lake massabesic

Lake Massabesic is actually Manchester's drinking water supply, so there's no swimming allowed, but that doesn't matter, because that isn't the purpose of visiting this wonderful site. You really should come prepared to hike or run for few miles in some beautiful woods in NH in the spring, summer, and fall. Now, let's not forget about the winter, which I just did the other day.. snow shoeing or XC skiing is great!!! You can leave from a few different areas. I would recommend either the NH Audubon Society up off of Rt 28 Bypass and Spofford Rd. There is ample parking there, and you can even visit the Audubon Center while there. Lots of wildlife as well. Your route, leaving here, would take you to Battery Point or Osprey viewing. Battery Point is GREAT!! It is exactly 3 miles round trip. Battery Point takes you to the lake, where you get good views of it. Another parking spot I recommend is right off of Bypass 28, where there is a gate and some parking. You can also park on the road there. This location is right after you cross the small bridge headed north, directly on the left hand side of the road. I love beginning my hikes and runs from this location. Lake Massabesic certainly has other recreational opportunities such as boating (sailing/kayaking/fishing/mountain biking:), and from different areas around the lake. There is too much more to mention, but check it out, especially if you live in the area and haven't been there yet ! It's a must hike if you are visiting the Queen City.

We often hike the trail that goes from Lake Massabesic to Auburn and beyond. It's a wonderful trail. In winter you can snowshoe, and that's just as good as a hike.

we loved to fish here..great picnic area also..just a great place to relax..nice walking trail and the most beautiful sun sets can be seen here

Beautiful scenic lake with trails that literally go for miles. Great for family walk/run/biking and my dog loves the side trails. This is not a lake to go to for swimming because it is the city's water source and there is a fine if you decide to go in. If you're lucky you can catch a glimpse of some deer, rabbits or the occasional moose.

Great place to walk the dog. Sit along the shore and watch the sailboats. Nice afternoon! A trail runs all along the shoreline.

This is a time-honoured tradition. In fact, the old Goldenrod's (I recommend the fried cauliflower with no butter and extra lemon and a side order of the best onion rings in the world) used to have an option at the bottom of yoru order ticket that said simply, "Lake," in addition to the here or to go options. That meant lighter packaging for the short ride just beyond the traffic circle. The lake parking area is closed now but come spring, summer, and fall, everyone will be there with their take-out food.

Located just East of Manchester there is a nice size parking area. There are picnic tables, trails to walk, hike or bike. Note what time the lot closes (usually 8pm) so you dont get locked in. You can fish and boat but dont swim, it is the water supply after all. There are some trash cans but no bathrooms so go first.

I was in Manchester for a business trip and had a morning and afternoon off. Was well worth going! BEAUTIFUL walk around the lake...even if I only made it half way. A ton of people walking alone or with their dogs. Just a perfect time of year to go. There are well beaten paths, and not so well beaten paths but still clear! So Happy I went! Wish I could of rented a kayak though!

Lake Massabesic is the water supply for Manchester, NH. This is a beautiful lake with clear water and excellent for fishing and kayaking. Since it is the water supply they DO NOT allow swimming or even touching the water with your hands and NO wadding. If you are caught you will be fined. From the kayak you can go very close to turtles, great blue herons, see fish nests, and even Bald eagles if you are lucky. This is also a wonderful place for family picnics and long walks on the old rail road trails. Any time of year you can just sit in the parking lot eating your lunch or ice cream from Goldenrods down the street.

What a beautiful lake! We hiked the trail that ran alongside the lake for about 2 hours with our dog. It was very nice. The only downside to the lake is that you cannot swim or wade in it because it is part of the public drinking supply. It's so beautiful, I definately wanted to take a dip!

There are so many things to do on Lake Massabesic. I have been fishing and sailing their. But our favorite thing is always hiking. We love the close location to our home (Manchester), but it feels like it is miles and miles away. We can walk for a half hour or all afternoon and never feel like we are only 10 minutes from our home. There are beautifully maintained walking paths that will allow you to breath in the fresh air without climbing a mountain. It is a great walk in the woods.

Who knew such remote serenity existed so closet to Manchester?My wife and I visited the Massabesic Audubon Center to follow their trail out to the lake. It's a bit confusing to get started but once you're on the right track it's an easy walk with great views along the way. This lake is absolutely beautiful and serene. We hope to come back several times to explore again and hopefully kayak out on the lake.

This lake is a beautiful piece of nature! Fishing is great on this lake as well .. lots of wildlife ... majestic loons, ducks etc. There are absolutely gorgeous views of sunset on this lake ... makes for fantastic scenic pictures! Definitely NO SWIMMING at this lake ... as, it is a water reservoir! Worth the trip .. enjoy!

I always love coming here, even when it's busy. I walk the trails at least 4 days a week. It's beautiful in the morning and it's normally quieter then too. Lots of birds, dragonflies, and other animals. Lots of people bring their dogs or go fishing here. It's a great spot to go.

Lake Massabesic is a great place to just relax or eat a picnic lunch. There is no swimming allowed, but there is boating, and I love to watch the sailboats on the water. There is a large parking lot, and I will occasionally just sit in my car and eat lunch while gazing at the water. There are many trails around the lake and it is a wonderful place to walk (and walk a dog) and to bike. In the winter, many snowmobiles will use the rail trail right by the water. It's important to note that there is a curfew of 8 pm. (Last time I checked.) The parking lot is gated up in the winter time, but people can still get through to walk around.