Destination guide
Hermit Lake & NH Lakes Region travel guide
A quiet 220-acre lake in Sanbornton, with the busy lakes and the mountains a short drive away in every season.
There's something about New Hampshire's Lakes Region that gets under your skin: mist coming off the water in the morning, the hills turning gold in October, loons at dusk. It's the kind of place families come back to year after year.
Our lakefront home, the Hermit Lake Retreat, sits right on Hermit Lake in Sanbornton, with its own beach and dock. Lake Winnipesaukee draws the crowds; Hermit Lake is the quieter water next door, good for swimming, paddling and fishing without the boat traffic. Our complete Hermit Lake guide goes deeper on the lake and the town.
- Best season
- Year-round
- From Boston
- About 90 minutes by car
- Lake access
- Private beach and dock
- Location
- Sanbornton, NH
Hermit Lake
A 220-acre lake in Sanbornton, one of the Lakes Region's quieter corners. While Winnipesaukee draws the crowds, Hermit Lake is calm water for kayaking, swimming and fishing. For species, licenses and tips, see our Hermit Lake fishing guide.
From the dock
Swimming
The water is clean and clear, and at the house you swim right off your own beach and dock. It warms up by mid-July and stays swimmable into early September.
Bass, pickerel, panfish
Fishing
Hermit Lake is a warm-water fishery: largemouth and smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch and sunfish. Early morning and evening, when the lake is glassy, are the best times.
Calm water
Kayaking and canoeing
With little motorboat traffic, the coves and shoreline make for easy paddling at any skill level. At the house: Four kayaks, a canoe, a paddle boat and life jackets for all ages, and snowshoes in winter, free for guests to use.
Dark skies
Stargazing
Away from city lights, clear nights here are full of stars; on a moonless night you can see the Milky Way. Take a blanket down to the dock.
Four seasons
Unlike a lot of vacation spots, the Lakes Region works all year. Our four-seasons guide has the month-by-month detail, and winter at Hermit Lake covers the cold months, including ice safety.
Summer
Peak lake season: swimming, paddling and fishing by day, stars at night. The water reaches comfortable swimming temperatures by July. Farmers' markets and outdoor concerts around the region.
Fall
Foliage usually peaks in early to mid-October, turning the hills around the lake red and gold. The best time for hiking, scenic drives and apple picking.
Winter
Skiing and snowshoeing: Gunstock Mountain is within a drive. Ice fishing once the ice is safe, and evenings by the fireplace.
Spring
The quiet season. The ice goes out, the fishing picks up as the lake warms, and the first wildflowers come up in the woods.
Where to eat
The Lakes Region eats well beyond the usual tourist fare, from lakeside dinners to scratch-made breakfasts.
Dinner with a view
The Lake House at Ferry Point
Lakeside dining with sunset views and a seasonal menu built on local ingredients. Reserve ahead, especially for a lakeside table.
- Dinner
- Lakefront
- $$$
Local favorite
Patrick's Pub & Eatery
A Gilford institution since 1993: pub food, good burgers and craft beer, with live music on weekends. Locals and visitors mix easily.
- American
- Casual
- $$
Breakfast
MK Kitchen
A breakfast and brunch spot in Tilton, a short drive from the lake, where everything is made from scratch. Get there early on weekends.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- $–$$
Things to do
Beyond the lake, the region is full of places to explore. Skiers should read our NH ski vacation guide.
Gunstock Mountain
Skiing and snowboarding in winter, and a mountain coaster, ziplines and hiking in summer, with views over Lake Winnipesaukee. Within a drive of the house.
Profile Falls
A waterfall in Bristol reached by an easy walk from the parking area. Good for a morning outing or a picnic.
Weirs Beach
The classic Lakes Region beach town: arcades, ice cream and the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. Touristy in the best way.
Castle in the Clouds
A mountaintop estate with walking trails, waterfalls and big views, especially in foliage season.
Winnipesaukee River Trail
A paved trail for biking and walking along the river, past old mill buildings. Flat and family-friendly.
Squam Lake
Where "On Golden Pond" was filmed. Take a boat tour to see loons, eagles and the film locations.
The house with the price for your dates and the questions guests ask before booking: our Hermit Lake, NH lakefront rental.
Plan your trip
Everything we've written about Hermit Lake and the Lakes Region.
- When to Come for Fall Colors (and What to Do When You're Here)Fall at the lake is incredible. Here's when to come and what to do.11 min read
- Planning Your New Hampshire Ski Vacation: A Lakes Region GuideEverything you need to know about skiing in New Hampshire's Lakes Region, from choosing the right resort to planning a winter getaway.16 min read
- Hermit Lake: The Quiet Gem of Sanbornton, New HampshireA deep dive into Hermit Lake and Sanbornton—the peaceful alternative to Lake Winnipesaukee that offers everything you need and nothing you don't.12 min read
- Four Seasons in New Hampshire's Lakes Region: What to Expect Each SeasonFrom summer swimming to fall foliage to winter skiing, here's what the Lakes Region offers throughout the year—and when we think is the best time to visit.11 min read
- A Winter Escape to Hermit Lake: Your Guide to Cozy Cabin Life in New HampshireDiscover the magic of winter at our Hermit Lake property. From skiing at Gunstock and snowshoeing to warming up by the fireplace, here's everything you need for a winter getaway.12 min read
- Booking Direct: How Airbnb & Vrbo Service Fees WorkGuests often ask why they'd book a house on its own website instead of on Airbnb. Here's how platform service fees work, and how to compare a direct booking fairly.9 min read
- Summer on a Quiet New Hampshire Lake: A Lakes Region Guide Beyond WinnipesaukeeYou don't have to fight the Weirs Beach crowds to have a great Lakes Region summer. Here's how we do it from a quiet lake—and how to dip into the busy stuff only when you want to.11 min read
- Two Easy Weekend Getaways from Boston: Cape Cod Beach House or NH Lake HouseBoth of our destinations are about 90 minutes from Boston in opposite directions—one to the ocean, one to a lake. Here's how to pick, and how to make a two-night weekend actually work.10 min read
- Fishing Hermit Lake, NH: A Practical Guide for GuestsRod in the car for your Sanbornton trip? Here's what to actually expect fishing a quiet central New Hampshire lake—species, seasons, licensing, and how it's different from fishing a big lake like Winnipesaukee.9 min read