Ahern State Park

Tucked along the western shore of Lake Winnisquam in Belknap County, Ahern State Park offers 128 acres of peaceful lakeside terrain that feels worlds away from the busier tourist hubs of the Lakes Region. While nearby Lake Winnipesaukee draws the crowds, Winnisquam rewards visitors with quieter waters and a more relaxed atmosphere — making Ahern a genuine hidden gem for those who know where to look.

The park’s main draw is its sandy beach and swimming area on Lake Winnisquam, ideal for families looking to cool off without fighting for space. A boat launch provides direct access to the lake for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing — smallmouth bass and landlocked salmon are popular catches here. Wooded trails wind through the property’s mixed hardwood and pine forest, offering easy-to-moderate hiking with filtered lake views, especially rewarding during fall foliage season when the surrounding hills light up in orange and gold.

Picnic areas with tables and grills sit within easy reach of the waterfront, making it a natural spot for a day trip. The park is day-use only, so plan accordingly if you need overnight accommodations — several campgrounds operate nearby along the Winnisquam shoreline.

The best time to visit is late June through early September for swimming, or mid-September through mid-October for foliage. The park tends to stay uncrowded even on summer weekends, giving you room to breathe and a genuine taste of New Hampshire’s quieter lakeside character.

Explore Nearby

• Kancamagus Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in New Hampshire
• White Mountain National Forest — National Forest in New Hampshire, Maine
• White Mountain Trail — Scenic Byway in New Hampshire
• Union Village Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Vermont
• Sayres Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Vermont