Where in New England

[snoseek]

do you think the best lakes are? All states are great I know but where is the best concentration.

My vote goes to Northwestern Maine, especially the Rangley area. Upstate NY looks to be nice too. Your opinion?

 

[riverc0il]

Define "best". Some people think Wini, George, and Sebago are the best because that is their thing. There is a reason why those lakes are so built up... people like that sort of thing.

I live between two great lakes. I got Newfound on my left and Squam on my right. I am partial to Squam. One great big lake with almost nothing around it. The lack of public access points is annoying though. I don't think either is best, but considering all the lakes around here completely off the radar, I live in a pretty good area for lakes. And for reference regarding "off the radar", I consider Squam very much on the radar though I think most people would think it is off the radar.

For truly getting away and roughing it, I am sure northern Maine can't be beat. NoNH has the CT River headwater lakes which seem pretty remote. Never been. There are a lot of good lakes I have never seen. I think those are the "best", the ones I have not been to yet. Still saving up for a pair of $2k+ yaks... then I will know them better. *sigh* That is like more than half a dozen pairs of skis.

 

[snoseek]

I was kind of thniking region of lakes. New Hampshire does have some incredible lakes. Squam is great, that whole region is great I think.

I personally factor in fishing, boating, swimming, beauty, and towns (or lack of) to my equation. In that order.

 

[Geoff]

Why would anyone screw with wimpy little lakes when the Atlantic ocean is right there? There's no lake in New England that can compare to cruising in downeast Maine.

 

[wa-loaf]

Grew up right next to the Belgrade Lakes in Central Maine. I'd have to say I'm partial to them. Some a little built up, others not so much.

If you want to get remote head up to Moosehead and beyond (Chesunkuk and Chamberlain)

 

[Sky]

We had property on the Northeast Carry of Moosehead years ago....but dad let it go. We went there once when I was in the 8th grade. Great trip...8 hrs from home...the last 50 miles on a dirt logging road.

I've got water all around me in Central Mass....a nice pond 1 mile up the street....several others within seven miles.

I like Winnepesaukee in NH. Where we are...there's a little of everything. CLose to the larger bays, close to the tranquility of smaller islands and backwaters. Pretty good fishing.

 

[drjeff]

I vote for Winnipesaukee and the Lakes region of NH! Granted I was lucky enough to have grandparents who for the 1st 35 years of my life had a place with 300' of waterfront on Winnipesaukee, so of course I'm not biased at all

 

[snoseek]

I vote for Winnipesaukee and the Lakes region of NH! Granted I was lucky enough to have grandparents who for the 1st 35 years of my life had a place with 300' of waterfront on Winnipesaukee, so of course I'm not biased at all

My grandparents lived right in Weirs beach for my entire childhood. Cool place to hang out as a kid for sure!

 

[Hawkshot99]

I always love going to my Aunts house on Lake George. She is in Huletts landing, were it is far enough up the lake that it is quiet, but you can cruise down to the village if you want (I did this summer in my 11 foot zodiak. 21 miles one way).

 

[drjeff]

My grandparents lived right in Weirs beach for my entire childhood. Cool place to hang out as a kid for sure!

I spent my summers, and many spring, fall and winter weekends/vacations on the other side of Winni in Wolfeboro. As I got older and was allowed greater freedom with the boats, I made many a run across the lake to the Weirs. Just a ton of good memories from that lake!

 

[campgottagopee]

New York rules in everything!!!!

 

[deadheadskier]

Lake Champlain

so vast with so many different bays and different types of areas to enjoy. The views of the Adirondacks and Greens are unmatched by any other lake. It's one of the best fishing lakes in the country. You have access to the North and South out to the Atlantic. Overall Lake Champlain provides a diversity of opportunities that no other lake in New England can match. I've never spent time on the Great Lakes, but I'd imagine I'd still like Champlain better due it's setting in the mountains.

A retirement dream of mine is to rent a house boat and spend a summer cruising Lake Champlain and do the loop out the St. Lawrence down the coast and back up the Hudson stopping at all the different cities, beaches and fishing villages along the way.

 

[ski_resort_observer]

Only the part of Lake George between Bolton Landing and the village on the west side and from the village to Pilot Knob on the east is heavily developed.
Once you get over Tongue Mt on Rt 9N there is some developement, mostly around Silver Bay and the Hague area. Most of the lake on the east side is actually roadless, you need a boat to get to it except for getting to the Huletts Landing from Whitehall. On the water once you get past the Narrows Island group and Black Mountain the lake is pretty quiet, as mentioned.

There are so many awesome lakes in the Daks, NH and especially Maine. So many lakes in Maine. A few in Vermont. Never been a big fan of Lake Champlain...the Lamphrey(they are so gross), north of Burlington it's somewhat polluted and for swimming from the shore lots of natural debris to swim thru. For boating and sailing it is pretty nice tho. The fishing was alot better before the Lamphrey showed up. They have been trying to rid the lake of these creatures for 10 years now but with little luck.

 

[billski]

New York rules in everything!!!!

drugs, corrupt politicians, taxation, prostitution, pollution, arrogance. Yep.:blink:

 

[billski]

Mooselookmeguntic

 

[HD333]

Winnipesaukee hands down. I may be a bit biased though. :wink:

 

[4aprice]

Winnipesaukee hands down. I may be a bit biased though. :wink:

I with you HD Winni is the best. Nothing better then cruising from town to town on that lake. George is fun as well. For anyone down in this area I have to put a honorable mention vote in for Lake Hopatcong. Not the largest lake in the world but good boating and water skiing. Several good lake side eateries and bars (with docking) and a great party cove (Byrams Cove).

HD: Didn't make it last summer but will be looking into a Winni trip again next summer. Maybe we could meet up for a raft in Braun Bay.

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

 

[severine]

B's uncle lives in the lakes region in the Adirondacks. I believe he's in Indian Lake? Pretty area. Small towns. Not too built up. We considered moving there at one time...only problem was that with small towns comes very few job opportunities.

 

[HD333]

Funny Braun Bay story.

The family was anchored in a small bay near patriaian shores. A boat pulls up with a few attractive ladies and they ask "is this Braun Bay?" I reply very confidently "Yes". They anchor and frolick in the water. They leave a few hours later and the guy next to me says "You know this isn't Braun Bay right?" I say "yeah but I wasn't letting them go anywhere else". He laughs says nice call and throws me a beer. Gotta love it.

Alex-
Let me know if you make it next summer and we can give it a shot.

HD

 

[wa-loaf]

I with you HD Winni is the best. Nothing better then cruising from town to town on that lake. George is fun as well. For anyone down in this area I have to put a honorable mention vote in for Lake Hopatcong. Not the largest lake in the world but good boating and water skiing. Several good lake side eateries and bars (with docking) and a great party cove (Byrams Cove).

HD: Didn't make it last summer but will be looking into a Winni trip again next summer. Maybe we could meet up for a raft in Braun Bay.

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

I've only been up to Winni a couple times, but it always felt too busy. Like you are out on a boating super highway. I prefer a quieter and less populated lake.