Lake Massabesic
Lake Massabesic
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
170 reviews
Excellent
98
Very good
61
Average
9
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Tripking07
New Hampshire927 contributions
Aug 2011
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This place is at the rotary off of exit 1 on RT101 or on Londonderry Trpk heading south toward Auburn NH.
There is quite a bit of parking available. There is an area for picnicing and some really nice green grass for throwing a ball or giving your dog a walk. There are 10 miles worth of biking / running / walking trails all around the lake. It is usally pretty busy during the summer. There is a large lake that can only be used for non motor powered boats and fishing. The lake is stocked and be sure to get your NH fishing license or you will get bagged. The place has a strange calm about it and sometimes I just go there and sit in my car and relax.
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This place is at the rotary off of exit 1 on RT101 or on Londonderry Trpk heading south toward Auburn NH.
There is quite a bit of parking available. There is an area for picnicing and some really nice green grass for throwing a ball or giving your dog a walk. There are 10 miles worth of biking / running / walking trails all around the lake. It is usally pretty busy during the summer. There is a large lake that can only be used for non motor powered boats and fishing. The lake is stocked and be sure to get your NH fishing license or you will get bagged. The place has a strange calm about it and sometimes I just go there and sit in my car and relax.
Written September 24, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ahabdahuisman
Amman, Jordan24 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
If you are looking to do something uniquely different in Manchester, NH: Head to Lake Massabesic after calling Mike at Massabesic Canoe and Kayak (114 Raymond Rd., Auburn, NH) to reserve your vessel of choice. We had never been canoeing before but ended up spending a wonderful 3 hours on a beautiful Lake enjoying the peace and quiet while getting in an excellent workout paddling around while searching for birds. If you're into fishing, that's possible, as well. Arrive about 15 minutes early to get an excellent briefing and your PFD fitted. Then, proceed to the launch/dock area where Mike will meet you with your desired vessel and help you get started. You decide the length of your adventure time-wise and Mike will meet you when you are finished. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and plan to repeat this activity in the future.
Written July 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary S
Bedford,NH22 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
Great daytime getaway for the kids! Shoreline fishing is permitted. Picnic tables and barbecue area. Many portable toilets also available. Excellent views of the lake. Great for apartment dwellers with no yard! Tons of free parking.
Written March 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leenyd
Manchester, NH40 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
Close to home, with great water access, makes this my favorite kayaking site. There are actually several places you can put in, depending what type of boat you have, so you can see all of the lake in a kayak. Except of course the Manchester Water Works area as this is prohibited. Unfortunately, you also can not swim here, or even step into the water. But there are several nice little beaches you can stop at, and it can feel like you are on a deserted island. One day an immature eagle flew so close overhead I could have hit it with a rock (figuratively speaking). That was an amazing experience.
Written August 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Galina82
Manchester, NH40 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
I go for walks around this lake every other day. There are multiple trails good for walking and biking. This lake is big with multiple small island, perfect for kayaking, boating and fishing.
Written July 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
robcar603
Nashua, NH105 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
When I first discovered Lake Massabesic many years ago I thought it would be a great place to kayak, sail and frolic in the water. Well, it's a reservoir, not a lake and as such, no water contact with humans or pets is allowed. That means that launching a boat has to be done without contacting the water. Not being allowed to even wade in the water really put a damper on the outings as our young daughter could play only in the sand, not in the water. A couple of unpleasant brushes with the wardens regarding getting your feet wet convinced me that a drive-by viewing was the only enjoyable pastime for me since my kayak and sailboats required getting your feet wet. Strange regulations for a reservoir that allows big and small powerboats...guess it's ok to put gas and oil in the water, just not people things.
Written February 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Magnetizit
Manchester, NH20 contributions
Aug 2014 • Solo
Lake Massabesic is the water supply for Manchester, NH. This is a beautiful lake with clear water and excellent for fishing and kayaking. Since it is the water supply they DO NOT allow swimming or even touching the water with your hands and NO wadding. If you are caught you will be fined. From the kayak you can go very close to turtles, great blue herons, see fish nests, and even Bald eagles if you are lucky. This is also a wonderful place for family picnics and long walks on the old rail road trails. Any time of year you can just sit in the parking lot eating your lunch or ice cream from Goldenrods down the street.
Written September 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noraatc
Sudbury, MA40,603 contributions
Jun 2014
Love this lake! Relatively short drive from Boston and you are there. The lake is beautiful, and hiking around the lake offers very nice views. You can relax sitting on one of the benches at the lake and seagulls come very close to you: they are not afraid of people. The trail is great for hikers and bikers, easy for kids, and good place to walk a dog.
Plenty of free parking.
Plenty of free parking.
Written June 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NHPenny
East Haven, CT162 contributions
Aug 2011
There is an Audubon building off a side road and from there trails to the lake. You can also park right near the lake and walk plenty of trails or just sit on benches/bring a blanket and have a picnic or fish with the kids.
Written April 12, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hunter G
Las Vegas, NV127 contributions
Aug 2020 • Business
I was able to get a day off from work. I went to the lake for a nice stroll the paths are great with many people walking, running, or riding bikes. There are piers to sit at and beach’s to hang at.
Written August 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there boat ramps for fishing boat and how is the fishing and what special th rules
Written May 12, 2018
There are two boat ramps, both of which are smooth and easy to use. One is located off of Rte 121 just past the town hall. The other is a little trickier to find. The lots can fill up quickly. Remember to bring boots or waders so you don't step in the water when loading/unloading off trailer. You could be fined as it is a reservoir.
Written May 12, 2018
mariecaroleleger
Riviere-Beaudette, Canada
Bonjour j'aimerais savoir si nous pouvons louer des kayaks?
Written September 5, 2017
There is kayak rental avalible through Massabesic Canoe and Kayak in Auburn NH. They will deliver the Canoe or kayak down to the Lake and then pick it up when you're done.
Written March 14, 2016
That is a good idea, I had bought a pair of wading boots to get my boats in/out of the water and getting into/out of the boots in the boat was one serious exercise that in the 2 man kayak, risked capsizing and in the 1 man boat was impossible. I would have to wait until the Water Police were out of sight to launch/land my and my family's boats. Now I don't even go there anymore, too many bad experiences getting ticketed.
Written March 15, 2016
Are kayak rentals available?
Written June 15, 2015
Not near the lake. You can rent at the local EMS store in the Mall of New Hampshire. They'll help you strap it to the roof of your vehicle.
Written September 14, 2015
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