Boston Kayaker

Kayaking on Sunapee Lake - in Sunapee NH


Rating: Two-and-a-Half Stars - The best way to kayak this big lake is just to paddle the whole length from north to south in one go like I did. This lake as everything! A lighthouse. Calm coves and choppy waters. Towering Mount Sunapee in the background. Paddle time was 2 hours 54 minutes.

  Put in at George Mills Beach on Cooper Street
  in Sunapee NH. Parking for residents only.
Take out at Newbury Harbor on
  Route 103 in Newbury NH.
Estimated distance
  = 8+ miles
  Scenic Sunapee Harbor - alternate access,
  walk around, shops and eateries
Sunapee State Park and Beach -
  recreation area, alternate access
Public beaches

Disclaimer: It is your responsibility to determine the legality, suitability and safety of this route for yourself.

Download printer-friendly
PDF version that fits in one page:
Kayaking on Sunapee Lake - in Sunapee NH

Other resources:
NH Govt.: Sunapee Lake Map
NH Govt.: Sunapee Lake Map (cached copy)
NH Parks: Mount Sunapee State Park
NHStateParks.com: Sunapee Beach State Park


Number of original photos on this page : 91
All photos in this website are original and copyrighted.



At George Mills Beach on Cooper Street off Route 11 in Sunapee NH.
Trip date is July 2020.


The ramp to Lake Sunapee at George Mills beach.


The Boston Kayaker just launched on Lake Sunapee.


That is Mount Sunapee on the southern end of the lake.


The plan is to paddle to the southern end of the lake staying close to the shore on my left (east shore).





Looking to my right (west).




















Tempting to land on this sandy beach spot but there is a "Private Property" sign.


These boats parked here taking advantage of waist-deep waters where they wade and swim.














That white in the middle is the Herrick Cove lighthouse.


I am taking a short-cut and heading straight to that lighthouse.








Herrick Cove lighthouse.





Following the coastline on my left.





Very nice luxury waterfront house on Lake Sunapee.
























































From here I can see the skiing trails on Mount Sunapee.


























Mount Sunapee getting closer and the skiing trailers a lot clearer to be seen.


























John Hay National Wildlife Refuge.








Meanwhile, in Newbury Harbor (my takeout), my wife is waiting with our 2 dogs.








From here I can see Newbury Harbor marked by that blue restaurant.


This picture taken from my wife's camera from Newbury Harbor.








I am now on final approach to the takeout.






































Landed. Paddle time is 2 hours and 54 minutes.