Overview
The New England state of Vermont is situated in the northeastern corner of the United States, making it the sixth smallest state. Furthermore, it ranks as one of the safest and most peaceful states nationally, with the Green Mountains comprising a significant portion of its landscape.
Being the only landlocked state in New England, Vermont is bordered on the west by the expansive Lake Champlain, which extends northward into Canada. Additionally, the Green Mountain State is home to numerous lakes of varying sizes and elevations. For those who appreciate aquatic environments and natural vistas, here are the 15 finest lakes in Vermont to explore.
1. Lake Champlain; Grand Isle, Franklin, Chittenden & Addison Counties
This lake not only holds the distinction of being the largest in Vermont, but it is also recognized as the sixth-largest freshwater body in the United States. Extending 172 kilometers from north to south and 23 kilometers from east to west, Lake Champlain reaches north into Canada and west into New York.
The lake features a 945-kilometer shoreline dotted with cities, historical sites, and parks, as well as approximately 80 islands. There are numerous activities to engage in at Lake Champlain, making it possible to enjoy an entire week immersed in its offerings.
Several state parks located along the lakeshore provide opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and picnicking. Additionally, there are campsites, sandy beaches, and wildlife refuges, ensuring enjoyment for all visitors.
2. Lake Saint Catherine; Poultney, Wells & Rutland Counties
This 345-hectare lake is renowned for its serene shoreline, making it an ideal location for relaxation. Lake Saint Catherine is exceptionally clean, thereby promoting a wide variety of recreational activities.
Activities available here include snorkeling, scuba diving, water skiing, boating, and swimming, along with land-based pursuits such as hiking, cycling, and birdwatching. Lake St. Catherine State Park is located at the northern end of the lake, offering sandy beaches, a picnic area, and boat access.
Campgrounds accommodating both tents and motorhomes are available at the state park, while visitors looking for more comfort can find charming lakefront cottages for rent.
3. Lake Willoughby; Orleans County
If you appreciate stunning landscapes, Lake Willoughby offers breathtaking views, as the Willoughby State Forest envelops its southern shore. Visit the northern shore of this glacial lake to marvel at the majestic Mount Pisgah and Mount Ho.
Located at an elevation of 357 meters above sea level, Lake Willoughby reaches depths of 56 meters. This height contributes to its remarkable clarity and causes it to freeze later in the year compared to other nearby lakes.
Lake Willoughby is certainly one of the premier lakes not just in Vermont, but across New England, featuring opportunities for swimming, hiking, camping, and fishing. For those seeking a unique experience, a designated nude beach is available on the southern shore, while families enjoy the popular Willoughby Lake Beach at the northern end.
4. Lake Bomoseen; Rutland County
This 960-hectare freshwater lake is the largest lake entirely contained within Vermont. Situated near the eastern border of the state, just south of Highway 4, Lake Bomoseen is bordered by Bomoseen State Park along much of its western shore.
Besides the state park, the lake offers myriad recreational amenities, including a public beach, boat launches, and marinas. Surrounding the lake, there are approximately 1,000 private homes, as well as numerous excellent dining establishments.
Visitors can partake in activities such as water skiing, windsurfing, swimming, fishing, boating, and scuba diving at Lake Bomoseen. Those who prefer dry land can enjoy hiking, camping, volleyball, and wildlife observation.
5. Lake Elmore; Lamoille County
Situated in the central northern part of the state, Lake Elmore offers striking scenery with Elmore Mountain rising prominently from its northern shores, earning it the moniker “The Beauty Spot of Vermont.”
The lake is favored for various recreational activities, including swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Elmore State Park, located at the northern end of the lake, features campgrounds, a playground, picnic areas, and a concession stand.
Hiking trails lead from the lakeshore up to the summit of Elmore Mountain at 795 meters, providing panoramic views of the lake and its surroundings. A fire tower on the peak offers even more stunning vistas.
6. Crystal Lake; Orleans County
This glacial lake of 309 hectares is located in the northeastern region of Vermont, just south of the village of Barton. Formed by the Crystal Lake Dam on a tributary of the Barton River, the lake now serves primarily recreational purposes.
Crystal Lake supports cold-water fisheries that are known for lake trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and rock bass, among other species. Fishing is accessible from the Crystal Lake State Park or various locations along its shoreline.
The entirety of the northern shoreline is part of Crystal Lake State Park, providing opportunities for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and, of course, fishing. The park also features 40 charcoal grills, 80 picnic tables, play areas, and a cottage for rent that accommodates up to six guests.
7. Lake Memphremagog; Orleans County
This magnificent freshwater glacial lake is divided between Vermont and Quebec, Canada, though most of it is situated in Quebec. However, Vermont contributes three-quarters of the lake’s watershed.
Lake Memphremagog rests at an elevation of 208 meters above sea level and, at 11,000 hectares, ranks as the third largest lake in Vermont. Its waters include 21 islands, five of which belong to the state.
On the southeast corner, Prouty Beach is equipped with a beachside pavilion, 75 campsites, and changing facilities. Visitors can engage in swimming, fishing, shuffleboard, and hiking. For those seeking more comfortable lodgings, a variety of bed & breakfasts are available along the lake’s shoreline.
8. Caspian Lake; Orleans County
Caspian Lake has long served as a premier summer destination, renowned for its picturesque setting and myriad recreational opportunities. Nestled within the northern region of the Green Mountains, the lake’s shoreline features year-round residences and seasonal cottages, many available for rent.
The lake’s crystalline blue waters are calm, making it conducive to sailing, water skiing, and swimming. Spanning 324 hectares, Caspian Lake also boasts a town beach and a public boat launch.
This tranquil lake is a point of pride for its residents, well-regarded for its beautiful scenery, starry nights, and occasional wildlife sightings.
9. Lake Carmi; Franklin County
This charming, yet modest lake lies near the Canadian border just east of Lake Champlain. Its shallow nature makes Lake Carmi an excellent spot for anglers pursuing northern pike and walleye.
A primary attraction for travelers is the Lake Carmi State Park, situated along the southeastern edge of the 556-hectare lake. In this park, visitors can partake in activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and cycling.
The state park accommodates 140 campsites for motorhomes, 35 lean-to sites, and two cabins. Additionally, a nature center and interpretive programs led by park rangers are particularly engaging for children.
10. Lake Dunmore; Addison County
This 399-hectare natural glacial lake currently has its water level regulated by a small dam. The Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, part of Green Mountain National Forest, encompasses the entire eastern side of Lake Dunmore.
Branbury State Park occupies 28 hectares within the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area and serves as a principal attraction. Directly opposite, on the western side, a privately owned campground and lodge provide additional options for visitors.
The Branbury state park offers 36 campsites, seven lean-to sites, and a two-bedroom lakefront cabin for accommodation. Other amenities include a 300-meter natural sandy beach, a grassy area, and hiking trails.
11. Silver Lake; Windsor County
Silver Lake is a favored destination both during summer and winter, offering exemplary fishing year-round. Nonetheless, the peak visitation occurs in warmer months when visitors can indulge in additional recreational options.
The Silver Lake State Park, situated along the northern shoreline of the 34-hectare lake, draws most visitors due to its sandy beach, picnic area, and campsites.
Activities available at the park include swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating, and fishing, in addition to land-based pursuits such as hiking, horseshoes, and volleyball. A playground for children, along with a food concession, further adds to the park’s attractions.
12. Somerset Reservoir; Windham County
Located in the heart of the Green Mountains, Somerset Reservoir is untouched by urban development, creating an exceptionally peaceful environment ideal for a tranquil retreat.
The reservoir is primarily marked by a dam on its southern edge, along with a boat launch that affords opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, boating, and fishing. Furthermore, areas along its shores are designated for picnicking.
Sitting at nearly 700 meters above sea level, Somerset Reservoir is accessible only through a road at its south end. Most visitors arrive via hiking or mountain biking along the 15-kilometer Somerset Reservoir Trail.
13. Griffith Lake; Bennington & Rutland Counties
This quaint lake and campsite is nestled within the Green Mountain National Forest, managed by the Green Mountain Club, and is positioned along both the Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail.
Access to Griffith Lake is limited to walking or snowshoeing along designated trails, with parking available at the Griffith Lake Trailhead. The trail continues on to the Griffith Lake Trail, a 12-kilometer loop encircling the lake.
Once there, visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and camping. The area is also rich in wildlife, much of which can be spotted during the hike to the lake.
14. Maidstone Lake; Essex County
Maidstone Lake is a pristine body of water created by glaciers over 12,000 years ago. Today, this beautiful 322-hectare lake serves as an ideal location for peaceful recreational activities.
Maidstone State Park, situated on the eastern shore of the lake, provides opportunities for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and boating. Fishing is popular here, with ample lake trout and salmon available.
The state park features 34 tent/motorhome sites and 25 lean-to sites, a spacious picnic pavilion, a playground, and a beach for swimming. Hiking trails in the surrounding boreal forest add to the outdoor experience.
15. Harvey Lake; Caledonia County
Harvey Lake is located in the northeastern section of Vermont and is named after one of the original settlers from Barnet, just east of the lake. Notably, SCUBA inventor Jacques Cousteau practiced underwater breathing techniques here using hollow reeds during the 1920s.
Predominantly featuring Harvey’s Lake Park at its northern end, this area includes public beaches, picnic areas, and camping facilities. The favored beach, Harvey’s Lake Beach, operates from June through August, providing barbecue grills, beach volleyball, and concession services.
Visitors primarily come to the lake to relax, swim, and appreciate the picturesque surroundings.
