Squam Lakes
is known as one of the most peaceful and pristine in the
country. The fog rises from the water early in the morning,
loons fill the air with their haunting call.
- Conde Nast Magazine
Squam Lakes, located 40 miles north of Concord, are natural,
spring-fed bodies of water consisting of a small and large
lake connected by a channel. The Squam Lakes are not only
rich in natural beauty but history as well. Squam Lakes’ earliest
inhabitants were from the Abenaki nation of the Algonguin
Federation of Indians.
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Photo Courtesy of Rick Frost |
Photo Courtesy of Rick Frost |
Originally, they referred
to Squam as Keeseenunknipee, which meant “the goose
lake in the highlands”. The white settlers that followed
shortened the name to Casumpa, Kusumpy and/or Kesumpe around
1779. In the early 1800’s, the lake was given another
Abenaki name, Asquam, which means water. Finally, in the
early 1900’s, Asquam was shortened to its present
version, Squam.
Though the lakes’ name has seen many changes, the
Squam Lakes area has seen relatively few. Despite being
located only a couple of hours from major metropolitan
areas, Squam has managed to maintain its pristine and undeveloped
landscape.
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The lack of transportation to the Squam Lakes at the
turn of the century helped the area to stay relatively
undeveloped. With the railroad stopping in Ashland, commercial
activity remained limited directly around the lakes.
Today, the interstate highway brings visitors into Ashland,
where the center of commerce exists for the Squam Lakes
area. Holding onto the history of the area, many camps
on the lakes date back a century and discretely line
the lush shoreline. Families have been coming for vacations
for generations and many make the lakes their year round
residence upon retirement.
While the islands on the lakes are part of its unique
landscape, the coves are quiet and a perfect haven for
nesting loons and other wildlife.
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Squam Lakes’ magnificence
is matched only by the warmth and charm of the communities
that surround it. The people who call Squam home year-round
or once a year, are drawn to Squam Lakes not only for its
physical beauty, but because it is a unique community committed
to protecting a special place. The unique blend of small
town values and distinct cultural opportunities make this
an exceptional place to visit or live.
The unspoiled beauty of Squam Lakes is what continues
to bring visitors here today. Once they are here, the region
hosts a variety of activities for all seasons including
hiking, camping, swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking,
fishing, golf, tennis, and mountain biking.
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On the lake, natural and stocked fish include trout,
bass, and salmon. For the less sports minded, there are
a variety of wonderful restaurants and interesting shops
in the area for visitors to experience. Whether your
preference is a quaint inn, waterfront cottage, campground
or cozy motel, the Squam Lakes area boasts a variety
of unique lodging opportunities.
Most of New Hampshire's major attractions are less than
an hour away making the Squam Lakes area an ideal location
for day trips. The Squam Lakes region is home to the
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, which features four
self-guided trails including the Gephart Trail with native
New Hampshire wildlife in natural woodland enclosures.
If you want to get onto the Squam Lakes and you don’t
have your own vessel, tour boat companies offer guided
tours of the lakes. Scenes from On Golden Pond including
the location of the famous back flip by Jane Fonda into
the lake or Katharine Hepburn running into the marina,
are recognizable sites on the tours. In the spring, the
annual
ritual of tapping maple trees and boiling the sap into
dark maple syrup abounds, while the fall sees Squam Lakes
wrapped in the incredible colors of the New England foliage.
It is not by accident that the Squam Lakes area is in
pristine condition, but due to the unique efforts of
dedicated organizations and individuals, who believe
that preserving the watershed is essential for the public’s
enjoyment of this beautiful area. The natural beauty
of the Squam Lakes area continues to bring visitors back
year after year.
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