Goose Pond Dam Beach

For dining near Goose Pond Dam Beach, several options are available. Chappy's is a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a cozy atmosphere and great coffee. Poor House Bar-B-Q is renowned for its barbecue, providing a casual dining experience with fast service. Kitchen 56 in nearby Enfield offers a diverse menu with live music, making it a great choice for dinner. Canaan Village Pizza is ideal for those looking for quick, delicious meals. Lastly, Jake's Market & Deli provides convenience with a variety of snacks and essentials.

Accommodations near Goose Pond Dam Beach include a range of options. The Hanover Inn Dartmouth offers upscale lodging with a restaurant and bar, located in Hanover. For those looking for a more casual stay, the Hilton Garden Inn Hanover Lebanon provides comfortable rooms with an indoor pool. Further afield, the North Conway Grand Hotel offers pools and dining options, while the Inn at Pleasant Lake provides refined lakeside lodging. The Fireside Inn & Suites West Lebanon offers a laid-back atmosphere with a pool and dining.

At Goose Pond Dam Beach, amenities are limited but functional. There is a small public beach and a boat launch area known as 'The Acre', which is owned by the state. Restrooms are available, but there are no showers or rental equipment facilities on site. Picnic areas are not formally designated, but visitors can enjoy picnics in the surrounding scenic spots. Fires are not allowed at the beach or on the nearby islands, but they are permitted on private property with a free permit from the fire warden.

The area is primarily state-owned, with some private shores, ensuring a balance between public access and private property rights.

Wildlife viewing is a significant amenity, with opportunities to see moose, deer, and various bird species.

Goose Pond Dam Beach offers several outdoor activities. Boating is popular, with a public boat launch area available. Fishing is another favorite pastime, with the pond being renowned for its smallmouth bass and other fish species. Swimming is possible, although the water is generally warm and shallow. The surrounding area is great for hiking and exploring, with trails nearby that offer scenic views of the pond and its wildlife.

Wildlife watching is a significant activity, with opportunities to spot moose, bears, and various bird species like osprey and eagles.

The area's natural beauty makes it ideal for photography and nature walks.

Goose Pond Dam Beach offers some accessibility features. The public beach and boat launch area are generally accessible, although the terrain may be uneven in some areas. There are no specific wheelchair-accessible ramps or facilities mentioned at the beach itself. However, nearby restaurants and hotels, such as those in Hanover and Lebanon, often provide wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, and seating areas.

Visitors with mobility issues should plan ahead and contact local facilities for specific accessibility information.

The surrounding area's natural beauty can still be enjoyed from accessible viewpoints or with assistance.

Parking at Goose Pond Dam Beach is generally available near the public beach and boat launch area. However, the capacity is limited, and visitors should plan accordingly. There are no specific parking fees mentioned, but it is advisable to arrive early to secure a spot. The parking area is close to the beach, making it convenient for those with mobility issues or families with children.

The proximity to the beach allows for easy access to the water and surrounding recreational areas.

Be mindful of private property signs and respect local regulations.

Goose Pond Dam Beach has a fascinating history. The pond was named after a hunting party in 1767 that encountered a large number of geese and ducks on its surface. According to legend, they cooked an old goose, which remained tough despite being cooked all day, leading to the name 'Goose Pond'. The pond has been expanded over time with dams built in 1899 and 1917-18, serving as an energy reserve and hydroelectric source.

The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including moose, bears, and various bird species.

The pond holds the New Hampshire state record for smallmouth bass, caught in 1970.

Near Goose Pond Dam Beach, several attractions offer a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences. The nearby town of Hanover provides access to Dartmouth College and its cultural events. The Appalachian Trail is within driving distance, offering extensive hiking opportunities. The Mascoma River, which Goose Pond is part of, offers scenic views and additional outdoor activities like kayaking.

For those interested in history, the area has a rich past, with stories about the pond's origins and the local wildlife.

The Cardigan Mountain School is nearby, offering educational programs and scenic views.