Merrymeeting Lake is one of the most desirable lakes in New Hampshire, known for its 1,233 acres of crystal clear, deep, spring-fed waters. Here are a few highlights & sales statistics:
- Maximum depth: 120’, Average depth: 29’, Surface area: 1,233 acres, Elevation: 647’
- Length: 3.1 miles, Width: 1.3 miles, Shoreline length: 11 miles
- The lake’s outlet is the Merrymeeting River, flowing south then northwest to Lake Winnipesaukee; the river is approximately 10 miles long.
- There is a dam at the west end of the lake, which is used to control the lake’s water level.
- The lake features a town beach and boat launch area.
- Merrymeeting Lake is considered one of the clearest and cleanest lakes in the state, with its deep spring-fed water offering year-round recreational enjoyment.
- Merrymeeting Lake’s irregular hourglass shape makes it easy to navigate. North Shore Road and South Shore Road begin at the dam and follow the shoreline, almost encircling the lake.
- The roads are maintained year-round, and many summer and vacation homes dot the shoreline.
- A small marina, cottage rental community and seasonal country store are the only commercial developments on the lake.
- The Powder Mill Fish Hatchery, located just below the lake’s outlet (at the base of the dam), is fed by the overflow of the lake’s water. It helps maintain the quality and quantity of fish in Merrymeeting Lake and other bodies of water throughout New Hampshire. The outlet for the lake is also a popular spot for fly fishing.
- The deep, cold water allows for a variety of game species to thrive. Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Whitefish, and Landlocked Salmon are the more popular fish in the lake with anglers. Warm water fish include Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Pickerel, Horned Pout, White Perch, Yellow Perch, Crappie, and Bluegill. NH Fish & Game Dept. stocks the lake for recreational fishing.
- The lake’s Common Loons nest on the western shore.
- Great local hikes from the lakeside – Mount Calvery, Devil’s Den, Mount Bet, and Mount Molly
- Nearby skiing at Abenake or Gunstock Mountain Resort.
- Merrymeeting Lake’s website, www.MMLake.org, sponsors gatherings and fireworks, the status of loons nesting, and loon babes being born. It also has a webcam to check the weather.
- The Merrymeeting Lake Association (MMLA) exists to help preserve the Merrymeeting Lake watershed and water quality, to stimulate participation in the New Durham and the lake community, as well as updates on events and water quality.
Here’s a breakdown of sales activity on Merrymeeting Lake for the past 4 years:
- 2021: Number of Sales: 17, Median Days on Market: 7, Highest Sales Price: $1,700,000, Lowest Sales Price: $310,000, Median Sales Price: $765,000
- 2022: Number of Sales: 13, Median Days on Market: 19, Highest Sales Price: $2,250,000, Lowest Sales Price: $320,000, Median Sales Price: $1,075,000
- 2023: Number of Sales: 6, Median Days on Market: 8, Highest Sales Price: $2,300,000, Lowest Sales Price: $227,000, Median Sales Price: $612,450
- 2024: Number of Sales: 7, Median Days on Market: 7, Highest Sales Price: $2,975,000, Lowest Sales Price: $250,000, Median Sales Price: $900,000
- 2025: There are currently no sales, pending, under contract, or active listings to date
There’s no question that Merrymeeting Lake is one of the finest lakes in New Hampshire in terms of water quality. Its laidback, peaceful location is like going back in time, and that’s why many of our clients express interest in this 1,233-acre lake.
This article was written by Kathy Davis. Kathy is Realtor® at Roche Realty Group in Meredith, NH, and can be reached at (603) 279-7046. Data is subject to errors & sourced from Prime MLS. Please feel free to visit www.rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.
