make a day of it. Head north, explore the mountains, stop for lunch and take the scenic route home.

12. Enjoy Newfound Lake in the Winter

Newfound Lake is not just a summer destination.

Winter brings an entirely different experience to this part of New Hampshire. Skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking and simply enjoying a quiet weekend in a log home make this a great year round destination.

There is something pretty incredible about coming back from a winter day outside and relaxing inside a New Hampshire log home.

13. Experience the Lake Early in the Morning

This one costs nothing and may end up being one of your favorite memories.

Get up early.

Grab a cup of coffee and spend some time watching the morning arrive over Newfound Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Vacations can become packed with plans and activities. Sometimes the best part is simply slowing down.

14. Explore More of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region

Newfound Lake makes a great home base for exploring the rest of the Lakes Region.

You can spend the morning exploring another New Hampshire town or attraction and still be back at Newfound Lake for dinner and sunset.

That flexibility is one of the things our guests tell us they enjoy most about staying here.

15. Stay in a Luxury Log Home Overlooking Newfound Lake

Where you stay can become part of the vacation itself.

We built Eagle Ridge and Big Bear because we wanted to create more than simply a place to sleep. We wanted our guests to experience the same things that made us fall in love with Newfound Lake.

Eagle Ridge is our intimate luxury log home for up to six guests, while Big Bear provides additional space for families and groups of up to 10.

Both homes were designed around the New Hampshire log home experience, with modern amenities, beautiful surroundings and incredible access to everything the Newfound Lake area has to offer.

Start Planning Your Newfound Lake Vacation

Newfound Lake is one of those places that can be completely different depending on when you visit.

Summer brings swimming and boating. Fall brings incredible foliage. Winter creates a quiet New Hampshire escape. Spring brings the mountains and lake back to life.

After spending years here and welcoming guests from around the country, we still find new reasons to appreciate this area.

Come experience Newfound Lake for yourself.

We hope to see you soon at Eagle Ridge or Big Bear.