Grab your paddle and life jacket, because we’re about to embark on a watery
adventure across America’s most stunning lakes! From serene mountain retreats to
expansive wilderness waterways, each destination promises its unique blend of
natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and paddling challenges.
Ready to dip your oar into some of the most breathtaking lakes the U.S. has to offer?
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota
Welcome to the canoeing mecca of America! With over a thousand lakes connected
by portages, the Boundary Waters offers endless possibilities for multi-day trips.
Keep an eye out for moose wading in the shallows and listen for the haunting call of
loons.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Straddling two states, Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear waters and surrounding Sierra
Nevada peaks create a paddler’s paradise. Launch from D.L. Bliss State Park for
stunning views of the lake’s famous turquoise waters.
Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit the water may be chilly, but it’s irresistibly inviting on a hot summer day!
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Glacier National Park Lakes, Montana
Paddle beneath towering peaks and past ancient glaciers on lakes like Lake McDonald and Two Medicine Lake. Keep your camera handy – mountain goats and bighorn sheep often make appearances on the shoreline.
Just remember, the water’s so clear you might think you’re floating on air!
Lake Powell, Utah/Arizona
This massive reservoir on the Colorado River offers a unique blend of desert landscapes and water adventures. Explore narrow slot canyons by canoe, which are impossible to reach by larger boats.
Don’t miss Rainbow Bridge National Monument, accessible by a short paddle and hike. Watch out for the infamous Lake Powell sunburn – the water reflects more sun than you might expect!
Crater Lake, Oregon
Paddle in the deepest lake in the U.S., formed in a collapsed volcano caldera. The water here is some of the clearest in the world – you can often see more than 100 feet down! Launch from Cleetwood Cove and circle Wizard Island for an otherworldly experience.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Adirondack Lakes, New York
With over 3,000 lakes and ponds, the Adirondacks offer something for every canoeist. Try the Saranac Lake Chain for a mix of wilderness and charming lakeside towns.
Keep an eye out for Adirondack lean-tos along the shore – they’re perfect for
overnight trips. And if you hear a splashing at dawn, it might be a beaver!
Everglades National Park, Florida
Swap the traditional northern lakes for a subtropical adventure in the Everglades.
Paddle through mangrove tunnels and sawgrass marshes on the 99-mile Wilderness
Waterway.
Watch for alligators, manatees, and a kaleidoscope of bird life. Just don’t forget the bug spray – the mosquitoes there are no joke!
Lake Chelan, Washington
Stretching 50.5 miles into the North Cascades, Lake Chelan offers a mix of developed areas and remote wilderness. Launch from the town of Chelan and paddle up to the isolated community of Stehekin, only accessible by boat or float plane.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
This water-based park is a paddler’s dream, with four large lakes and 26 smaller ones. Explore a maze of interconnected waterways, islands, and bays.
Camp on your island for the night – just secure your food from the local wildlife! Keep an eye out for the Northern Lights on clear nights.
Lake Superior, Michigan/Minnesota/Wisconsin
The largest of the Great Lakes offers countless canoeing opportunities. Try the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan for stunning sandstone cliffs and pristine beaches.
Just remember, Lake Superior is known for rapidly changing conditions – always check the weather forecast before heading out!
Moosehead Lake, Maine
As Maine’s largest lake, Moosehead offers plenty of room to paddle. Explore over
400 miles of shoreline, dotted with coves and islands.
Keep your eyes peeled for the lake’s namesake – moose are often spotted wading in the shallows. If you’re feeling brave, take a dip in the refreshing yet chilly waters!
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Lake Ozark, Missouri
Don’t let the party reputation fool you – there are plenty of secluded coves and quiet
arms to explore by canoe on this massive reservoir. Launch from Ha Ha Tonka State
Park to see castle ruins overlooking the lake.
Just watch out for weekend boat traffic early mornings are best for peaceful paddling.
Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s largest lake offers a mix of developed areas and quiet coves perfect for canoeing. Paddle out to one of the lake’s 253 islands for a picnic lunch.
Can’t pronounce Winnipesaukee? Locals often call it ‘The Big Lake’ – much easier on
the tongue!
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
With over 1,100 miles of shoreline, this sprawling reservoir offers endless canoeing
possibilities. Explore the quieter arms of the lake for a more secluded experience.
Don’t miss the chance to paddle through Ha Ha Tonka State Park, where you can
see castle ruins and natural bridges. Just remember, ‘The Magic Dragon’ isn’t a
mythical creature – it’s the locals’ nickname for the lake’s unique shape!
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Flathead Lake, Montana
As the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, Flathead offers plenty
of room to roam. Paddle along the eastern shore for views of the Mission Mountains,
or explore Wild Horse Island State Park.
Keep an eye out for the lake’s famed (but elusive) Flathead Lake Monster – though it’s probably just a sturgeon!
Lake Champlain, Vermont/New York
Straddling two states and bordering Canada, Lake Champlain offers diverse paddling experiences. Explore the Champlain Islands or paddle along the New York shoreline in the shadow of the Adirondacks.
History buffs, keep an eye out for ‘Champ,’ the lake’s legendary monster – it’s been sighted since Samuel de Champlain’s time!
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Acadia National Park Lakes, Maine
While Acadia is known for its rugged coastline, its interior lakes offer serene paddling
experiences. Try Jordan Pond for mirror-like reflections of the surrounding mountains
or Long Pond for a longer adventure.
Don’t forget to reward yourself with a lobster roll afterward – you’ve earned it!
Lake Santeetlah, North Carolina
Tucked away in the Nantahala National Forest, Lake Santeetlah offers 76 miles of shoreline to explore. Paddle through quiet coves surrounded by lush forest, and keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring overhead.
Don’t forget to pack a fishing rod -the lake’s known for its excellent bass fishing!
Eleven Finger Lakes, New York
Can’t decide on just one lake? The Finger Lakes region offers eleven to choose from! Each lake has its character, from the wine country surroundings of Keuka to the gorges of Cayuga.
Pro tip: time your visit for fall foliage season for an explosion of colors reflected in the lakes.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Lake Ouachita, Arkansas
Known for its crystal-clear waters, Lake Ouachita is a paddler’s dream. Explore over
200 islands, many of which allow camping for multi-day adventures.
Keep an eye out for bald eagles and ospreys fishing alongside you. And if you’re into geology, watch for quartz crystals sparkling on the shoreline!
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
While technically on Lake Superior, the 21 islands of the Apostle Islands deserve their mention. Paddle through sea caves, explore lighthouse islands, and camp on secluded beaches.
Just be prepared for Lake Superior’s notoriously chilly waters – even in midsummer!
Lake Guntersville, Alabama
This 69,000-acre reservoir on the Tennessee River offers a southern spin on lake canoeing. Paddle through flooded cypress forests and watch for bald eagles – the
lake hosts one of the largest wintering populations in the Southeast.
Don’t forget to pack your rod – it’s considered one of the best bass fishing lakes in the country!
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Mammoth Lakes Basin, California
For a high-altitude adventure, head to the Mammoth Lakes Basin in the Eastern Sierra. Paddle on alpine lakes surrounded by jagged peaks and pristine forests.
Try Lake Mary for easy access or Crystal Lake for a more secluded experience.
Walden Pond, Massachusetts
For a paddle steeped in literary history, head to Walden Pond, made famous by Henry David Thoreau. While small, its clear waters and wooded shores offer a tranquil escape.
As you paddle, ponder Thoreau’s words: ‘Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.’ Just don’t expect complete solitude – Thoreau’s legacy draws quite a crowd!
Lake Jocassee, South Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Jocassee offers crystal-clear waters and
numerous waterfalls cascading directly into the lake. Paddle to Twin Falls or Wright
Creek Falls for a refreshing shower on a hot day.
Keep an eye out for loons – Lake Jocassee is one of the few places in South Carolina where they nest!
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Explore the Watery Wonders
From the boundary waters of Minnesota to the high-altitude lakes of California, America’s diverse landscapes offer a wealth of canoeing adventures. Whether you’re
seeking a challenging multi-day expedition or a peaceful afternoon paddle, there’s a
lake on this list for you.
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Mind-Blowing Things You Probably Didn’t Know You Could Do in the U.S.
- The Best Cruise Ship Experiences for U.S. Citizens
- The Best U.S Travel Destinations for Golf Lovers
- The 25 Most Dangerous Cities in the World (Exercise Caution if Travelling There)
- The Best Fall Foliage Spots in New England (Must-See Places)
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.