Lake Umbagog

Coös County, New Hampshire, and Oxford County, Maine both contain the wilderness lake known as Umbagog Lake. One of New Hampshire's most pristine lakes is this one. In addition to the townships of Cambridge, New Hampshire, and Magalloway Plantation, Maine, it is located in the towns of Errol, New Hampshire, and Upton, Maine. The Abenaki term for "shallow water" is supposed to be the source of the name Umbagog, which is properly pronounced with the stress on the second syllable.

Lake Umbagog is regarded as a haven for fans of paddle sports and one of the best kayaking spots in New England. It's one of the few locations where paddling a canoe or kayak to a campsite is possible. Along its erratic beaches, Umbagog State Park includes 33 such isolated locations. The only sounds at night, far from other campers, are the calls of loons fishing in the lake.

The lake, which spans more than 7,500 acres, is largely undeveloped, with the exception of the park campground along its southern side. There, you can rent rowboats, kayaks, and canoes, and the park can arrange transportation to the outlying areas.

Location: 235 East Route 26, Cambridge, New Hampshire