Boating and Fishing Near Enfield Shaker Museum
The Upper Valley offers a variety of boating and fishing opportunities for every experience level, all just a short distance from Enfield Shaker Museum.
Non-Motorized Boat Launch, Picnic Tables, and Free Parking
Enfield Lakeside Park, is situated 1.4 miles (3 minutes) from the Museum–head west along Route 4A, turn right over the new Shaker Bridge, and look for the pavilion on the right at the end of the bridge. Note: The most recent Mascoma Lake Loon Census documented 7 adults and 1 chick. Please give the loons about 150 feet of space; chicks may be swimming nearby the adults.
Boating
Canoe and Kayak Waterways in Enfield, NH. Published online by the Enfield Conservation Commission, it describes these locations:
Mascoma River. Access is from the Route 4 Bridge in Canaan at the designated Fish & Game Parking Area. Calm water that one can head either upstream or downstream.
Mud Pond. Access is from Route 4 in Canaan near the Wayside Chapel church across from Mascoma Valley Regional High School. Put in about 100 yards east on the rail trail. The beginning is the most difficult part, but very soon the stream becomes wider and wider until one is in a huge expanse of wetlands.
George Pond. Access is from Route 4A and Bog Road in Enfield. Pond kayaking, then a mile or more of navigating upstream on the serpentine Little Brook.
Crystal Lake. Public access is from Algonquin Road and the Colette Trail. All of the property around the lake’s edge is privately owned. Lake kayaking with access to island and Colette Trail. Excellent swimming and snorkeling from island and sand bar.
Mascoma Lake. Public access is from both the paved boat landing on Route 4A on the west end of the Shaker Bridge and Lakeside Park on the east side of the bridge. All of the property around the lake’s edge is privately owned. Paddling up the mouth of the Mascoma River.
Spectacle Pond. Public Access is from Lockehaven Road; put in by the outlet bridge. The west half of the pond is undeveloped.
Fishing
Upper Valley Shoreline Fishing Guide Published by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, the guide can be downloaded and/or printed. It describes the following shore fishing locations in the Upper Valley:
Mascoma Lake, within site of the Museum in Enfield, NH. The Museum does not have any property that allows direct access to the lake. However, along the new Shaker Bridge is a popular spot for shoreline fishing and there is a paved NH Fish and Game boat launch at the west end of bridge that is open to the public.
Post Pond, 18.2 miles (31 minutes) from the Museum in Lyme, NH.
Sugar River Rail Trail, 28.3 miles (36 minutes) from the Museum in Newport, NH.
Orford Boat Ramp, 35.5 miles (38 minutes) from the Museum in Orford, NH.
Ashley Ferry Landing, 35.8 miles (39 minutes) from the Museum in Claremont, NH.
Bedell Bridge, 47.3 miles (54 minutes) from the Museum in Haverhill, NH.
French Pond, 54.6 miles (1 hour 2 minutes) from the Museum in Haverhill, NH.
Cole Pond is 5.8 miles (11 minutes) from the Museum off Bog Road in Enfield, NH. Cole Pond Trail provides access to the 17-acre coldwater Cole Pond with average depth of 26 feet and maximum depth of 59 feet, which is inhabited by eastern brook trout and is also a great swimming spot. Managed by the NH Fish and Game Department and open to the public.
Storrs Pond Recreation Area is 12.6 miles (23 minutes) from the Museum at 59 Oak Hill Drive, Hanover, NH. Visitors will find Storrs Pond-a 13-acre pond with two sandy swimming beaches, and a heated pool with lifeguard. Canoes, paddle boards, kayaks, and paddle boats available for rent. Storrs Pond is loaded with rainbow trout and other fish. A fishing license is not required if you fish from the shoreline. There are 20 km of trails in Oak Hill with moderate slope, well marked and maintained with maps at trail junctions, and open for mountain biking. Also, there are hiking trails to accommodate all ages and abilities. Plus, 4 hard-surface tennis courts, a disc golf course, and 4 covered pavilions for rent. Modest daily admission charge for ages 3+.
Mount Sunapee State Park is 24.1 miles (37 minutes) from the Museum at 86 Beach Access Road, Newbury, NH. The long and wide sandy beach at Lake Sunapee is an ideal spot for family and group outings. There is a lifeguard. Sunapee’s clear water lends itself to snorkeling and diving. There are picnic tables and a bathhouse with flush toilets and showers. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent. The park is well-known for boating and fishing, as well as hiking and mountain biking. A public boat launch is available. Modest daily admission charge for ages 6+. Due to the popularity of the State Park’s beach area on weekends and holidays, reservations are mandatory. Watch a video about the Park.