Silver Lake (Hollis, New Hampshire) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Silver Lake |
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![]() Silver Lake
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Location | Hollis, New Hampshire |
Coordinates | 42°45′25″N 71°35′54″W / 42.75694°N 71.59833°W |
Primary outflows | Pennichuck Brook |
Basin countries | United States |
Max. length | 0.5 mi (0.80 km) |
Max. width | 0.2 mi (0.32 km) |
Surface area | 39 acres (16 ha) |
Average depth | 9 ft (2.7 m) |
Max. depth | 24 ft (7.3 m) |
Surface elevation | 274 ft (84 m) |
Settlements | Hollis |
Silver Lake, once called Long Pond, is a small lake in Hollis, New Hampshire, United States. Many years ago, summer vacation homes were around the lake. Now, most of these buildings are used as homes all year. Silver Lake State Park is found at the northern end of the lake's shore.
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What is Silver Lake Like?
Silver Lake is located on NH Route 122. You can find it north of the Hollis traffic light. The lake is about 0.5 mi (0.80 km) long and 0.2 mi (0.32 km) wide. It covers an area of 39 acres (16 ha).
How Deep is Silver Lake?
The deepest part of Silver Lake is 24 feet (7.3 m). There is a deep channel in the middle of the lake. This channel is usually between 16 feet (4.9 m) and 28 feet (8.5 m) deep.
What Kinds of Fish Live Here?
Many different fish species live in Silver Lake. You might find largemouth bass and yellow perch. There are also sunfish and pickerel. Other fish include hornpout (also called catfish) and some very large common carp. The lake's depth and cold, clean water help support rainbow and brown trout.
Where Does the Lake's Water Come From?
Silver Lake gets its fresh, clean water from many natural springs. A small dam at the north end of the lake helps control the water level. This dam is near the state park. Water from the lake flows under NH 122 into Dunklee Pond. From there, it flows into Pennichuck Brook, which then joins the Merrimack River.
Can You Go Boating on Silver Lake?
Silver Lake does not have a public boat launch. However, you can park at the state park. From there, you can carry in small boats like kayaks and sailboats. The lake has certain hours when boats can go faster than 10 miles per hour (16 km/h). There is no limit on how powerful a boat's engine can be.
Is Silver Lake Safe for Swimming?
The water in Silver Lake is tested regularly. As of 2006, the State of New Hampshire said the lake was safe for swimming. This means the bacteria levels were acceptable.
What is the History of Silver Lake?
In the early 1900s, when the lake was known as Long Pond, it was a popular spot. There were two dance halls called Wallace Grove and Morrills Grove.
Why Were the Dance Halls Popular?
These dance halls were very popular for locals on summer nights. People would travel from places like Boston to visit. Soldiers from Fort Devens would even take the train to meet people there. While the dance halls are now closed, Silver Lake is still a popular place to visit in both summer and winter.