Edward Macdowell Lake Day Use Facilities
Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities
Part of Edward Macdowell Lake
Overview
Edward MacDowell Lake is situated in a quiet corner of the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire.This day-use area lies just off State Route 101 on the shores of the picturesque lake named after the famous composer and concert pianist, Edward Alexander MacDowell.
Facilities
This year-round park offers two day-use picnic shelters, perfect for large parties or family functions. Flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables and grills are provided. Summer hours 8am-8pm - Off season hours: sunrise to sunset. A swim beach, playground, horseshoe pits, car top boat launch and volleyball court offer additional recreation opportunities.Natural Features
The 165-acre lake is surrounded by densely forested rolling hills. Shady pine, birch, poplar, maple, oak, beech, hemlock and alder trees cover the area.Wildlife is abundant in and around the park. White-tailed deer, moose, beaver, fisher, muskrat, otter and many other mammals make their homes around the lake. Birders may observe many species including osprey, hawks, owls, great blue herons, woodpeckers, waterfowl and songbirds.
Recreation
Visitors can spend days kayaking and canoeing on the scenic lake, and a boat ramp is provided for easy lake access.Fishing is also a popular activity. Largemouth bass, pickerel, perch and horned pout are all found in abundance.
Several hiking trails link up around the lake as well, including the West Ridge Trail, which runs along the entire western edge of the lake and up through the surrounding wetlands.
Younger visitors enjoy the park's Junior Ranger Program, which focuses on the surrounding forest, its wildlife and waterways and protecting the environment. Kids ages six through 12 become honorary park rangers upon completion and receive a patch and certificate.
Nearby Attractions
Educational programs are offered by park rangers, and the nearby ranger station contains interpretive exhibits.Important Notices
Edward MacDowell Lake is a flood control facility and the park may be flooded during severe storm events.
Day-use only. Camping or or occupancy between 8:00pm - 8:00am is prohibited.
Park grills are for charcoal use only. Please bring your own charcoal as charcoal is not provided. Burning wood or any material that is not charcoal in park grills is prohibited and subject to fines.
- Carry in, carry out trash.
Pets are allowed, however, they must remain on leash and not left in a vehicle. Pets are not allowed on swim beach.
- There are no life guards; it is a swim at your own risk facility.
- Beach advisories may be posted at any time due to water quality issues
- No glass permitted on the beach.
No ground fires; Only charcoal fires or self-contained gas grills
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Available Activities
- Swimming Site - Swimming Site
- Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking - Hiking
- Fishing - Fishing
- Interpretive Programs - Interpretive Programs
- Boating - Boating
- Birding - Birding
- Canoeing - Canoeing
- Kayaking - Kayaking
- Picnicking - Picnicking
- Ranger Station - Ranger Station
Directions
From Route 101 in Peterborough, take a right onto Union Street for 1/2-mile, then take a left onto Wilder Street and travel all the way to the end of the street.
Contact Information
Phone: 603-924-3431
75 WILDER STREETPETERBOROUGH, NH 03458 75 Wilder Street
Peterborough, NH 03458
Rental Options
Available Campsites
- Site SH1, Loop EDWARD MACDOWELL, Type Group Shelter Nonelectric
- Site SH2, Loop EDWARD MACDOWELL, Type Group Shelter Nonelectric
