Vermont hides some of New England’s most peaceful waters. Glacial lakes sit tucked between mountains across the state. Some stretch far north into neighboring Canada.
Others remain small and quiet, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Anyone craving a summer escape or a calm fall paddle will find something special here. These 8 lakes prove Vermont deserves a spot on every water lover’s travel list this year.
Lake Willoughby’s dramatic cliffs
Often called Vermont’s most majestic lake, Willoughby sits between 2 steep mountains, Pisgah and Hor. The glacial lake is remarkably deep and clear, staying open later into the season than most others in the region. Hikers love hiking the nearby trails for sweeping aerial views of the water below, especially in early autumn, when the surrounding hillsides turn brilliant shades of orange and red.
The northern beach welcomes families, while a quieter stretch on the southern shore draws visitors seeking solitude. Nearby Brownington is home to the Old Stone House Museum, which honors early Vermont history and Alexander Twilight, a pioneering educator and the first African American state legislator in the country. The small village adds a meaningful cultural stop to any lakeside itinerary in the region.
Lake Memphremagog crosses borders
This glacial lake straddles the border between Vermont and Quebec, stretching 32 miles from Newport into Canada. It ranks among the deepest lakes in the state and holds 21 islands within its cool waters. Boaters often cruise across the international line during a single relaxed afternoon trip, enjoying two countries’ worth of scenery without ever leaving the comfort of their own boat.
The city of Newport sits on the lake’s southern tip, offering restaurants and lodging with sweeping water views. Paddlers appreciate the calm coves near shore, while anglers chase trout and other cold-water species throughout the warmer months from spring through the early days of autumn. Local outfitters rent canoes and kayaks for visitors who arrive without their own gear.
Lake Bomoseen invites adventure
Spanning roughly 2400 acres, Bomoseen is one of the largest lakes contained entirely within Vermont’s borders. Forested hills and the northern Taconic Mountains surround its shoreline, creating a striking backdrop for boating, fishing, and paddling trips throughout the busy summer season and into early fall. Bald eagles and ospreys are frequently spotted soaring above the water in search of fish.
Public beaches, marinas, and boat launches make the lake easy to enjoy for a day or a full weekend getaway. Nearby Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site marks the only Revolutionary War battle fought entirely on Vermont soil, making it a worthwhile historical stop on any lakeside visit in the area. Camping options range from rustic tent sites to more developed cabins nearby.
Lake Champlain steals hearts
Lake Champlain is Vermont’s largest lake and the 6th-largest freshwater body in the entire country. It stretches far north into Canada and forms much of the state’s western border with New York. Visitors can sail, fish, or simply watch the Adirondack Mountains rise across the calm blue water on a clear afternoon, feeling miles away from ordinary life and daily routines back home.
Dozens of state parks line its shores, giving travelers easy access to beaches and boat launches year-round. The lake is dotted with roughly 80 islands, many of which are accessible by kayak or ferry. History buffs will enjoy the small museums, lighthouses, and old shipwreck sites scattered along its long shoreline, each one offering a small window into the region’s maritime past.
Fun fact: Lake Champlain was briefly declared a Great Lake by Congress in 1998, only to have that status reversed 18 days later.
Lake Morey charms visitors
Tucked near the New Hampshire border in the town of Fairlee, Lake Morey is small but full of old-fashioned charm. A historic resort along its shore offers beaches, canoes, and paddleboards for both overnight guests and casual day visitors looking for a relaxing escape from busy city life. The surrounding hills provide a quiet, scenic backdrop for a short weekend trip.
Winter transforms the lake into a popular skating destination, home to the historic Lake Morey Resort. Nearby Orford features mansions dating back to the late 1700s, perfect for a short scenic detour after spending an afternoon out on the water, enjoying the fresh mountain air. Local farms and small museums round out a relaxed weekend itinerary in the area.
Crystal Lake stays pristine
Located in the town of Barton, Crystal Lake earns its name from remarkably clear water fed by two natural underground springs. Crystal Lake is approximately 100 feet deep, with a maximum depth of 103 feet, making it a favorite spot for swimming and paddleboarding throughout the warm summer months when crowds gather nearby. Anglers also flock here to try their luck with several native fish species.
Surrounding mountain cliffs create dramatic views from nearly every angle around the shoreline. The state park offers numerous picnic areas and charcoal grills, so families can easily spend a full day relaxing lakeside with little planning or concern about finding a decent spot for lunch. A small rental cottage nearby sleeps up to six guests comfortably for longer stays.
Emerald Lake feels secluded
Near Manchester in southern Vermont, Emerald Lake sits surrounded by lush Green Mountain forest. Its clear, calm water and sandy beach make it ideal for a relaxing swim away from larger crowds and busier roads found at some of the state’s more popular and heavily trafficked lake destinations nearby. Lifeguards watch over the designated swimming area during the busiest summer weekends.
Only non-motorized boats are allowed on the water, keeping the lake quiet for paddlers and swimmers alike. The Appalachian Trail passes nearby, giving hikers an easy way to combine a mountain trek with an afternoon cooling off in Emerald Lake’s peaceful, forest-lined waters before heading home. Fishing remains excellent here, too, drawing anglers throughout the entire open water season.
Lake Elmore beauty spot
Lake Elmore has earned the nickname “the beauty spot of Vermont,” thanks to the mountain rising sharply along its northern edge. Visitors can hike to the summit for sweeping views and then cool off with a refreshing swim in the same lazy afternoon, with little extra travel time required. A fire tower at the summit offers even wider views across the valley below.
The state park on the lake’s north end includes camping, boating, and a sandy beach popular with families. Autumn brings vibrant foliage reflected across the still water, making Lake Elmore especially photogenic in late September and early October, when the surrounding hillsides begin to change color. Local shops in the nearby village sell fresh produce and baked goods.
Little-known fact: Many Vermont lakes flip and mix completely each fall as warm and cool water layers finally blend.
TL;DR
- Vermont is home to more than 800 lakes and ponds across the state.
- Lake Champlain is the largest lake in Vermont and the 6th largest in the country.
- Lake Willoughby offers dramatic mountain views and some of the clearest water in the region.
- Smaller lakes like Morey, Crystal, and Elmore offer quieter, family-friendly experiences.
- Emerald Lake remains one of the most secluded and peaceful spots for a summer swim.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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