Maryland as a state is filled with natural beauty, its rivers and lake areas are no exception. However, Maryland is the only state without any remaining natural lakes. Most lakes in the US, around 74 percent, were created when huge glaciers passed through the region over 25,000 years ago. Since Maryland did not see any glacial activity in the last great ice age, no natural lakes were formed.
That being said, Maryland does have 280 reservoirs that would feel pretty left out if we didn’t admire their beauty. With so many beautiful reservoirs found in Maryland, it’s hard to choose a favorite, so we polled our readers on our Only In Maryland Facebook page to come up with a list of ten of the best lakes in Maryland. Shall we take a dip and see which one is your favorite?
- Liberty Reservoir
Suzy Dorsey via Only In Maryland Liberty Reservoir is a nice-sized 3,100-acre lake in north central Maryland. If you take a peak into its calm waters you’ll notice quite a few friendly fish waiting to play. Bass, bluegill, crappie, and perch are the main species in the reservoir. Aside from fishing, there are wonderful hiking, biking, and walking trails all around this lake. Liberty Reservoir, Maryland, USA
- Deep Creek Lake
Boonchanintr Hongseethong Sheriff via Only In Maryland The biggest body of water in Maryland, Deep Creek Lake, is definitely a popular pick in our poll. From boating to summer vacations this lake is a source of fun for the whole family. It is also a very peaceful lake despite its popularity, especially in the winter when we get an early freeze allowing you to ice skate on its pristine frozen surface. Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, USA
- Centennial Lake
Kayla Robar via Only In Maryland At only 54 acres, Centennial is a calm quiet reservoir that transforms into a magical landscape in the fall when the trees fill with color. Centennial reservoir is Little Patuxent River’s baby brother since it was formed when the Centennial branch of the river was dammed. You can find this charming lake near Columbia, Maryland, in Centennial Park. Centennial Lake, Ellicott City, MD 21042, USA
- Lake Artemisia
Oscar Gonzalez via Only In Maryland Take a jaunt to College Park and Berwyn Heights to find this 38-acre little slice of aquatic heaven. Another tranquil body of water that makes a wonderful spot to hike, jog, walk, and even catch some live music in the summer months. There is also a nice workout area to get your heart rate pumping while enjoying scenic views. Lake Artemesia, College Park, MD 20740, USA
- Little Seneca Lake
Pete Taylor via Only In Maryland Oh, Little Seneca how we love thee! This beautiful reservoir in Montgomery County was actually created as an emergency water supply for Washington, D.C., but it is popular for boating and fishing as well. Along with your typical bass, crappie, perch, and sunfish, you’ll also be able to wrestle a few channel catfish and tiger muskie too. Little Seneca Lake, Maryland, USA
- Savage River Reservoir
Stephen Bonhoff via Only In Maryland Despite its ferocious-sounding name, this peaceful lake is popular for kayaking, canoeing, and small boats with electric motors only. Perhaps because of that, it offers some of the best fishing in the state. In fact, the state record rainbow trout was hauled in from the Savage River Reservoir - a whopping 14-pound, 3-ounce pot of gold at the end of the rainbow beauty. Savage River Reservoir, Maryland, USA
- Lake Elkhorn
Kathleen Trainor Grieve via Only In Maryland A little dose of happiness awaits you at the Elkhorn Reservoir. A charming 38-acre man-made lake with a two-mile walking trail around it makes for a fun and relaxing cruise any day of the year. Lake Elkhorn Park is also a great place to bring the family for a summer picnic. Lake Elkhorn, Columbia, MD 21045, USA
- Lake Needwood
John Brighenti/Flickr Park of Rock Creek Regional Park, Lake Needwood is another wonderful small lake in Maryland that is a big hit with kayaks, canoes, and even the people who choose to ride said kayaks and canoes. You might even find a rowboat or two gracefully sliding across the lake with a couple enjoying a romantic moment on this charming Maryland waterway. Lake Needwood, Redland, MD 20855, USA
- Lake Habeeb
Ron Cogswell/Flickr This beautiful reservoir is rather unique among all of the reservoirs in Maryland. Swimming in reservoirs is highly frowned upon, if not illegal in much of Maryland because of how dangerous it is due to undercurrents and other hazards. However, there are several public beach areas along Habeeb’s 9.4 miles of shoreline in Rocky Gap State Park. Lake Habeeb, Maryland 21530, USA
- Triadelphia Reservoir
Tom Manuccia/Google The Triadelphia Reservoir is an 800-acre lake on the Patuxent River that was formed in 1943 when the Patuxent Dam was built. Typically boating access is allowed, however when the reservoir is low, some boat ramps are closed. Once you get a line in though the fish are ready to bite. You can expect to find game fish ready to take your line for a spin including walleye, carp, yellow perch, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, muskie, and northern pike. Triadelphia Reservoir, Maryland, USA
Whether you enjoy Maryland’s many reservoirs for their scenic beauty or recreational activities these ten man-made lakes are certainly worth exploring and enjoying. Which Maryland lake is your favorite?
Suzy Dorsey via Only In Maryland
Liberty Reservoir is a nice-sized 3,100-acre lake in north central Maryland. If you take a peak into its calm waters you’ll notice quite a few friendly fish waiting to play. Bass, bluegill, crappie, and perch are the main species in the reservoir. Aside from fishing, there are wonderful hiking, biking, and walking trails all around this lake.
Liberty Reservoir, Maryland, USA
Boonchanintr Hongseethong Sheriff via Only In Maryland
The biggest body of water in Maryland, Deep Creek Lake, is definitely a popular pick in our poll. From boating to summer vacations this lake is a source of fun for the whole family. It is also a very peaceful lake despite its popularity, especially in the winter when we get an early freeze allowing you to ice skate on its pristine frozen surface.
Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, USA
Kayla Robar via Only In Maryland
At only 54 acres, Centennial is a calm quiet reservoir that transforms into a magical landscape in the fall when the trees fill with color. Centennial reservoir is Little Patuxent River’s baby brother since it was formed when the Centennial branch of the river was dammed. You can find this charming lake near Columbia, Maryland, in Centennial Park.
Centennial Lake, Ellicott City, MD 21042, USA
Oscar Gonzalez via Only In Maryland
Take a jaunt to College Park and Berwyn Heights to find this 38-acre little slice of aquatic heaven. Another tranquil body of water that makes a wonderful spot to hike, jog, walk, and even catch some live music in the summer months. There is also a nice workout area to get your heart rate pumping while enjoying scenic views.
Lake Artemesia, College Park, MD 20740, USA
Pete Taylor via Only In Maryland
Oh, Little Seneca how we love thee! This beautiful reservoir in Montgomery County was actually created as an emergency water supply for Washington, D.C., but it is popular for boating and fishing as well. Along with your typical bass, crappie, perch, and sunfish, you’ll also be able to wrestle a few channel catfish and tiger muskie too.
Little Seneca Lake, Maryland, USA
Stephen Bonhoff via Only In Maryland
Despite its ferocious-sounding name, this peaceful lake is popular for kayaking, canoeing, and small boats with electric motors only. Perhaps because of that, it offers some of the best fishing in the state. In fact, the state record rainbow trout was hauled in from the Savage River Reservoir - a whopping 14-pound, 3-ounce pot of gold at the end of the rainbow beauty.
Savage River Reservoir, Maryland, USA
Kathleen Trainor Grieve via Only In Maryland
A little dose of happiness awaits you at the Elkhorn Reservoir. A charming 38-acre man-made lake with a two-mile walking trail around it makes for a fun and relaxing cruise any day of the year. Lake Elkhorn Park is also a great place to bring the family for a summer picnic.
Lake Elkhorn, Columbia, MD 21045, USA
John Brighenti/Flickr
Park of Rock Creek Regional Park, Lake Needwood is another wonderful small lake in Maryland that is a big hit with kayaks, canoes, and even the people who choose to ride said kayaks and canoes. You might even find a rowboat or two gracefully sliding across the lake with a couple enjoying a romantic moment on this charming Maryland waterway.
Lake Needwood, Redland, MD 20855, USA
Ron Cogswell/Flickr
This beautiful reservoir is rather unique among all of the reservoirs in Maryland. Swimming in reservoirs is highly frowned upon, if not illegal in much of Maryland because of how dangerous it is due to undercurrents and other hazards. However, there are several public beach areas along Habeeb’s 9.4 miles of shoreline in Rocky Gap State Park.
Lake Habeeb, Maryland 21530, USA
Tom Manuccia/Google
The Triadelphia Reservoir is an 800-acre lake on the Patuxent River that was formed in 1943 when the Patuxent Dam was built. Typically boating access is allowed, however when the reservoir is low, some boat ramps are closed. Once you get a line in though the fish are ready to bite. You can expect to find game fish ready to take your line for a spin including walleye, carp, yellow perch, large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, muskie, and northern pike.
Triadelphia Reservoir, Maryland, USA
Be sure to join our Maryland Nature Lovers Facebook group to discover more epic photographs like these and share your own. Then check out this Maryland road trip through some of the most scenic waterfront towns.
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