Visiting This One Mountain Lake In New Hampshire Is Like Experiencing A Dream
By Michelle|Updated on March 05, 2024(Originally published May 12, 2019)
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Michelle
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Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
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New Hampshire is an outdoors lover’s dream. From the gorgeous mountain peaks to the still crystal clear lakes we certainly are blessed to have the White Mountains. Especially in the spring and summer months when hiking is at its best. When the weather gets warm and the sun is shining, there are few things more fun than heading outside with a trusted companion and smelling that fresh air. Echo Lake State Park, is located in North Conway and is one of our favorite ways to get outside!
One of our favorite places for a summertime visit, Echo Lake State Park is located right in North Conway.
The sandy beach is soft and the water is cool, the perfect place for a warmer day. This is a great place to go for a fun family outing that includes swimming, sunbathing, and hiking all in one beautiful location.
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We especially love the pristine beach, which rivals any New Hampshire coastal beach.
The water is crystal clear and on a calm still day the water will reflect the mountains making this one of the most scenic places in the White Mountains.
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But, while we love the spring and summer swimming opportunities, nature lovers will enjoy the incredible views of Cathedral Ledge and White Horse Ledge.
In our experience that become the favorite view of the park. Sitting on the beach and dipping your toes in the water while looking at the peaks of these two close by mountains is like a White Mountains version of heaven.
To take in the entirety of the beauty, we recommend the one-mile trail around the lake. It's flat and relatively easy for mobile folks and offers a great way to soak up the fresh air and sounds of nature.
The beach area can get crowded from time to time so taking to the woods is a great way to find some peace and quiet. If you have ever been hiking in the White Mountains then you know how much these woods bring a calming presence. The birds chirping, the smell of fresh pine, and the stillness of the forest are all things that we have experienced on the trail before. There are several places where you can get various views of the lake from different angles which is always a delight.
After enjoying the lake, you can hop into your car and take a trip on the mile-long auto road leading to the top of Cathedral Ledge.
The views from the top are phenomenal and give you a high scenic view of this stunning area. Cathedral Ledge is a steep drop-off straight down but there is a fence surrounding the area so you and your family can enjoy the views safely.
From on top of the mountain, you'll have views over the Saco River Valley to the White Mountains.
This convenient lake will make you feel like you're miles away from everything, while still being close to all the shopping and eating you'll want to do.
Echo Lake State Park is one of those places that feels like it should be far from civilization but it is only a short drive from the main drag of North Conway. There is a small fee to enter the park and then you will have access to this incredible piece of New Hampshire paradise. For any more information please visit the Echo Lake State Park website. Several trails start in the park so make sure you get the AllTrails app and you can hit the trails while you are there. The easily accessible Echo Lake Trail follows the water’s edge of the lake and is a great hike, you can learn more about that trail by watching this Adventuring in the Moment video.
Address: 68 Echo Lake Road, North Conway, NH 03860. You can reach them at 603-356-2672.
For more lakeside beauty, check out these 11 beautiful lakes in New Hampshire that have a magical aura to them.
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