Surry Mountain Lake
Rate this placeNearby: Shadow Lake Ladies Wildwood Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Surry Mountain Lake is a scenic reservoir located in the southwestern part of New Hampshire, offering visitors a serene and picturesque escape.
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Summary
Nestled within the town of Surry, the lake provides a range of recreational activities and attractions for nature enthusiasts year-round.
One of the primary reasons to visit Surry Mountain Lake is its serene and natural beauty. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests, creating a tranquil atmosphere that is perfect for relaxation and outdoor exploration. The area is also known for its crystal-clear waters, which are ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing.
There are several points of interest to see around Surry Mountain Lake. Surry Mountain Dam, which creates the reservoir, is an impressive sight and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails that wind through the nearby Pillsbury State Park, where they can discover picturesque vistas and observe a diverse range of wildlife.
Interesting facts about Surry Mountain Lake include its designation as a Class A water supply, meaning the water is of the highest quality and purity. The lake covers approximately 200 acres and is fed by the Cold River, providing ample opportunities for fishing enthusiasts. Its peaceful surroundings make it a popular spot for birdwatching, with various species of birds inhabiting the area.
The best time of year to visit Surry Mountain Lake largely depends on personal preferences and desired activities. During the summer months, the lake becomes a hub for water-based activities like swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Autumn brings vibrant foliage, making it an ideal time for hiking and photography enthusiasts. Winter offers opportunities for ice fishing and cross-country skiing, while spring brings the beauty of blooming flowers and budding trees.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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