Early-Season Ice

For those eager to get a jump on the season - in November or perhaps even late October - here’s a list of high-altitude, shallow lakes and ponds where cold temps and ice often arrive early. These venues fall into four categories:
Lakes and ponds adjacent to roads that are open year-round
Beaver Pond, Kinsman Notch, NH, 1870’ elevation, 13 acres (map at right)
Lakes accessed by seasonal roads not maintained for winter travel
Long Pond, Benton, NH, 2181’ elevation, 96 acres (map bottom left)
Wilderness lakes and ponds requiring an hour-long hike in (and up!) from the road, necessitating sturdy hiking boots and microspikes:
1. Lake Solitude, Mount Sunapee, NH, 2510’ elevation, 5 acres
2. Lonesome Lake, Franconia Notch, NH, 2740’ elevation, 12 acres (bottom right)
3. Sterling Pond, Mount Mansfield, VT, 3000’ elevation, 8 acres
Alpine lakes and ponds requiring a 2- to 3-hour hike up from the road, necessitating hiking boots, microspikes, plus winter survival skills and gear:
1. Kinsman Pond, Franconia Notch, NH, 3750’ elevation
2. Eagle Lake, Mount Lafayette, NH, 4200’ elevation
3. Lakes of the Clouds, Mount Washington, NH, 5032’ elevation, 0.5 acre