This Serene Lake In The Foothills Of New Hampshire's White Mountains Boasts Pristine Water

New Hampshire's Lakes Region, which sits right below the White Mountains, is home to almost 300 lakes. Newfound Lake, one of the cleanest lakes in the United States, if not the entire world, might just be the most peaceful spot in this beautiful part of New England.

Newfound Lake is the third-largest lake in New Hampshire. It is also one of the deepest lakes in the Granite State. It is spread across more than 4,100 acres, contains 98 billion gallons of water, and has 22 miles of shoreline. But Newfound Lake's size is not its most impressive feature. That would be its crystal-clear waters. The lake is fed by not one, not two, but eight freshwater springs. Newfound Lake is a pristine body of water.

The lake was originally called Pasquaney, or "the place where birch bark for canoes is found," by Native Americans. English settlers changed the name of the lake, and it became a popular summer resort in the mid-1800s. By the 1930s, cottages and resorts lined much of the lake. Bridgewater, on its eastern shore, was even called "Cottage City." It was the place to go to escape the heat of the city. But, eventually, the wealthy seasonal residents found other playgrounds. Most of those early second homes are no longer standing. Nature preserves now surround most of the lake. It is a serene spot known for its year-round, water-focused activities. Its scenic views are pretty spectacular, as well.

Though Newfound Lake feels remote, it is not hard to access by car. Wellington State Park (adult day-use fee $5) is on the western edge of the lake. The 204-acre state park is known for its beach and hiking trails. Both the lake and the state park are in the Lakes Region, an area that is bordered by the White Mountains to the north and Maine to the east. Concord, the state capital, is less than one hour away. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), the busiest airport in the state, is only an hour and ten minutes to the south. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), which receives nonstop flights from cities all over the world, is about two hours away.

When you arrive, you will find a public beach and boat docks along the edge of the lake. Wellington State Beach is the largest freshwater beach in all of New Hampshire's state parks. It has soft sand, a snack bar, and a public boat launch that allows power boats. A second public boat launch, in the northern Grey Rocks Conservation Area, only allows nonmotorized boats. Most of the boats are for fishing. The lake is home to 22 species of fish, including brook trout and rock bass, making it a popular spot for anglers.

The Elwell Trail, which also starts near the entrance of the state park, summits two mountains, Big Sugarloaf and Little Sugarloaf. Expect gorgeous water views as you hike.

Newfound Lake is not the only stunning spot in the area. Since this is the Lakes Region, how could it be? New Hampshire's largest lake is Lake Winnipesaukee. It sits directly east of Newfound Lake. Lake Winni, as it is affectionately called, is the perfect spot on the East Coast to take a relaxing vacation. It is ringed with quaint New England towns. From Newfound Lake, you can drive to one of them, Meredith, on the western edge of the lake, in less than 30 minutes.

Nearby Laconia, just 10 miles south of Meredith, is ideally situated between Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam, a smaller, quieter lake. Laconia is one of Samantha Brown's favorite cities in New Hampshire. It has also hosted Laconia Motorcycle Week, better known as Bike Week, the oldest motorcycle rally in the world, each June since 1916. Wolfeboro, which is considered "the Oldest Summer Resort in America," sits on the opposite side of the lake near the border of Maine. It is a charming New Hampshire lake town for a fun getaway. Be sure to book a trip on the M/S Mount Washington (adults from $47), which has been cruising the lake since 1872.

After exploring so many adorable towns and lovely lakes, you will surely be enchanted by New Hampshire's Lakes Region. Newfound Lake, with its untouched beauty, remains the most mesmerizing, though. Its dazzling, pristine water will always be hard to match.