Are you tired of vacationing at the same lake every year? Has its charm rubbed off? Do you no longer feel relaxed when you come home? Upstate New York has several amazing lakes for you to choose from. If you love hiking, fishing, camping, or swimming, then one of these ten lakes—or all of them—could become your new favorite vacation spot.
Lake Placid
The movie featuring the giant man-eating crocodile may have forever instilled fear of this lake. Thankfully, the only Crocs here will be the pair on your feet. In the summer, Lake Placid is a gorgeous place to hike, paddle, relax, and get away from the city. The lake is surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains, which makes for some fantastic scenery, especially in autumn when the leaves change colors.
Tupper Lake
This picture could pass as a Monet painting! The way the light reflects off the lake with a beautiful interplay of colors is serene. You’re going to want to be on the water. Tupper Lake is perfect for paddling, boating, and fishing. Cast your fishing rod and reel in an exciting fishing tale. Bass, walleye, northern pike, and other fish are plentiful.
Lake George
Lake George is renowned for its crystal-clear water, diverse outdoor activities, and serene beaches. Although the picture doesn’t do the lake justice, you’ll have to believe that the water is spectacular. You can hike and bike around the mountainous area and work up a sweat. Then you can swim at Million Dollar Beach—named for how much money it cost to construct.
Saranac Lake
This lake always ends up on just about every amazing lake list. That’s because the surrounding Adirondack Mountains, autumn foliage, and its calm waters make it an irresistible destination. Explore hiking and bike trails on Baker Mountain or Ampersand Mountain. Then give your brain a workout at the Saranac Laboratory Museum, which reveals the town’s history as a tuberculosis health resort.
Lake Champlain
You’ve heard of the Loch Ness Monster, but have you heard of Champ? The rumored lake monster, which resembles its Scottish counterpart, is said to inhabit Lake Champlain, the sixth-largest lake in the U.S., located on the New York-Vermont border. Discover the lake’s beauty when you hike the surrounding mountainous trails or fish its bountiful waters. Who knows, you might spot Champ and prove he is real.
Finger Lakes (Cayuga, Seneca, Skaneateles)
Once you know the history, you’ll understand why they are called Finger Lakes. Thousands of years ago, glaciers carved 11 long lakes that stretched like, you’ve guessed it, fingers. Cayuga, Seneca, and Skaneateles are just three examples. They are some of North America’s deepest lakes. The region boasts numerous natural trails; Watkins Glen State Park features a stunning gorge with cascading waterfalls. After the hike, enjoy a glass of wine at one of the area’s wineries.
Oneida Lake
At Oneida Lake, you’ll never run out of activities. The fishing is renowned for being excellent, particularly for walleye and bass. Bring your boat (or rent one) and enjoy waterskiing, wakeboarding, or simply cruising on the water. The Oneida Shores Park offers a spectacular swimming area, and Sylvan Beach, a resort community on the eastern shore, features a beach, an amusement park, and more. Still not impressed? Bird-watching in the Important Bird Areas is amazing.
Green Lake
Green Lake is one of two lakes in Green Lakes State Park, about 9 miles from Syracuse. Believed to have been formed by a melting glacier, the lake has been significant to researchers because it is meromictic, which means the deep waters and surface waters have remained separate for thousands of years. You might not be a scientist, but you’ll appreciate the water’s green hue.
Otsego Lake
Otsego Lake is geologically related to the Finger Lakes, but 11 is already too many fingers. The lake offers tourists a variety of enjoyable activities. Practice your breaststroke while swimming at Glimmerglass State Park. Relax and take in the gorgeous scenes in the Appalachian foothills on a sunset cruise. On a rainy day, visit the Fenimore Art Museum and Hyde Hall, a historic mansion. Also, keep your eyes out for seaplanes flying overhead.
Chautauqua Lake
Now you have plenty of new lakes to visit on your next vacation. In addition to the usual lake activities, such as swimming, hiking, boating, and sightseeing, Chautauqua Lake offers two nearby museums and a cultural center. The Chautauqua Institution hosts a diverse range of events, including concerts, lectures, theatrical performances, and art exhibits. There’s also the National Comedy Center and Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. So much to do, so little time. Let’s go!
