Swim Clear Water and Tour the Franklin Pierce Homestead
Why Rent On Franklin Pierce Lake
Franklin Pierce Lake covers approximately 483 acres in western New Hampshire and takes its name from the 14th President of the United States, who was born and raised in this part of the state. The lake itself is a well-managed and peaceful body of water known for its no-wake zone, which keeps conditions calm for fishing, sailing, and paddling. For families who want a genuinely quiet lake experience alongside meaningful New England history, this is a combination that is hard to improve on.
Boating, Fishing, and Peaceful Water
The no-wake zone makes Franklin Pierce Lake particularly well-suited to kayaking, canoeing, and sailing in a relaxed setting. Anglers find rainbow and brown trout, smallmouth bass, and northern pike in good numbers throughout the season, and the lake’s calm surface rewards those who arrive early in the morning before the wind picks up. In winter, the lake freezes reliably for ice fishing and ice skating.
The Franklin Pierce Homestead
The Franklin Pierce Homestead in Hillsborough is a state historic site and one of the most well-preserved examples of early 19th-century Federal-style architecture in New Hampshire. Tour the house where Pierce grew up, and the surrounding village gives a clear picture of what rural New Hampshire looked and felt like in the 1800s. It is a stop that adds genuine substance to a lake trip for historically curious families.
Mount Sunapee and the Monadnock Region
Mount Sunapee State Park is within easy reach for hiking and swimming in summer, and the Monadnock Sunapee Greenway trail connects the two great southern New Hampshire peaks for families who want a multi-day hiking dimension. Pillsbury State Park and Greenfield State Park add additional outdoor options within a comfortable drive.
A Quiet Lake With a Presidential Story
A vacation home near Franklin Pierce Lake gives your family a comfortable, peaceful base in a part of New Hampshire that most visitors pass through without slowing down. Cozy rentals with lake views, full kitchens, and outdoor space reward families who take the time to look a little further. The history is here, the fishing is reliable, and the water is genuinely still.
- Surface area (mi)
- 1.24
- Max depth (ft)
- 29.86
- Elevation (ft)
- 764.44
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 8.19
Popular activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Ice Fishing
- Kayaking
- Cross-country Skiing
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Marinas on Franklin Pierce Lake
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Franklin Pierce Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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No, it is not always safe to swim in Franklin Pierce Lake. The lake sometimes has cyanobacteria advisories, and during these times, swimming, wading, and drinking the water are not recommended. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services monitors the water quality and issues advisories when necessary.
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Franklin Pierce Lake is a popular destination because it offers several public access points, including a boat launch and a swimming beach. The lake, also known as Jackman Reservoir, is suitable for boating and fishing, and its location in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, makes it accessible for visitors from surrounding states.
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For Franklin Pierce Lake in New Hampshire, the daily bag limit for trout is 2 fish, and the minimum length requirements are 15 inches for brook trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout, and 18 inches for lake trout. The lake is stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Fishing is subject to general rules for lakes and ponds in the state.
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Yes, there is a public beach at Franklin Pierce Lake with a boat launch. This beach is located at Manahan Park, which also features restrooms and a play area. The park provides access for both swimming and boating on the lake.
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The towns near Franklin Pierce Lake are Hillsborough and Antrim. These towns are located in Hillsborough County in southern New Hampshire. The lake is situated within the boundaries of these two towns.
