Top 11 Stunning Lakes to Visit in the USA

With thousands of lakes scattered across the country, chances are good that you’re no farther than a tankful of gas away from a great lake. However, not all are created equal: some lakes won Mother Nature’s lottery when it comes to their natural beauty. Therefore, we’ve rounded up some of the best lakes in the U.S.

Take, for example, the impossibly blue, deep water of Oregon’s Crater Lake, created by a volcano, or the clear, cold waters of Lake Superior, as it laps against dramatic sandstone cliffs.

Don’t just take our word for it; hit the road and explore the best lakes in the U.S.

Lake Willoughby, Vermont

From majestic peaks to storybook fall foliage, Vermont is full of picturesque landscapes. It is no surprise that one of the clearest, bluest lakes in New England is found in Willoughby State Forest near the town of Westmore. Situated between Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor, Lake Willoughby is sometimes called “America’s Lucerne,” and its clear waters allow for viewing its 300-foot depth. Visitors can enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming (note that this is a glacial lake, so prepare for waters that can drop to 32 degrees). Rental options for kayak, paddleboard, and canoe are available, along with lakefront cabins for those wishing to stay overnight. Additionally, the Willoughby Lake Store offers bait, food, and drinks.

Lake George, New York

Known as the “Queen of American Lakes,” Lake George was historically a playground for Gilded Age robber barons, many of whose original waterfront stone mansions still line the 10-mile stretch known as Millionaires’ Row. The Sagamore Resort, dating back to the 1880s, continues to welcome guests today. Consequently, at The Narrows, the southern Adirondacks constrict the lake into a narrow stretch dotted with various islands.

Lake Santeetlah, North Carolina

Deep within the Nantahala National Forest and surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains, Lake Santeetlah’s forested 76-mile shoreline remains nearly untouched by development. The result is a serene oasis perfect for fishing, paddling, or simply relaxing on the beach at Cheoah Point. This nearly 3,000-acre man-made lake was created when the Cheoah River was dammed in 1928, and it remains remarkably pristine. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like otters, beavers, bald eagles, and hawks.

Yellowstone Lake, Wyoming

Clear, deep, and cold, Yellowstone Lake is situated in one of the world’s most geologically active areas, framed by the Beartooth and Absaroka mountains. Each summer, around 4 million visitors explore the national park, but winter may be the best time to witness the lake; the bubbling geysers along the West Thumb shoreline appear as colorful cauldrons amidst the snow, with steam rising eerily from the icy landscape.

Lake Superior, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin

The name speaks for itself: Lake Superior is the world’s largest freshwater lake (by surface area). Consequently, there are countless views around every corner of its 2,800-mile majestic shoreline. Natural attractions include the 200-foot sandstone cliffs, beaches, and waterfalls that cascade into the lake at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore; the sea caves on the Apostle Islands; and the rugged isolation of Isle Royale, famous for its wolves and moose. Visitors can hike, drive, kayak, or take a ferry to their preferred destination. With its vast expanse, the lake can feel almost oceanic—just ask the intrepid surfers of the North Shore.

Flathead Lake, Montana

Flathead is recognized as the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, featuring clean, crystalline waters nestled in the Flathead Valley, framed by the Mission Mountains to the east and the Salish Mountains to the west. Interestingly, the lake benefits from a mild climate for its northern location, fostering the growth of surrounding fruit orchards and vineyards on its eastern side. Folklore even speaks of a Flathead Lake Monster, likely a close cousin to Loch Ness, although you may spot wild horses roaming the state park instead.

Crater Lake, Oregon

Crater Lake formed almost 8,000 years ago when volcanic Mount Mazama erupted, leaving behind a smoldering caldera. This caldera would eventually fill with rain and snowmelt, creating America’s deepest lake at 1,943 feet. Remarkably, it is isolated from incoming streams or rivers, resulting in extraordinary clarity. Visibility averages 103 feet, with sunlight penetrating nearly 400 feet into the lake. Moreover, two islands rise from the lake’s deep-blue surface: forested Wizard Island and the smaller, nearly barren Phantom Ship.

Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

Surrounded by the snowcapped Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe is painted in an Impressionist palette of blues. It stands as the largest alpine lake in North America and the second deepest in the U.S. (1,645 feet). With visibility exceeding 70 feet in some locations, the lake’s clarity is so stunning that if it weren’t for its year-round chilly waters, you might feel as if you were swimming in the Caribbean. During the winter months, nearby ski runs offer breathtaking views down to the lake.

Caddo Lake, Texas and Louisiana

Among the few towns on Caddo Lake, none captures the essence of this area quite like Uncertain, Texas. Mystery envelops the lake’s 27,000 acres, where Spanish moss drapes from tree limbs in the world’s largest cypress forest. Essentially, this is an interconnected maze of bayous, marshes, and backwaters. In the midst of this natural wonder, one can find alligators lurking beneath submerged roots, frogs resting on lily pads, and even occasional sightings of Bigfoot. The best way to appreciate Caddo’s primordial beauty is via boat or canoe—bring a map for guidance.

Mono Lake, California

Mono Lake, set against a forbidding landscape of desert and volcanic craters on the eastern flank of the Sierra Nevada, was nearly destroyed by the water demands of Los Angeles. As a result, declining water levels exposed eerie tufa towers, structures formed underwater when calcium-rich springs react with the carbonate-heavy lake water. After nearly three decades of strict regulation aimed at restoring the water levels of “California’s Dead Sea,” these formations remain visible. Despite its name, the lake is teeming with life; millions of birds stop here each year, thriving on trillions of tiny brine shrimp and alkali flies that hatch in the fishless, hypersaline waters.

Echo Lake, New Hampshire

Located in the southeastern corner of the White Mountain National Forest, Echo Lake lies beneath the shadow of Whitehorse Ledge, whose reflection nearly covers its 16-acre expanse. The nearby 700-foot cliffs of Cathedral Ledge are popular among rock climbers; both provide hikers with stunning views of Echo Lake and the distant mountains. Furthermore, the fall season transforms the landscape into brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges, making it ideal for hiking enthusiasts seeking a close-up of the vibrant foliage.