Limitless Sniffs in the Lake Sunapee Region of New Hampshire
This travel spot is featured in our seventh blog series, Sheps Stay.
One of the most unforgettable ways to experience the Lake Sunapee Region of New Hampshire with your dog is from the water. Kayaking across Lake Sunapee with your pup by your side offers a rare perspective of the region’s mountain scenery, forested shoreline, and historic lake lighthouses. Few places offer the chance to share such a peaceful adventure together—your dog in the kayak, the mountains in the distance, and the beauty of Lake Sunapee all around you.
If your ideal vacation includes hiking scenic mountain trails, paddling across crystal-clear lakes, dining on a waterfront patio, and ending the day with your dog curled up beside you, the Lake Sunapee Region of New Hampshire deserves a place on your travel list. Nestled in west-central New Hampshire, this picturesque region is known for its sparkling lakes, rolling mountains, charming New England villages, and endless outdoor adventures. Best of all, you'll find plenty of dog-friendly hiking trails, parks, outdoor patios, and pet-friendly accommodations throughout the region, making it easy to enjoy every part of your getaway with your four-legged companion by your side.
The Lake Sunapee Region is made up of a collection of welcoming small towns, each offering its own blend of scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, and New England charm. Whether your dog loves hiking wooded trails, splashing along the shoreline, relaxing at a pet-friendly brewery, or joining you for an outdoor meal, there's something for every type of adventure. From Sunapee and Newbury to New London, Sutton, Springfield, and Goshen, you'll discover dog-friendly parks, trails, restaurants, and lodging that make exploring the region together both easy and memorable.
Sunapee is the heart of the Lake Sunapee Region and is best known for its beautiful lakefront setting, bustling harbor, and easy access to year-round outdoor recreation. Whether you're strolling through Sunapee Harbor, hiking nearby trails, or simply relaxing by the water, this charming New England town offers plenty of opportunities to explore with your dog. Its welcoming atmosphere, scenic beauty, and abundance of dog-friendly activities make Sunapee a favorite destination for visitors traveling with their four-legged companions.
Newbury offers a wonderful mix of lake and mountain scenery, making it a peaceful destination for visitors who enjoy the outdoors. Located along the shores of Lake Sunapee and home to Mount Sunapee, this charming New England town is filled with opportunities to explore scenic trails, enjoy waterfront views, and experience the beauty of New Hampshire’s natural surroundings. From quiet walks and historic landmarks to year-round outdoor adventures, Newbury’s welcoming atmosphere and stunning landscapes make it a memorable stop in the Lake Sunapee Region for visitors traveling with their four-legged companions
New London brings a traditional New England village feel with its tree-lined streets, local shops, cafés, and welcoming community atmosphere. This charming town is a wonderful place to explore at a leisurely pace with your dog while enjoying scenic lakes, peaceful countryside, and the beauty of the surrounding region. Whether you’re strolling through the village, discovering local favorites, or taking in the area’s natural landscapes, New London offers a relaxed and inviting experience for visitors and their four-legged companions.
Sutton provides a quieter side of the Lake Sunapee Region with its historic character, scenic roads, and peaceful rural landscapes. This charming New Hampshire community is an ideal destination for travelers looking to slow down, explore the countryside, and enjoy a more relaxed experience with their canine companion. From historic sites and country views to quiet walks along scenic routes, Sutton offers a welcoming escape filled with small-town charm and natural beauty for visitors and their four-legged companions.
Springfield offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by forests, rolling hills, and sparkling lakes, making it a wonderful destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, fishing, boating, and wildlife watching while taking in the area's unspoiled beauty. With its quiet countryside, abundant recreational opportunities, and easy access to the Lake Sunapee Region, Springfield provides a relaxing getaway where both visitors and their four-legged companions can enjoy the best of New Hampshire's natural landscape.
Goshen is a small mountain community known for its natural beauty, wooded landscapes, and peaceful atmosphere. Nestled near the mountains of the Lake Sunapee Region, this charming town offers visitors a chance to reconnect with nature through scenic roads, outdoor adventures, and quiet countryside views. Whether exploring nearby trails, enjoying the area’s natural surroundings, or simply taking in the slower pace of rural New Hampshire, Goshen is a wonderful destination for travelers looking for a peaceful getaway with their dog.
Whether you're planning a relaxing weekend getaway or a week-long outdoor adventure, the Lake Sunapee Region offers countless opportunities for you and your canine companion to hike, paddle, explore, dine, and unwind together. From scenic lakeshores and mountain trails to charming villages and peaceful countryside roads, this welcoming region invites you to create memorable experiences with your four-legged friend.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone had paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in the Lake Sunapee Region of New Hampshire. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Private Lake House
This rental has 3 bedrooms with 4 beds and 2 baths (master bedroom with a luxurious en-suite spa bath and shower)
Photos by AIRBNB.com
It features the following amenities:
Directly on Lake Todd
Private sandy beach
Swim/boat to one of the lake's three islands
3 extended decks with multiple seating and a covered dining area
Coal Grill on the deck
Floating Docks
2 kayaks & a rowboat for your use
Enjoy local outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing
Welcomes your furry dog family
What would Luie Boone have thought of this rental? He would have woofed:
My family found what looked like the perfect place for our next adventure—a beautiful lake house on peaceful Lake Todd in Newbury, New Hampshire, in the stunning Lake Sunapee Region. We dreamed about the private sandy beach, swimming from the dock, paddling the lake in the kayaks, relaxing on the spacious decks, grilling dinner, gathering around the fire pit, and cozy evenings by the fireplace. I imagined chasing balls into the lake, exploring the gardens, listening to the loons, watching hummingbirds, hiking nearby trails, and maybe even making friends with the friendly neighborhood dogs that often stop by to say hello. But before our vacation could begin, I crossed the Rainbow Bridge, and my family never got to take the trip.
The lake, the beach, and the memories we hoped to make together remain a beautiful dream. If you get to visit this special place with your own best friend, splash in the lake, watch the sunset from the dock, and give those friendly neighborhood pups a wag for me.
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone had sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing in the Lake Sunapee Region of New Hampshire!
Sunset Hill
Looking for a scenic hike to enjoy with your pup?
Sunset Hill in Newbury, New Hampshire, is a beautiful destination for dogs and their humans, offering peaceful woodland trails, fresh mountain air, and a rewarding summit view.
The trail winds through the Hay Reservation, where you and your four-legged companion can explore the quiet forest before making your way to the rocky summit.
At the top, you’ll find a unique stone cairn overlooking the landscape—a memorable landmark that adds character to the hike and makes a perfect spot to pause and enjoy the views of Lake Sunapee.
With plenty of natural sights and smells along the way, Sunset Hill is a wonderful adventure for curious pups who love to explore.
Bring water, a leash, and waste bags, and help protect this special trail for everyone who visits.
Whether your dog enjoys a good hike, a new adventure, or simply spending time outdoors with you, Sunset Hill is a place where memories are made.
Lake Solitude
If you're looking for a peaceful hike to enjoy with your four-legged adventure buddy, Lake Solitude on Mount Sunapee is a must-visit.
The scenic trail winds through beautiful forests before reaching a quiet mountain lake with stunning views.
Did you know? Lake Solitude is actually a glacial tarn, meaning it was formed thousands of years ago by glaciers.
Even more impressive, the lake and surrounding forest were nearly logged in the early 1900s until conservation efforts protected more than 650 acres, helping preserve the area that is now part of Mount Sunapee State Park.
Dogs are welcome on the trails but should remain leashed. To help protect this fragile alpine ecosystem, pets aren't allowed in or along the shoreline of the lake.
It's the perfect spot to slow down, enjoy nature, and make memories with your best hiking partner.
Have you and your pup explored Lake Solitude yet?
White Cliffs Overlook
Escape into nature with your four-legged friend at White Cliffs Overlook in Newbury, New Hampshire.
This short, dog-friendly trail winds through a peaceful forest before reaching a scenic granite ledge with breathtaking views of Lake Sunapee and the surrounding hills.
It's an easy outing that's perfect for a quick adventure, but be sure to keep your dog leashed near the overlook due to the steep cliffs.
A fun fact: the cliffs are part of New Hampshire's ancient granite landscape, shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago.
The area is also near the historic Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway, a 50-mile hiking trail enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts for generations.
From the peaceful forest trail to the panoramic views at the summit, White Cliffs Overlook is a memorable destination to enjoy with your pup any time of year.
Grampa's Bathtub
Tucked away in the woods of New London, New Hampshire, Grampa's Bathtub is a peaceful destination that’s perfect for exploring with your dog.
Located along the Great Brook Trail in Webb Forest, this scenic spot features rushing cascades, a natural swimming hole, and beautiful woodland views.
Great Brook is the heart of this adventure, flowing through the forest and creating a series of waterfalls, rocky pools, and peaceful cascades along the trail.
The sound of the water and the cool shade from the trees make this a refreshing escape for hikers and their four-legged companions.
The trail is a great choice for a relaxed outing with your pup, offering plenty to explore without requiring an all-day hike.
Bring a leash, water, and waste bags, and use extra caution around the wet rocks near the waterfalls, which can be slippery.
With its flowing brook, mossy rocks, and quiet forest setting, Grampa's Bathtub is a memorable New Hampshire adventure for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors with their best hiking buddy.
Butterfield Pond
Butterfield Pond in Gardner Memorial Wayside Park is a peaceful destination for a relaxing hike with your dog in New Hampshire's Gile State Forest.
Before hitting the trail, stop by the memorial at the park entrance honoring Walter C. Gardner II. His father helped preserve this beautiful landscape by establishing Gile State Forest, protecting the woodlands visitors enjoy today.
The hike begins by crossing a footbridge over Kimpton Brook before following an easy 0.5-mile trail to Butterfield Pond.
A scenic 0.9-mile loop circles the pond, offering quiet forest views, peaceful shoreline scenery, and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Keep an eye out for signs of the area's hardworking beavers—they've been busy on Butterfield Pond! One of their impressive dams can be seen along the trail, making this peaceful hike even more memorable.
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail. Bring water for your pup and waste bags, and wear sturdy shoes, as sections of the path can be muddy after rain.
Whether you're looking for a quiet nature walk or a scenic adventure with your four-legged companion, Butterfield Pond is a hidden gem worth exploring.
Andrew Brook Forest
A peaceful forest escape for both hikers and their dogs, the Andrew Brook Trail in Newbury, New Hampshire, offers a beautiful adventure through Andrew Brook Forest.
This hidden gem features everything pups and their people love—cool forest shade, rushing water, rocky paths, and plenty of places to stop and explore.
The trail follows beautiful Andrew Brook, with several stream crossings, mossy rocks, and the soothing sound of waterfalls along the way.
Dogs love the adventure of sniffing through the woods, splashing through the brook, and taking in all the new sights and smells. Be sure to bring water, a leash, and bags to pack out after your furry hiking companion.
One of the trail’s most special surprises is the handmade “You Are Loved” box along the route. Painted with those simple but powerful words, the little wooden box has become a place where hikers leave messages, signatures, and moments of encouragement. Its creator remains a mystery, but its message has clearly touched many visitors who pass by.
Another unique touch along the trail is K’s Bridge, marked by a simple handmade wooden sign near a small brook crossing. Like the “You Are Loved” box, this little piece of trail character adds to the sense of discovery and connection that makes Andrew Brook Trail so memorable. The story behind the name remains part of the trail’s charm, inviting hikers to appreciate the personal touches left behind by those who love this place.
From a peaceful stroll through the forest to a longer hike toward Lake Solitude, Andrew Brook Trail offers a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the simple joy of exploring with a happy dog by your side.
The trail is a reminder that some of the most memorable adventures come with a little discovery, a little kindness, and plenty of time outdoors.
Goshen Ocean
Gunnison Lake, better known to locals as the "Goshen Ocean," is one of New Hampshire's best-kept secrets for a peaceful day outdoors with your dog.
Surrounded by beautiful scenery and quiet waters, it's the perfect place to slow down and enjoy nature together.
The Ruth LeClair Memorial Trail circles much of the lake, offering an easy three-mile walk through the woods with plenty of lake views along the way. The mostly flat trail is great for dogs of all ages, and there are plenty of spots to stop, take in the scenery, and snap a few photos.
The calm atmosphere is part of what makes Gunnison Lake so special. With no noisy motorboats, you'll hear birds singing, leaves rustling, and the gentle sounds of the water instead. Just remember to keep your dog leashed, bring water and waste bags, and leave the trail as beautiful as you found it.
Whether you're visiting for a morning walk or an afternoon adventure, the "Goshen Ocean" is a hidden gem that's sure to become a favorite for both you and your four-legged hiking buddy.
Peter Christian's Tavern
Looking for a place to enjoy a great meal with your four-legged companion?
Peter Christian's Tavern in New London, NH, welcomes dogs on its outdoor patio, making it the perfect stop after a hike, a day exploring the Lake Sunapee region, or a walk through town.
Kick back with one of their delicious burgers, hearty sandwiches, seafood chowder, or a cold drink while your pup relaxes by your side and takes in the friendly atmosphere.
It's a wonderful spot where great food, small-town charm, and dog-friendly hospitality come together.
Be sure to snap a photo of your furry dining companion enjoying the patio!
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Lake Sunapee Region of New Hampshire
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that would have put Luie Boone's leash in a twist and he would have woofed:
My humans had planned a vacation to the Lake Sunapee Region of New Hampshire, and I was so excited. I had heard there were beautiful trails, fresh mountain air, and more smells than any dog could sniff in a lifetime. There was one thing I couldn't stop thinking about... The squirrels. I already had a stuffed squirrel named Sally, and she was one of my favorite toys. We wrestled every day, and I always won. I had imagined meeting Sally's wild New Hampshire relatives, but I had a feeling they wouldn't be nearly as cooperative. Sadly, I never got to find out because, before the vacation ever happened, I crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I never made it to New Hampshire and never got to meet a single squirrel. But I know exactly how it would have gone. I would have spotted a squirrel, frozen in my tracks, and stared with my whole heart. My humans would have laughed and reminded me to "leave it," while the squirrel flicked its tail and disappeared up a tree. I never got to meet Sally's cousins, but I hope every dog who visits the Lake Sunapee Region has fun watching those clever little squirrels. Just don't tell Sally I said the real squirrels are probably even cuter than she is.
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