17 of the Most Beautiful Lakes to Visit in the United States

Moosehead Lake, Maine

It's no wonder that Maine would be an ideal getaway for vacationers, including Martha herself: In the heart of the Highlands, Moosehead Lake is the largest of all in this northernmost state. It cover 75,000 acres of forestland and has been a mecca for those seeking an immersive outdoor experience amid salmon, beavers, white tailed deer, and snowshoe hares. Plus, as the name would suggest, moose sightings are not uncommon along its shores.

Echo Lake, New Hampshire

In the neighboring state of New Hampshire's Lakes region including Echo Lake. It's accessible to the White Mountains, where the trees look stunning in the fall as the leaves change colors (but the area is just as gorgeous year-round). You can go rock climbing in the mountains or hike the numerous trails that span the park.

Lake Champlain, Vermont

Between the Green Mountains of Vermont and the Adirondack Mountains of New York sits the crystal-clear Lake Champlain. Bordering both states, it offers waterfront biking, tours via ferry, and all the enjoyments of agritourism—organic produce, pasture-raised local meats, and artisanal baked goods in the charming town of Burlington.

Lake George, New York

The so-called "Queen of American Lakes" was a playground for Gilded Age robber barons, many of whose original waterfront stone mansions still line a 10-mile stretch known as Millionaire's Row. Visit Lake George's Sagamore Resort, which dates back to the 1880s, and still welcomes guests today.

Deep Creek Lake, Maryland

In the mountains of west Maryland, Deep Creek Lake is a four-season destination where you can walk along the shoreline, go for a swim, or explore the hiking or biking trails. It's the largest inland body of water in its state, encompassing over 1,800 acres.

Lake Erie, Midwest

Lake Erie is the fourth-largest lake, by surface area, of the five Great Lakes. Edgewater Beach near Cleveland, Ohio, is a hidden gem that offers sandy beaches, an ice cream stand, swimming, boating, and more. It's a vacation for nearby city-dwellers or anyone who just wants to experience Cleveland and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Lake Superior, Michigan

As its name implies, Lake Superior is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. The water's surface covers 31,700 square miles and its cold waters reach a depth of 1,332 feet. Historically, its strong winds have even been known to sink ships. The shoreline is dotted with lighthouses, including the lake's oldest operating lighthouse, Whitefish Point Light Station.

Kentucky Lake, Kentucky

Connected to Lake Barkley by a free-flowing canal, Kentucky Lake creates the largest body of water between the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. It has 2,300 miles of shoreline and plenty of ways to enjoy the natural beauty of its landscape. Visit 48 public access areas or go for boat rides and hiking in nearby state parks.

Lake Martin, Alabama

Formed by the construction of Martin Dam in 1926, Lake Martin was the largest man-made lake in the world at time. Today, it's still a considerable 44,000-acre reservoir with over 750 miles of forested land, dotted with campgrounds and RV parks to allow for overnight camping, horse trails, hiking trails, and fishing.

Caddo Lake, Texas and Louisiana

Paddle out to Caddo Lake: Mystery seems to shroud its 27,000 acres, where Spanish moss hangs like drapery from tree limbs in the world's largest cypress forest. This lake is an interconnected maze of bayous, swampy marshes, and backwaters.

Alligators lurk under barely-submerged tree roots, frogs pull up on lily pads, and the only way to appreciate Caddo Lake's primordial beauty is by boat or canoe.

Yellowstone Lake, Wyoming

Within the national park of the same name, Yellowstone Lake sits in one of the world's most geologically active areas. More than two million visitors pour into the national park every summer, but winter could arguably be the best time to take in its views. Bubbling geysers along the West Thumb shoreline appear as colorful cauldrons in the snow, steam rising eerily from the icy landscape.

Flathead Lake, Montana

Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, cradled between the Mission Mountains to the east and the Salish Mountains to the west. Residents enjoy unusually mild climate for an area so far north and inland, which produces fruit orchards and vineyards. You may even spy wild horses roaming the state park.

Redfish Lake, Idaho

Redfish Lake is nestled in central Idaho, high up in the Sawtooth Mountains. While there, you can stay in one of the comfortable cabins at Redfish Lake Lodge. It'll be like stepping back in time when the world moved at a slower place and you can enjoy the pristine lake waters and fresh mountain air.

Lake Powell, Utah and Arizona

It's not often that mankind creates something of such extraordinary natural beauty, but that's Lake Powell. This man-made lake's warm blue waters wind through red sandstone cliffs, filling more than 90 side canyons. Nearby, take view of one such canyon with the sandstone Rainbow Bridge, regarded as the world's longest natural arch.

Lake Tahoe, Nevada and California

The famous Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America at 1,645 feet deep, 22 miles long, and 12 miles wide. Go north or south to get different experiences of this beautiful lake: North Lake Tahoe is perfect for skiing, while Tahoe South also offers a view of the most stunning waterfalls you'll ever see.

Crater Lake, Oregon

Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States, formed more than 7,000 years ago when a peak of the Cascade Mountains collapsed after a volcanic eruption. Today, the park recommends visiting in late summer and fall for hiking, or from December through May for skiing (and anytime for taking in the pristine scenery).

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

When the construction of Missouri's Bagnell Dam finished in April 1931, the region was left with The Lake of the Ozarks, a 54,000-acre manmade lake. Boating areas, hiking trails, and fishing coves share space with historical sites, spas, and waterparks, creating a vacation spot with activities to satisfy every member of your family.