Hermit Lake: The Quiet Gem of Sanbornton
Everyone knows Lake Winnipesaukee. It's New Hampshire's largest lake, with 72 square miles of water, hundreds of islands, and a shoreline packed with resorts, restaurants, and summer homes. What fewer people know is that just a few miles away, there's a much smaller lake that offers a completely different experience.
Hermit Lake in Sanbornton is 220 acres of quiet water surrounded by woods. There are no jet skis buzzing across the surface, no crowded public beaches, no traffic jams on the access roads. It's the kind of place where you can hear loons calling at dusk and see stars at night.
We've been hosting guests on Hermit Lake for years, and we've come to appreciate what makes this place special. Here's everything you need to know.
Understanding Hermit Lake
The Basics
Hermit Lake sits in the town of Sanbornton, bounded by Meredith to the north, Stage Road to the west, Hueber Drive to the east, and Hermit Woods Road to the south. At 220 acres with a maximum depth of 50 feet, it's large enough to explore by kayak or canoe but small enough to feel intimate.
The water quality is excellent. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services monitors the lake regularly, and it consistently rates well for clarity and overall health. The watershed covers about 3,718 acres, mostly forested land that helps filter runoff and maintain water quality.
The Town Beach
Sanbornton maintains a public beach on Hermit Lake, located off Route 132. It's a sandy beach with picnic tables, open to the public. The water is calm and clear—perfect for swimming with children. Unlike the public beaches on Winnipesaukee, you won't fight for a parking spot or set up your towel elbow-to-elbow with strangers.
The beach is busiest on hot summer weekends, but even then, "busy" at Hermit Lake means a fraction of what you'd see at Weirs Beach or Ellacoya State Park.
What You Won't Find
Hermit Lake doesn't have boat launches for large motorboats. There are no marinas, no waterfront restaurants, no jet ski rentals. For some visitors, that's a drawback. For others—including most of our guests—it's exactly the point.
The lake is best suited for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and swimming. If you want to water ski or cruise around in a speedboat, Hermit Lake or Winnipesaukee are better choices. If you want peace and quiet, Hermit Lake delivers.
About Sanbornton
Sanbornton is one of those New Hampshire towns that hasn't changed much over the decades. With a population of about 3,000, it's a rural community of rolling hills, forests, and scattered farms. The town was granted in 1748 and named after John Sanborn, a friend of Governor Benning Wentworth.
What Sanbornton lacks in commercial development, it makes up for in character. The town includes the villages of North Sanbornton and Gaza, each with its own quiet charm. Conservation land dominates much of the area, which means plenty of open space and wildlife.
The nearest significant shopping and dining is in Meredith (about 15 minutes) or Laconia (about 20 minutes). Stock up on groceries before you arrive—Sanbornton itself has limited retail.
Things to Do
On the Water
Swimming: The town beach offers public access, but if you're staying at our property, you have private waterfront. The water warms up by mid-July and stays swimmable through early September.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Hermit Lake is ideal for paddling. The calm water and scenic shoreline make for a peaceful morning or evening paddle. Bring your own equipment or rent from shops in Meredith.
Fishing: The lake supports populations of bass and other warm-water species. You'll need a New Hampshire fishing license, available online or at local sporting goods stores.
Nearby Attractions
Profile Falls: One of our favorite local spots is Profile Falls, about 15 minutes from Sanbornton. This 20-foot waterfall on the Smith River is reached via an easy 0.3-mile trail. The falls fan dramatically across a rock ledge, and you can view them from above and below. It's perfect for families or anyone who wants a quick nature fix.
Hermit Woods Winery: Despite the name, Hermit Woods Winery is actually in Meredith, about 15 minutes away. This boutique winery was named the fourth-best tasting room in the United States by USA Today. They specialize in fruit wines, meads, and ciders made from locally-sourced ingredients. The attached restaurant serves excellent farm-to-table food, and they host live music several nights a week.
Just Maple: For authentic New Hampshire maple syrup, visit Just Maple in Sanbornton. They offer tours and tastings, and you can purchase their products directly. If you visit during sugaring season (late February through early April), you might see the production process in action.
Funspot: When you need a break from nature, head to Funspot in Weirs Beach (about 20 minutes). This is officially the world's largest arcade, recognized by Guinness World Records. Three floors of games span from classic 1970s arcade cabinets to modern video games, plus mini-golf and bowling. It's particularly great on rainy days.
Hiking
The Lakes Region offers hiking for every ability level:
Easy: Profile Falls (0.3 miles), Hermit Lake Scenic Trail (1.8 miles, paved)
Moderate: Red Hill in Center Harbor offers one of the best views of Lake Winnipesaukee. The 3.5-mile round trip has moderate elevation gain but rewards you with panoramic views.
Challenging: Mount Cardigan in Canaan features a bare summit with 360-degree views. Welch and Dickey Mountain Loop offers open ledges and excellent scenery.
Dining in the Area
Meredith (15 minutes)
George's Diner: A classic New Hampshire diner with hearty breakfast and lunch. This is where locals gather for coffee and conversation.
Lakehouse Grille: Located at Mill Falls, this upscale option serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with lake views. Sunday brunch is popular.
Town Docks: The go-to spot for ice cream after a day on the water.
Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery: Farm-to-table cuisine in a refined setting, with live music several nights a week.
Laconia (20 minutes)
Local Eatery: Farm-to-table restaurant focusing on fresh, local ingredients.
Trillium Farm to Table: Another excellent option for locally-sourced dining.
Tilton (15 minutes)
Heritage Farm Pancake House: A local favorite for breakfast, especially their pancakes with New Hampshire maple syrup.
Seasonal Guide
Summer (June-August)
This is peak season. The lake is warm enough for swimming, all attractions are open, and the weather is typically beautiful. Expect more visitors to the region, though Hermit Lake itself stays relatively quiet.
Fall (September-October)
Fall foliage in the Lakes Region is spectacular, usually peaking in early to mid-October. The crowds thin after Labor Day, but the weather often stays warm through September. This is arguably the best time for hiking.
Winter (December-March)
Winter transforms the region. The lake freezes over (usually by late January), opening opportunities for ice fishing. Gunstock Mountain is just 15 minutes away for skiing and snowboarding. The pace is slower, but there's a cozy charm to the region in winter.
Spring (April-May)
Spring comes slowly to New Hampshire. April can be cold and muddy, but by May the region comes alive. This is sugaring season at the maple producers. It's also great for waterfall hikes, as snowmelt fills the streams.
Getting Here
Sanbornton is about 90 minutes from Boston via I-93 North. Take Exit 22 and follow Route 127 toward Sanbornton. The drive is straightforward, though traffic can be heavy on summer weekends—especially Friday afternoons heading north and Sunday afternoons heading south.
The nearest airports are Manchester-Boston Regional (about an hour) and Boston Logan (about 90 minutes).
Why Hermit Lake?
People ask us why we chose Hermit Lake when Lake Winnipesaukee is so close. The answer is simple: we wanted something quieter.
Winnipesaukee is beautiful, but it's also busy. The public beaches are crowded, the boat traffic can be intense, and the shoreline is heavily developed. Hermit Lake offers a different experience—one where you can actually hear yourself think.
Our guests come here to disconnect. They want to swim without fighting for space, paddle without dodging jet skis, and fall asleep to the sound of loons instead of boat engines. Hermit Lake delivers all of that.
It's not for everyone. If you want waterfront restaurants and bustling nightlife, look elsewhere. But if you want a genuine escape—a place where the pace slows down and the natural beauty takes center stage—Hermit Lake might be exactly what you're looking for.
What Our Guests Say
Our guests keep coming back for a reason. Here's what they've said about staying at our Hermit Lake property:
"Had a great experience staying at this beautiful home. The host supplied literally everything which we really appreciated! The wood, propane, paper towels, bath towels, fishing tackle, rods—the list goes on. We loved the kayaks & canoe, rowing around the lake was very peaceful & had a beautiful view. The part I enjoyed the most was how comfortable the beds were. I would definitely recommend this place if you're looking to spend a weekend with friends and family, while enjoying a campfire near the water." — Billy, Group Trip
"The house and the lake were beautiful. My family had a great time. It was so quiet and peaceful. Was equipped with everything you would need. Kids loved fishing from the kayaks." — Jon, Family Trip
"Maxwell's cabin was the perfect spot for a girls weekend celebration. Our host was accommodating and responsive. The place was cozy, the kitchen was well stocked for all the meals we cooked there, and the surroundings were just beautiful. We made good use of the game room and outdoor firepit and had a great sunrise hike up Mt. Major. Just perfect for our needs!" — Sarah, Lebanon, NH
"We loved being on the lake, using the kayaks everyday, and the house feels cozy and nice." — Linda, Portola Valley, CA
"Great place to stay. We had a ton of fun taking the kayaks and pedal boat out on the lake!" — Tyler, Group Trip
"It is a great place (and everything is as advertised). Maxwell is very responsive, too." — Petr, Newton, MA
Experience Hermit Lake for yourself. Book our lakefront property [blocked] and discover the quieter side of New Hampshire's Lakes Region.
