It might seem strange that some of the most beautiful waterways in the country can be found in a landlocked state. That is, until you remember that Vermont is full of rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds that offer unparalleled water access. Swimming, boating, and fishing are undoubtedly great things to do here, and the most beautiful lakes in Vermont are great places to enjoy these activities. But, with so many incredible lakes found within our borders, it can certainly be hard to choose a favorite. So, we polled our readers on our Only In Vermont Facebook page. See what they had to say about these incredible spots. Then, make plans to visit them!
- Island Pond Lake, Island Pond / Brighton
Susan Witkins via Only in Vermont This beautiful lake is located within the small town of Brighton. The area is known for its quaint downtown area and the spectacular scenery that’s on display throughout the year. Enjoy the views, or go ahead and take a dip in the summer. There’s also camping available nearby. Island Pond, Brighton, VT 05846, USA
- Lake Willoughby, Westmore
She Na via Only in Vermont Lake Willoughby might be one of the colder lakes in the state, but it’s also one of the most beautiful. Its 1,687 acres offer plenty of space for boating and swimming. For those who prefer to take in the beauty without a cold water plunge, there’s a large public beach on the north shore of the lake. Lake Willoughby, Westmore, VT, USA
- Lake Champlain, Various Towns
Katherine Smith via Only in Vermont Lake Champlain just might be Vermont’s most well-known lake. Its 435 miles of water make it the sixth largest in the country and it also provides lots of opportunities for fun. Depending on where you find yourself along the 587 miles of shoreline, enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming. And, there are quite a few trails and hikes surrounding the lake. Lake Champlain, Lake Champlain
- Fern Lake, Addison County
Fred Chip Couse / Facebook This little beauty gets its name from the many ferns growing along its shorelines. Originally known as simply “little pond” given its size compared to nearby Lake Dunmore, it’s big on beauty and fun activities. On its 68 acres, visitors can enjoy kayaking, swimming, boating (at speeds 5 m.p.h and below), canoeing, and fishing. Fern Lake, Leicester, VT 05733, USA
- Lake Dunmore, Addison County
Lisa Dolginow Durst via Only in Vermont It seems our readers are big fans of Fern Lake’s big sister, too! We’d be remiss to skip over this beauty which sits in the towns of Salisbury and Leicester. With 985 acres, it’s certainly larger than Fern Lake, offering even more room for fun on the water. Together these two bodies of water represent some of the most beautiful lakes in Vermont. Lake Dunmore, Vermont, USA
- Echo Lake, Plymouth
Rich Jones via Only in Vermont This freshwater lake is about 1.5 miles long, offering plenty of shoreline to take in the incredible views. It’s magnificent year-round, but autumn offers some of the brightest foliage in the region. There’s a lot you can do here for fun, but locals love fishing for things like landlocked salmon, rainbow trout, brook trout, and smallmouth bass. Echo Lake, Plymouth, VT, USA
- Nichols Pond, Woodbury
Randy Priest via Only in Vermont Beloved for fishing, this pond can easily be considered a hidden gem. While its size of 168 acres is certainly large enough, we spoke to a few people who had never even heard of it. As a reader favorite, it’s definitely worth exploring the next time you’re in or near Washington County. Nichols Pond, Woodbury, VT 05681, USA
- Lake Groton, Northeast Kingdom Region
Bonnie Johnson via Only in Vermont Historically known as “Groton Pond,” this waterway is great for long weekend escapes. It offers 400 acres of water to enjoy and nearly six miles of shoreline. That means both water lovers and those who prefer to stick to dry land will find something to enjoy. It’s not uncommon to find visitors swimming, boating, fishing, tubing, and kayaking. Lake Groton, Groton, VT 05046, USA
- Harriman Reservoir, Wilmington
Jane Piotrowski via Only in Vermont Harriman Reservoir is the largest body of water that’s located entirely within the state. Today it’s known for boating, swimming, and paddling sports, but it also has an interesting history. In the early 1900s, the shores were home to a community of people known as the Mountain Mills Settlement. But, in the 1920s the New England Power Company began using the area as part of their hydroelectric system. Soon, waters rose and residents began leaving for fear that their homes would be flooded. Today, it’s one of the most beautiful lakes in Vermont, offering plenty of the landscape we love to see. And, readers say the water is some of the clearest you’ll find anywhere! Harriman Reservoir, Vermont, USA
- May Pond, Barton
Adrienne Simas via Facebook Located in the center of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, May Pond offers incredible mountain views. It’s popular for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, but our readers are happy to simply take in the gorgeous scenery surrounding the 116-acre body of water. May Pond, Barton, VT 05822, USA
Have you been to any of these lakes? If you loved them and have tips for visiting, let us know in the comments. Additionally, be sure to join our Vermont Nature Lovers Facebook group to discover more epic photographs like this and share your own.
Susan Witkins via Only in Vermont
This beautiful lake is located within the small town of Brighton. The area is known for its quaint downtown area and the spectacular scenery that’s on display throughout the year. Enjoy the views, or go ahead and take a dip in the summer. There’s also camping available nearby.
Island Pond, Brighton, VT 05846, USA
She Na via Only in Vermont
Lake Willoughby might be one of the colder lakes in the state, but it’s also one of the most beautiful. Its 1,687 acres offer plenty of space for boating and swimming. For those who prefer to take in the beauty without a cold water plunge, there’s a large public beach on the north shore of the lake.
Lake Willoughby, Westmore, VT, USA
Katherine Smith via Only in Vermont
Lake Champlain just might be Vermont’s most well-known lake. Its 435 miles of water make it the sixth largest in the country and it also provides lots of opportunities for fun. Depending on where you find yourself along the 587 miles of shoreline, enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming. And, there are quite a few trails and hikes surrounding the lake.
Lake Champlain, Lake Champlain
Fred Chip Couse / Facebook
This little beauty gets its name from the many ferns growing along its shorelines. Originally known as simply “little pond” given its size compared to nearby Lake Dunmore, it’s big on beauty and fun activities. On its 68 acres, visitors can enjoy kayaking, swimming, boating (at speeds 5 m.p.h and below), canoeing, and fishing.
Fern Lake, Leicester, VT 05733, USA
Lisa Dolginow Durst via Only in Vermont
It seems our readers are big fans of Fern Lake’s big sister, too! We’d be remiss to skip over this beauty which sits in the towns of Salisbury and Leicester. With 985 acres, it’s certainly larger than Fern Lake, offering even more room for fun on the water. Together these two bodies of water represent some of the most beautiful lakes in Vermont.
Lake Dunmore, Vermont, USA
Rich Jones via Only in Vermont
This freshwater lake is about 1.5 miles long, offering plenty of shoreline to take in the incredible views. It’s magnificent year-round, but autumn offers some of the brightest foliage in the region. There’s a lot you can do here for fun, but locals love fishing for things like landlocked salmon, rainbow trout, brook trout, and smallmouth bass.
Echo Lake, Plymouth, VT, USA
Randy Priest via Only in Vermont
Beloved for fishing, this pond can easily be considered a hidden gem. While its size of 168 acres is certainly large enough, we spoke to a few people who had never even heard of it. As a reader favorite, it’s definitely worth exploring the next time you’re in or near Washington County.
Nichols Pond, Woodbury, VT 05681, USA
Bonnie Johnson via Only in Vermont
Historically known as “Groton Pond,” this waterway is great for long weekend escapes. It offers 400 acres of water to enjoy and nearly six miles of shoreline. That means both water lovers and those who prefer to stick to dry land will find something to enjoy. It’s not uncommon to find visitors swimming, boating, fishing, tubing, and kayaking.
Lake Groton, Groton, VT 05046, USA
Jane Piotrowski via Only in Vermont
Harriman Reservoir is the largest body of water that’s located entirely within the state. Today it’s known for boating, swimming, and paddling sports, but it also has an interesting history. In the early 1900s, the shores were home to a community of people known as the Mountain Mills Settlement. But, in the 1920s the New England Power Company began using the area as part of their hydroelectric system. Soon, waters rose and residents began leaving for fear that their homes would be flooded. Today, it’s one of the most beautiful lakes in Vermont, offering plenty of the landscape we love to see. And, readers say the water is some of the clearest you’ll find anywhere!
Harriman Reservoir, Vermont, USA
Adrienne Simas via Facebook
Located in the center of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, May Pond offers incredible mountain views. It’s popular for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, but our readers are happy to simply take in the gorgeous scenery surrounding the 116-acre body of water.
May Pond, Barton, VT 05822, USA
Now that you know where to go for the most beautiful lakes in Vermont, how about a trip to the riverside? Check out this river cabin resort in Vermont. Located in Arlington, it’s the ultimate spot for a getaway!
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