The US has some of the wildest and most beautiful nature in the world. These breathtaking lakes are testament to the nation’s raw natural landscapes and second-to-none hiking trails.
From manmade lakes held back by impressive dams, to lakes that sit in the basin of old volcanic craters – few places have views like the shores of these lakes! Some of the lakes are so vast they even straddle numerous US states.
Head out into the wilderness where you can relax on sandy lake-side beaches, hike along the scenic trails that weave along the lake’s shore, and get out into the open water.
12. Lake Champlain, New York and Vermont
This vast lake is 120 miles long and has a width of 13 miles at its widest point. Because of its grandiose size some people still refer to it as the nation’s ‘sixth’ great lake. There’s a staggering 587 miles of shoreline to explore!
Nestled between the Adirondack Mountains of New York and the Green Mountains of Vermont, panoramic views of distant rolling mountains follow you along the shore. Chill on one of the lake’s beaches, go sailing, or try out some new watersports like SUP.
11. Maroon Lake, Colorado
Nestled in the heart of the Elk Mountains in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area is this breathtaking lake. The body of water sits in a natural amphitheater surrounded by mountains, like the two massive 14,000 foot Maroon Bells peaks.
The most popular hike is the Maroon Lake Scenic Trail, a 1.7 mile loop that weaves around the shoreline. It’s by far one of the most scenic lakes in the US, so make sure you pack your best camera!
10. Lake Powell, Arizona and Utah
This stunning lake is fed by the Colorado River. It’s almost 200 miles in length and 25 miles in width. It stretches as far as the eye can see, and it’s so vast it straddles two states, Arizona and Utah.
The azure water contrasts beautifully with the rusty orange and red tones of the mountains in the background. Kayak into the open water to really submerge yourself in the landscape.
From the Lake you can also hike to the popular Glen Canyon Dam viewpoint!
9. Lake Santeetlah, North Carolina
Surrounded by densely forested mountains and glimpses of the Great Smoky Mountains in the distance, Lake Santeetlah is one of the most beautiful lakes in the US. It has 76 miles of shoreline, most of which is in the Nantahala National Forest – a great spot for hiking.
Fancy getting out into the open water? You can rent pontoon boats, kayaks, and ski boats at the Santeetlah Marina. The great thing is you can camp by the lake too, Cheoah Point Recreation Area is the place to go for the best campsites.
8. Sylvan Lake, South Dakota
This charming little lake is nestled into the hills of Custer State Park. Impressive rock formations and giant boulders jolt out of the water along the lake’s shore and add a dramatic flare to the landscape. If you’re brave, you can even jump off them into the water!
It’s hard to believe this impressive lake is manmade. It began forming in 1891 when Theofore Reber built the Sylvan Lake Water Dam that stretches across the Sunday Gulch Greek. For the best views of the lake, hike the Sylvan Lakeshore Trail.
7. Lake Superior, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin
Lake Superior is the biggest freshwater lake in the world in terms of surface area. It covers 31,700 square miles and it’s so vast that from the little beaches dotted around the lake’s shoreline it looks like the ocean!
Stretching across the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, the lake has been nicknamed an ‘inland sea’.
Popular activities to do at the lake are going fishing for the huge trout that live there, paddleboarding, hiking, or going on a road trip and city hopping.
6. Flathead Lake, Montana
Flathead Lake is surrounded by a background of snow-capped mountain peaks that rise dramatically towards the sky and reflect onto the still waters of the lake. It’s one of the largest freshwater lakes in the US, stretching over 200 square miles.
Rumored to be the home of the mythical Flathead Monster, the lake has often been the subject of local folklore. Keep an eye out for a beast stirring in the waters whilst you’re there.
5. Thousand Island Lake, California
This breathtaking lake in the Eastern Sierra mountains in California is named after the rock islands that poke out of its crystal-clear surface. The lake is 1,000 acres in size and reaches some 80 feet of depth at its deepest points.
Framed by alpine trees and rugged mountain peaks, the lake is a photographer’s dream. If you’re up for a hike, one of the most scenic ways to reach the lake is the High Trail. But this steep 20 mile out and back trail through Ansel Adams Wilderness isn’t for the faint hearted!
4. Diablo Lake, Washington
This breathtaking emerald-green lake sits along the Skagit River. It was formed after the staggering 189-foot Diablo Dam was built. Framed by glacier-capped peaks in the distance and densely forested mountains, it’s one of the country’s most scenic lakes (well, technically, it’s a reservoir).
To make the most of your time there, head to the Colonial Creek campground and rent a canoe. Alternatively, you can hike the 3.8 mile long Diablo Lake Trail along the lake’s northern shore.
3. Echo Lake, New Hampshire
This easy-to-access lake is a popular spot for family picnics and swimming! There’s a little beach on the edge of the lake and benches tucked away under the shade of the pine trees. A big rockface rises on the other side of the shoreline, offering spectacular views.
If you fancy a walk, you can take one of the trails around the lake or even hike up to Cathedral Ledge State Park where there are panoramic views of the Saco River Valley.
2. Crater Lake, Oregon
Crater Lake is in the middle of a caldera that was formed by the collapse of Mount Mazama volcano. The caldera is more than 2000 feet in depth, so it’s a steep incline down into the caldera where the vibrant blue Crater Lake sits.
The lake is some 6 miles long and 5 miles wide, and can only be accessed in the summer months once the snow has thawed and the peaks that engulf the lake are safe again. You can hike around the rim of the caldera or take the Cleetwood Cove Trail, the only path to the lake’s shores.
1. Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
This vast lake that straddles the states of California and Nevada is a whopping 22 miles long and 12 miles wide. There are 72 miles worth of shoreline that you can explore, with lush hiking trails that weave through the dense forest.
At its deepest, the lake reaches a staggering 1,645 feet in depth! It holds enough water to cover a flat surface the size of the state of California in 14 inches of water.
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