Regardless, be aware that the scramble is tough, and its best to conquer that portion of the hike while you are fresh and aware. Fontana Lake is found at the heart of the Smoky Mountains and has one of the highest dams east of the Rockies. In fact, the area has more than 300 miles of trails within its hiking system. Ithaca is known for its excellent location due to its proximity to major urban hubs such as New York City, Toronto, Syracuse, and Philadelphia. This gives this lake town, which sits on Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, a strong European feel. But they would be surprised about the endless possibilities that the best US lake vacations have to offer, especially when vacationing around the beautiful lakes of the East Coast. This lovely town is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. With an overall area of almost 87,000 acres, Yellowstone Lake stands as the largest body of water in Yellowstone National Park. It has a sandy beach, bathhouse, boat launch, fishing pier, and campgrounds. Lake Jocassee is found in South Carolinas Devils Fork State Park. Recreational fishing and boating are allowed in the lake, which just adds another level to the experience by being able to just float the day away among the mountains of the park. Camping is prohibited, but its a great place to rest for a lunch break. 663 Main St., Richmond; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday . During spring and summer, you will find beautiful wildflowers such as Jack-in-the-pulpit, passionflower, Indian pipe and cardinal flower. Near the tip of the Sunshine State lies Lake Okeechobee, Florida's largest freshwater lake. Set at close to 6,100 feet, this ridiculously photogenic water body comes tightly hemmed by grand looming mountains--Iceberg Peak, Mount Wilbur--in a tight, northeast-facing cirque that holds snow and ice long into the summer--including, yes, icebergs rafting about in the lake. That aside, its a hike worth doing for the views alone, but note the elevation gain (4,389 feet). Get the best of both worlds and jump in to the azure waters after scaling the cliff-jumping spot in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. Okay, Hawaii isn't exactly rife with lakes. Near the summit, you should spot Byrds Nest Shelter, a day-use area that will be one of the first indications you are close to the top. 9 Best Mountain Resorts in the US (Updated May 2021) - Insider Formerly known as Mount Mazama, the volcano's biggest eruption roughly 7,700 years ago led to most of the mountain collapsing, making room for rainwater and snow to fill up the hole that was left, creating this beautiful lake. Thus, Maine is first on our list. Whatever way you plan on spending your time by or on these lakes, two things are certain, relaxation and fun. Most rugged. While the sockeye's numbers have dwindled (and can now only be caught on a catch and release basis) it's still an outdoorsman's oasis with ample fishing, hiking, and boating. It was officially opened to the public in 1936. Affordable Mountain Towns for Retirement As you look, consider the cost of living, as certain places are less pricey than others. Next on our list, is Massachusetts. Be sure to explore the historic downtown Main Street for a wide selection of shops and restaurants where locals eat and shop. When the days fun on the water is over, head downtown for BBQ or craft beer at restaurants like The Brewery at Lake Tahoe and Sonnys BBQ. Hikers can reach the Knife Edge portion from various entrances. Alright, next on our list is, South Carolina. Smith Mountain Lake is manmade after a dam was created in 1963 to control floods. In the evening, take in a free, open-air movie at Lakeway City Park for a family-friendly fun time. Downtown Bayfield has dining options ranging from coffee shops to family-friendly restaurants and fine dining. The Coeur dAlene Resort is well known as one of the best hotels the state has to offer, so youll have a great place to recommend to out-of-town relatives who want to come and visit and take advantage of the wonderful nature in this area. If you are looking for a slower way of life, consider Mackinac Island. Bon Appetite Magazine recognized the town as the foodiest in America. Peoria, IL is situated on Upper Peoria Lake and near the Illinois River. When the ice began to melt after the ice age, it created a dip in the land, that was slowly filled with water, hence the creation of the lake. And Huntsville, in northern Alabama, is one of the best. Essentially a giant canyon filled with crystal-clear waters, it offers striking dessert scenes as far as the eye can see and is a mecca for wakeboarding and house boating. A Guide to the Best Lakes on the East Coast - Here you will find the best lakes on the east coast plus fun things to do on the east coast U.S., from Maine, to New York, to Florida. Despite its being smaller than the others, its still vast and gives the community of Marblehead access to a broad variety of activities in and around the water. These are a few of the best hikes on the East Coast, but the list is by no means comprehensive; what would you add? The 30 Best Lakes to Live on in the United States - Journeyz Lake Placid is perhaps best known for hosting the 1980 Winter Olympics. At 4.35 sq. One of the biggest is Thousand Island Lake in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of the Ritter Range (not far south of the Alger Lakes). There are wildlife and birds that live near the lake like the Deer, flying squirrel, red and Gray fox, rabbit, muskrat, mink, green heron, belted kingfisher, mallard and Canadian geese. Also notable, many movies, including Dirty Dancing, have been filmed in the area. If you enjoy trails that inspire a bit of nostalgic collegiate folklore, then Rocky Top is the trail for you! This man-made lake features stunning waterfalls and streams that add to the natural beauty of the area. Guntersville Lake is 75 miles long and is found below the Nickajack Dam, which separates it from Wheeler Lake. During summer, many tourists and locals alike flock to the lakes for refreshing moments. Youll find the perfect treasure to complement your home dcor. Length of trail: 8.2 miles (roundtrip) Season: March-October Difficulty: Strenuous. Lakeway, TX, is part of the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Best Places to Buy a Lake House 2021 | Vacasa The next highest ascent for lake trails is Jizera Trail with 5,718 ft of elevation gain. Jizersk and Bedichov. There's a good chance your Maine experience along Wassataquoik Lake's shores or on its fish-rich waters will be further enhanced by the appearance of a moose or two. Locals take to "Lake Mac's" East Beach for a picture-perfect swimming hole that also has canoe and kayak rentals. There is parking on either end, and hikers are rewarded with views of rocky coves and even rock climbers scaling the walls of Otter Cliffs. (Arguably one of the highest lake in the United States.) Zillow has 9459 homes for sale. Salt Lake City, Utah If you prefer living somewhere with an urban vibe to a location with a small-town community feel, then US News lists Salt Lake City in Utah as one of the top urban destinations in the mountains. If you stroll through the local forests, you will certainly enjoy the view of several cascading waterfalls on the ern Desn River. West Coast lake rentals Although often touted for its Pacific Ocean beaches, the West Coast is no slouch when it comes to freshwater offerings, either. Amenities available here are a full-service marina, an airport and a public beach area. 6 Awesome Lake Hotels on the East Coast | Oyster.com Whether you crave the speed of water sports, prefer the solitude of a mountain lake, or count down the moments to the daily floating hour, each of these Southern lakes are primed and ready for you to take the plunge! 1 Alabama | Lake Martin Getty Images The state motto "Alabama the Beautiful" rings true at Lake Martin, which boasts 750 miles of gorgeous shoreline. (Courtesy of Big Cedar Lodge) This 4,600-acre Ozark Mountain retreat, situated about 10 miles south of Branson, Missouri, serves as a year-round getaway for . I grew up in upstate New York, so I know the most lakes in this state. Besides fishing and watersports, many residents enjoy spending time watching the bald eagles that feed in the area. As if that weren't enough, it's also the country's unofficial wooden boat capital. Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Easily the best lake on the East Coast - Review of Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta, VA - Tripadvisor United States Virginia (VA) Moneta Moneta - Things to Do Smith Mountain Lake Smith Mountain Lake 333 Reviews #1 of 5 things to do in Moneta Nature & Parks, State Parks, Bodies of Water Moneta, VA Save b55driver Moneta, Virginia 13 14 This beautifully remote area in the northern part of the state is well worth a visit. In Burlington, one of the must-see places is the Church Street Marketplace, which is an uncovered pedestrian dining and shopping area. Due to most of the hiking trails being well-marked, having little to no steepness, and more than enough walking room, they're perfectly accessible for anyone who would want to traverse around this East Coast mountain lake during summer when the terrain is most predictable. March 29, 2023, at 9:48 a.m. Beyond history, youll find activities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking to enjoy. This nest lake is enclosed by the stunning Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. When you are looking for something else to do, consider visiting the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort where you can play casino games and participate in American thoroughbred horseracing. Gorgeous Glamping Destinations Across the U.S. Travel the U.S. with Perfect 70-Degree Weather, The Best Beach Beach Umbrellas for Summer 2023, 42 of Our Favorite Quaint Small Towns in New York, The Best Things to Do on South Padre Island, 21 Easy RV Storage Ideas to Maximize Space. An excellent spot to learn more about the apex animals in the park is the Yellowstone Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. But the Big Island's Lake Waiau makes up for that scarcity with a breathtaking reservoir perched 13,000 feet above sea level. As the name might suggest, Iceberg Lake is an outstanding body of water formed by the melting of several glaciers thousands of years ago. Neatly located on the shores of Lake Erie, the village of Marblehead, OH, is a hidden treasure. Length of trail: 4.2 miles RT Season: Year round Difficulty: Easy. For jaw-dropping views and ample wildlife (salmon in the water, bears and moose on the shore) drop anchor at Salmon Lake just outside the small town of Nome. It is well known for its hiking trails, sailing, and many golf courses. Here's a beloved, easy-to-reach hiking destination in Rocky Mountain National Park that earns its name honestly, framed as it is by Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Sharing the same region as Iceberg Lake, within the Glacier National Park area, Saint Mary Lake is the second-largest body of water in the park, but that doesn't mean that it's any less magnificent than the largest one. Though the first snows may be piling up in the heights this time of year, there's no reason why we can't start dreaming of blissful backcountry lakes to escape to next summer, right? Lake Hamilton, located in the national park, is a popular spot for water sports. Recreational activities at this lake include fishing, swimming and boating. Big Cedar Lodge: Ridgedale, Missouri. We're committed to innovation in life sciences, aerospace, and beyond. The lake was named after florist Edward Habeeb, who helped in the development of the area. New Hampshire is placed right in the middle of the beautiful White Mountains, and home to the tallest mountain of the East, Mount Washington. Among its top attractions is Rocktown Natural Area (in Lucas Park), a craggy 300 acres renowned for its Dakota sandstone pillars that are chock-full of Cretaceous era fossils. From nature preserves to boating fun lands, these still waters beckon with stunning scenery. 12 Best East Coast Lakes for Vacations or Day Trips - Two Scots Abroad Alright, next on our list, is the Green Mountain State, Vermont! With that said, here are the 10 beautiful lakes to visit at the Appalachian Mountains. It probably comes as no surprise to you, given our brand name and our backpacking-ready products, to learn that we here at Mountain House are big fans of mountain lakes. Then experience a tour and tasting at the Oasis Brewery Company available Thursdays through Sundays. GORE-TEX, GTX, SURROUND, C-KNIT, PACLITE, OPTIFADE, CHEMPAK, CROSSTECH, PYRAD, PARALLON, GORE-SEAM, GORE WINDSTOPPER, GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY, and GORE and designs are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates. The Chelan area is an ideal spot for eating al fresco, fishing, and outdoor activities. Next, on our list is North Carolina. Copyright 2023 W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH. This town is perfect for art lovers. Courtesy of The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection. Among the landmarks are Acapulco Rock and Chimney Rocktwo rugged cliffs where swimmers bravely take the ultimate summertime plunge. In the summer season this lake is a popular starting point of many great walks to various points of interest including the waterfall Skok (jump) and number of mountain huts. From the observation deck, visitors are able to look over the Ouachita Mountains and Hot Springs National Park. (Think gleaming Chris-Crafts, Stanleys, Eclos and more.) 1. No compromise. With stunning scenery and superb outdoor activities available, this spot is one of the most beautiful mountain lakes on the East Coast for a summer vacation. The Beehive Trail is an epic hike because of the many technical aspects. If you are hoping for an easier day hike with eye-popping ocean views, this one will do the trick. Massive Lake Powell holds a whopping 24,322,069 acre feetof water when full and is 558-feet at its deepest point. To support our blog and writers we put affiliate links and advertising on our page. While Ithaca, NY, is best known for being the home of Cornell University, the town is also situated on the beautiful Cayuga Lake, part of the Finger Lakes region. So, get ready, this will probably be the longest list, so lets get started. Like most lakes in the Appalachian range, Lake Nantahala was built to serve as a hydroelectric reservoir. This gives you and your family many opportunities to engage in watersports, as well as hiking and other outdoor activities. While on land, you can follow the hiking trail through the treelined shoreline. Another gem by this lake is the John H. Kerr Dam, the 4th largest in the United States. And I wanted to share some awesome fun lakes to travel to. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. 10 Stunning Lakes in Virginia for Outdoor Adventure Master the extreme. Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park is one of the most popular hikes in the area, and for good reason. The trail shelter has hot showers for campers and hikers that need to freshen up. Rocky Mountain National Park is on the towns doorstep, only about a mile away. Often the most responsible thing to do is eschew camping directly along the lake (even if it's allowed) and choose a more durable, less-trammeled site (such as a grove of subalpine forest) in the vicinity. Then, head to Mermaid Waterfront Bar & Grill for the best in boat-to-table selections. The state motto "Alabama the Beautiful" rings true at .css-1e1wdvt{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#0A5C80;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1e1wdvt:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:#0A5C80;}Lake Martin, which boasts 750 miles of gorgeous shoreline. Whatever you are craving, youll find the perfect restaurant to meet that need in Grand Lake, CO. https://journeyz.co/wp-content/cache/breeze-minification/js/breeze_2ec09e43bcec6c063535f09ff4ec52c0.js, The 30 Best Lakes for Swimming in the United States, The 30 Best Lakes in Michigan for Swimming, The 20 Best Boating Lakes in the Southern United States, The 100 Best Places to Travel in the World, The 30 Best Places To Retire in Florida on the Water, The 12 Clearest Lakes in the US Where Are The Clearest, The 10 Largest Man-Made Lakes in the United States, The 30 Best Places to Live in Florida for Empty Nesters, The 30 Largest Lakes in the United States, Uncover Floridas Hidden Gems: Top Affordable yet Beautiful Places to Live, The 27 Different Types of Cruise Ship Jobs, The 8 Most Famous Serial Killers from Washington. The Dream Lake trail is a popular one, so be sure to arrive early to avoid crowded paths. Residents of the town also enjoy hiking on and around Elmore Mountain, and Elmore Lake is a popular place for water activities and peaceful walks. This next lake is fairly small compared to those earlier mentioned. (It covers an impressive 730 square miles.) Length of trail: 23 miles Season: Can be done year round, depending on experience level Difficulty: Extremely strenuous.