Is swimming allowed in Great East Lake?

Yes, swimming is allowed in Great East Lake. There are designated swimming areas, and some campsites even have swimming docks where diving is permitted.

What makes Great East Lake a popular destination?

Great East Lake is a popular destination because of its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. It offers over 1700 acres of water and 12 miles of shoreline, supporting various water activities like boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake is also known for its cleanliness and rich ecosystem, including waterfowl, otters, and fish.

What are the minimum length limits for different fish species in Great East Lake, Maine?

In Great East Lake, the minimum length limit for lake trout (also known as togue) is 16 inches. For brook trout, the minimum length is not specified in this context, but generally, it is 6 inches in other New Hampshire waters. Lake trout must meet this specific length to be kept.

Are there dog-friendly beaches on Great East Lake?

There are no dog-friendly beaches on Great East Lake. The information available does not mention any dog-friendly beaches in this area. Instead, dog-friendly beaches are found in other locations such as Brevard County’s Canova Beach Park or Pensacola Beach’s dog parks.

What towns are near Great East Lake?

Great East Lake is near the towns of Wakefield, New Hampshire, and Acton, Maine. These towns share the lake, with Wakefield located in New Hampshire and Acton in Maine. The lake serves as the headwaters to the Salmon Falls River.

Great East Lake Cabin & Vacation Rentals

Great East Lake is an 1,825-acre water body located in Carroll County, New Hampshire, and York County, Maine, in the United States. The lake is shared by the towns of Wakefield, New Hampshire, and Acton, Maine, with 45% of its surface area in Acton and 55% in Wakefield. The lake is the farthest upstream of the five headwater lakes of the Salmon Falls River, a tributary of the Piscataqua River. Water from Great East Lake flows out its dam and through the 800-foot Newichawannock Canal into Horn Pond, then into the Salmon Falls River below Horn Pond.
The widest part of the lake is in New Hampshire. The lake narrows to the east in Maine, creating the First, Second and Third basins. Great East Lake is the largest of the Salmon Falls headwater lakes.
Great East Lake supports abundant wildlife, and 21 fish species including lake trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, American eel, hornpout, white perch, black crappie and chain pickerel.

The Great East Lake watershed is located in Acton, Maine, and Wakefield, New Hampshire, and covers approximately 9,939 acres. Great East Lake is part of the Piscataqua River major drainage basin and the Salmon Falls River subdrainage basin. Great East Lake flows into Horn Pond which in turn starts the Salmon Falls River at its outflow. The Salmon Falls River then flows into the Piscataqua River and into the Great Bay estuary and the Gulf of Maine.

Surface area (mi): 4.6
Max depth (ft): 101.71
Elevation (ft): 570.87
Shoreline length (mi): 18.02

Best time to go

In the golden embrace of late summer, particularly in August, Great East Lake transforms into a serene paradise. Lush greenery reflects in tranquil waters, while the gentle hum of cicadas accompanies fishing and sailing adventures. With fewer tourists and warm, sun-kissed days, it’s a time when nature’s beauty reveals itself in every shimmering ripple.

Water Quality

Great East Lake's water is crystal-clear, with an average transparency of over 30 feet, allowing for vibrant hues of deep blue and aquamarine to shine through. The pristine waters, free from invasive species, reflect the surrounding natural beauty, offering a serene and unspoiled environment.

Ideal for

Family friendly:
Pet friendly:
Romantic getaways:

Popular activities

Boating
Waterskiing
Kayaking
Canoeing
Swimming
Fishing
Hiking

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