The United States is full of outstanding natural and man-made lakes. Those living close to these beautiful lakes enjoy the freshness that comes with them, but unfortunately, some people don’t live anywhere near large lakes. While many people are lovers of lakes, most don’t really know how to find some of these absolutely gorgeous southern lakes with plenty of charm, or the crystalline beautiful northern lakes. If you are such a person, this guide is for you. Study it and choose for yourself, then visit these natural beauties.

Crater Lake – Klamath, Oregon

Crater Lake, the main attraction of the national park with the same name, is famous because of its striking blue color and astounding depth of 1,943 feet. This lake is the deepest in the USA and either the seventh or ninth deepest lake in the world (depending on where you are measuring from, whether you are measuring average or maximum). This lake is a caldera lake, which means that it’s the collapsed peak of a volcano. Another reason why it’s famous is because of the “Old Man of the Lake,” which is a full sized tree that has been bobbing vertically in the lake.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Maroon Lake – Gunnison County, Colorado

This lake is one of the most photographed natural sites in Colorado. It is found in a basin that was sculpted by Ice-Age glaciers, and was later dammed by the landslide and rockfall debris from steep slopes above the valley floor.

Maroon Lake, Colorado
Maroon Lake, Colorado

Lake Clark – Clark National Park, Alaska

Lake Clark is known for its blue hue which is a result of the unique mineral makeup and extreme clarity of the water. Its original, native name was “Qizjeh Vena” meaning “place where people gather”.

Lake Clark National Park, Alaska
Lake Clark National Park, Alaska

Mirror Lake – Uinta Mountain, Utah

Mirror Lake is a popular fishing and recreation center; it is also a home to three different species of trout: rainbow, brook, and tiger. The beautiful thing about this lake is when you gaze across the placid water and silvery sheen of this lake for a long time, you will wonder where the water ends and the clear Utah sky begins.

Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake

Lake Mead – Mohave County, Arizona

This lake is Arizona’s largest reservoir. As a source of water in a desert region, it is important for the well-being of the surrounding people, their plants, and animals. This lake is also a popular place for fishing and boating. What’s also fascinating is that during the construction of this lake, the town of St. Thomas was flooded and is now completely underwater.

See Also  The Ultimate Budget Guide to Your American Vacation
Lake Mead, Arizona
Lake Mead, Arizona

Lake Tahoe – Sierra Nevada, Nevada

Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake located along the border between California and Nevada, west of Carson City. Lake Tahoe is a very popular tourist destination year round. In the summer it is a great place to visit for boating and hiking, and in the winter the ski resorts and snow covered mountains attract many visitors. (And don’t forget about those casinos.) You can easily see how the lake has risen to national stardom while looking at the glimmering waters.

Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe, California

Crater Lake – Mount Katmai, Alaska

In 1912, there was an eruption of Mount Katmai that caused the caldera of the volcano to collapse into this lake, which helped make the area famous for visitors. The lake looks ancient and mystical, and very beautiful. Due to its extreme elevation and danger of scaling the volcano, this lake is fairly isolated and it can be a challenge to view it.

Heart Lake – North Elba, New York

Looking from Mount Jo, you will find this serene lake at the heart of one of the most popular campgrounds in upstate New York. If you visit in the fall, the warm autumn foliage contrasts beautifully with the cool blue of this wonderful lake.

Lake Monroe – Sanford, Florida

Anyone who has visited will definitely want to return the beautiful Lake Monroe Park. Travelers can camp along the lake’s shores at various locations with wonderful views. Although entrance to this park is free, launching your boat costs $2. This breathtaking lake extends into DeBary and Deltona along its northern shore as well as Sanford along the southern shore.

Lake Monroe, Florida
Lake Monroe, Florida

Lake Drummond – Great Dismal Swamp, Virginia

Lake Drummond is a lake located in a place called the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, but it is actually far from dismal. Even though Lake Drummond is protected as part of a national refuge area, special fishing and boating opportunities are provided in this carefully preserved habitat. Lake Drummond is a hauntingly amazing natural landmark and also one of the only two natural lakes found in Virginia.

Great Dismal Swamp, Virginia
Great Dismal Swamp, Virginia

Many of these lakes are in remote destinations. To visit them, a rental car might be needed, and you can get a good deal at CarRentals.deals.