Otter Brook Lake, Keene/Roxbury

Otter Brook Lake, Keene/Roxbury

Keene, New Hampshire 03431

Official Website
Otter Brook Trail map

About this Location

More than half of Otter Brook Lake’s 458 acres are forested with white pine, hemlock, maple, beech, birch, and oak. The open areas are a mix of old fields, wetlands, shrub areas, and the 90-acre lake itself. These varied habitats provide for a diversity of both resident and migratory wildlife. Deer, fox, raccoons, beavers, and turkeys make their home at Otter Brook Lake year round. Waterfowl, such as Canada geese, black ducks, and mallards use the area to rest and feed along their migratory journey.

Natural resources are an important component of the management of Otter Brook Lake. Park rangers use an assortment of forestry techniques to improve or conserve different habitat types. Woodcock habitat improvements have been conducted as well as managing a deer yard on the property. Apple trees are planted and pruned for food production for deer, turkeys, grouse, and various other bird species. Park rangers have also studied vernal pools and other unique habitat types and have conducted amphibian surveys to ensure biodiversity and maintain a healthy ecosystem.

During the summer season, the park offers dozens of picnic tables and over 50 fireplace grills, group shelters, a ball field, potable water, and sanitary facilities. Swimming opportunities include a 400-foot-long beach with a change house. Boating is available via a boat ramp for canoes, rowboats, sailboats, and boats with electric motors. Gas-powered motors are welcome to 10HP: larger motors may be conditionally used by permit, available from park rangers. Winter use includes snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowshoeing. Hunting and fishing are both permitted any season, subject to state laws and regulations.

There are no trash receptacles at Otter Brook Lake, it is a Carry-in Carry-out trash facility.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Official Website and Otter Brook Reservoir

Last updated October 19, 2023