The Hopkinton-Everett Lakes Reservoir is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The reservoir protects Contoocook and other towns and cities downriver from flooding.

Hopkinton-Everett Lakes is a multiple-use facility that provides many recreational opportunities for visitors to the 10,000-acre project. Hunting, fishing, and hiking are just some of the activities enjoyed here. In Hopkinton, there is one developed recreation area on the project: Elm Brook Park. Elm Brook Park offers picnic tables and grills, playground equipment, horseshoe pits, a swim beach (no lifeguards, swim at your own risk), a short nature trail, a boat ramp, and four picnic shelters.

Canoeing on the Contoocook River is also a popular activity at Hopkinton Everett Lakes. In addition to the boat ramp in Elm Brook Park, a second boat ramp on Elm Brook Pool is located off US-202. There is no access fee charged for the use of this boat ramp.

Take exit 6 from I-89. Turn onto NH-127 South (left turn if traveling North, right turn if traveling South). Follow NH-127 South for approximately 1 mile. Turn left to Elm Brook Park at the sign, Contoocook.