Prettiest Lakes in New England
Looking for crystal-clear freshwater lakes? We’ve rounded up ten of the prettiest lakes in New England, all of which are definitely worth a visit.
By Necee Regis
Jul 08 2022
Squam Lake
Photo Credit : NHDTTD/ Dale LaryCrystal-clear freshwater lakes are tucked throughout the verdant landscape of our region. Some are small enough to hike around, while others stretch to the horizon. Here are ten of the prettiest lakes in New England that are definitely worth a visit.
Photo Credit : Photo by Magicpiano / CC BY-SA 4.0
Prettiest Lakes in New England
Newfound Lake (at Wellington State Park)
Bristol, New Hampshire
Set amidst fresh-scented, hemlock-covered mountains in the center of the state’s Lakes Region, this deep-water glacial lake — approximately two-and-a-half miles wide and seven miles in length — boasts the largest freshwater swimming beach in the New Hampshire State Park system.
SEE MORE: Newfound Lake | The Most Beautiful Lake in New Hampshire
Photo Credit : User Submitted/Pam Bliss
Kezar Lake
Lovell, Maine
Tucked into the foothills of the White Mountains in western Maine, this deep and crystal-clear lake twists through the landscape for approximately ten miles, creating a series of bays and coves that attract nesting loons and thirsty moose. Visitors enjoy boating, swimming, and fishing for bass, lake trout and salmon. kezarlake.com
Lake Waramaug
Kent, Connecticut
Named after an Indian chief of the Wyantenock tribe and known for its sandy beaches and pristine water, this S-shaped lake is located in the rolling forested hills of rural Litchfield County. Visitors today enjoy a peaceful retreat for swimming, fishing, boating, and camping at Lake Waramaug State Park. ct.gov/deep/cwp/view
Photo Credit : NHDTTD/ Dale Lary
Squam Lake
Ashland/Holderness/Sandwich/Center Harbor/Moultonborough, New Hampshire
The picturesque setting for the 1981 film On Golden Pond, the second largest lake in the state — boasting 61 miles of rocky shoreline — oozes low-key charm for those who love kayaking, canoeing, or lolling on docks in the sun.
SEE MORE: Call of the Wild | Loons on Squam Lake
Watchaug Pond
Charlestown, Rhode Island
A scenic 1,000-acre kettle pond surrounded by acres of rocky woodlands in Burlingame State Park, abutting the Audubon Society’s Kimball Wildlife Refuge. A popular spot for swimming, fishing, camping, picnicking, and hiking an extensive network of trails. visitrhodeisland.com/listing/watchaug-pond-beach
Photo Credit : User Submitted/Mark Ahlers
Lake Willoughby
Westmore, Vermont
For breathtakingly stunning vistas, get thee to Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom where the deep glacial waters of Lake Willoughby are framed by the soaring granite cliffs of Mount Hor and Mount Pisgah. Enjoy boating, fishing, and public beaches (for an icy-cold swim) at the north and south shores.
Learn more: Lake Willoughby, Vermont | Great Views Lake
Photo Credit : Evan Masseau
Lake St. Catherine
Poultney, Vermont
Set in the gently rolling, green hills of western Vermont, close to the New York State border, the five-mile-long waterway is easily accessed at Lake St. Catherine State Park. In addition to a popular camping area, visitors can picnic, swim, rent boats and fish at this idyllic lake. vtstateparks.com
Benedict Pond
Monterey, Massachusetts
Nestled in the bucolic forests of the southern Berkshire mountains, the 35-acre Benedict Pond offers stunning views in the heart of Beartown State Forest. Nature lovers enjoy swimming, boating, fishing and walking the 1.7-mile trail circling the pond. berkshirehiking.com/hikes/beartown
Photo Credit : Bethany Bourgault
Walden Pond
Concord, Massachusetts
Who doesn’t love Walden Pond? Made immortal by the 19th-century writings of Henry David Thoreau, the pond today is enjoyed by visitors who flock to swim the 102-foot deep glacial kettle-hole pond located within 335 acres of protected open space on the Walden Pond State Reservation.
SEE MORE: Walden Pond | A Whimsical Walk through Nature and History
Which lake tops your list of the prettiest lakes in New England?
This article was first published in 2015 and has been updated.