Blackwater Dam One of the oldest dams in New England, this small facility near Webster provides some of the best kayak waters in the country during spring releases. It is the site of sanctioned events each year and has hosted Olympic pre-trials. Hydropower production was never incorporated after local citizens objected to creation of a permanent pool of water. The streamside environment includes a meandering 8 mile stretch of the Blackwater River, an excellent canoe stream stocked with trout. Hunting and snowmobiling opportunities.
Edward Macdowell Lake Located near Peterborough, this facility is named after the famous composer and concert pianist, Edward Alexander MacDowell. The 165-acre shallow lake and adjacent lands are managed by the State and the Corps of Engineers for hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities. A picturesque recreation area located next to the dam provides a picnic area with two group shelters, a swim beach, and hiking trails. (Call 603-924-3431 to reserve a group shelter.)
Franklin Falls Dam The 15-mile stretch of the Pemigewasset River which flows through the reservoir lands is popular for fishing. Reservoir area is managed by the State for fish and wildlife. Scenic Profile Falls attracts tourists; canoeing, hunting and snowmobiling are also popular.
Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Great Bay is located in the southeastern corner of New Hampshire and has a rich New England tradition of supporting many diverse uses, all dependent on the estuarine environment and resources.The Great Bay Reserve includes land and water areas the represent the range of different environments around the estuary, such as salt marsh, bluffs, rocky shores, woodlands, open fields and tidal water.
Great Bay NWR Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge contains a diversity of habitat types. Present habitat consists of forested uplands (55%), open grasslands (19%), shrub (13%), fresh water (6%), forested wetlands (4%), and salt marsh (3%). This diversity supports a wide range of wildlife, including the largest concentration of wintering American black ducks in New Hampshire. Bald eagles winter along the generally open waters of Great Bay and frequently perch along the shoreline. Topography is flat to gently rolling. The Refuge slopes down toward the west with the highest elevation of 100 feet (msl). Six miles of intertidal shoreline comprise the western boundary with The Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The Refuge also administers a 28 acre Conservation Easement in Concord, NH for the endangered Karner blue butterfly.
Hopkinton-Everett Lake The 10,000 acre flood control project contains two developed recreational areas, Clough State Park operated by the State and Elm Brook Park operated by the Corps of Engineers. Elm Brook Park (open from the 3rd Saturday in May through the 2nd Sunday in September) offers swimming, picnicking, and boating, with a 220-acre shallow lake. Group shelters may be reserved by calling 603-746-4775. The reservoir area and Stumpfield Marsh provide canoeing, wildlife observation, fishing, and hunting opportunities. Snowmobiles and off-road vehicles are restricted to designated trails only -- call for details.
