Newfound Lake

Newfound Lake

Hebron, New Hampshire 03241

About this Location

Newfound Lake has 22 miles of shoreline. The lake is about 2.5 miles wide and 6 miles long. The deepest point is 183 feet. Major tributaries include the Fowler River and the Cockermouth River. Its outlet is the Newfound River, flowing through Bristol village into the Pemigewasset River. 

Birding access is best at several of the hotspots in and around the lake. Access elsewhere is limited, although some viewpoints can be had along NH-3A to the east, and on the West Shore and North Shore roads. Birding while paddling is another great option! This is a lightly-birded lake and certainly gets a lot more birdlife than is reported.

Wellington State Park, containing the largest freshwater swimming beach in the New Hampshire state park system, is a 204-acre property located on the lake's west shore in the town of Bristol.

Belle Island is a small island near the southern end of the lake. It was given to the state of New Hampshire by Camp Mowglis, a boys' camp located near the northern end of the lake, in 1942. According to a plaque posted on a rock on the island, the camp, known as the School of the Open, gave the island to the state "to remain perpetually in its natural beauty for a camping area, especially for residents of New Hampshire, but for anyone who wants to use it. Take good care of it," the plaque reads.

There are a couple of popular sandbars on the lake. One is at the mouth of the Fowler River, just south of Wellington State Park. The other is in Hebron, by the mouth of the Cockermouth River, in the northwest corner of the lake. 

The Newfound Audubon Center is at the north end of the lake. Nearby eBird hotspots include:
Hebron Marsh
Grey Rocks Conservation Area
Paradise Point Wildlife Sanctuary

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Kyle Jones

Last updated November 11, 2023