Experience Incredible Lakeside Adventures At This Top Ranked East Coast State Park
There's something special about days at a lake. The glistening water that offers relief from hot, sticky sunshine and the lush green trees surrounding the water's perimeter make for a quintessential summer scene for some. Others might think of the ripples a kayak or canoe makes in the water and how the surface reflects the exuberant colors of the changing leaves in the fall when asked about a trip to the lake. Regardless of which lakeside image comes to mind when you think of a lake adventure, we can agree that there's nothing like being out on the water. Echo Lake in New Hampshire's Franconia Notch State Park is just the place to create new memories and adventures.
The spectacular state park consists of the White Mountains, and the lake gives you the perfect view of two: Mt. Lafayette and Cannon Mountain. They're covered in trees, meaning you'll see a skyward sea of green in the summer and a breathtaking burst of color in the fall as you swim, paddle, fish, or boat.
Water activities
If you're traveling from afar but want to participate in water activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing, you can simply head to the State Park's Rental Store that's located right on the beachfront. Rates are $20 per hour for kayaks and canoes and $30 per hour for paddle boards. Just make sure you have your driver's license or other form of ID if you intend to rent; they hold IDs per group while you're using their equipment. Boat rentals are available between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. May through early June as well as September and October. They're available between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. from mid June through August.
If you're a fan of fishing, Echo Lake is the perfect spot for you. Bring your fishing pole and be prepared to reel in a catch. The lake is an especially popular spot for catching trout. Before you go, make sure you obtain a permit. You can choose from a variety of options that range from a single day to an entire season.
Hiking and camping
Since you're in the middle of a state park when you're at Lake Echo, you have a plethora of other activities you can do in addition to having fun at the lake. If you're interested in hiking, you've got plenty of trails to choose from. The same goes if you prefer to bike.
If you want to make your lake day into a weekend, or maybe even a week, you can camp. There's the Lafayette Place campground for those wanting to use a tent. Rates are $25 per night. If you want to stay in an RV, you can head to Cannon Mountain RV Park. Rates are $40 per night for peak season and $25 per night for off season. You can book your campsite ahead of time or try your luck with capturing a first-come-first-served spot for either of the campgrounds.
Overall, Franconia Notch State Park and the beautiful Echo Lake are ideal escapes into nature. Connect with the great outdoors and reconnect with yourself in these wondrous spaces.