The Best Lakes in the USA

MojoTravels

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00:00 For this list, we're looking at lakes across America that are ideal for a dip, among other

00:28 activities.

00:33 In addition to its 76-mile shoreline, this lake is distinguished by the surrounding mountain

00:37 ranges.

00:38 The Great Smoky Mountains reign up north, the Unicoin Mountains lie down west, and the

00:42 Chio Mountains rest to the east.

00:44 Heading about a mile away from the town of Lake Santilla, you'll find Chio Point Recreation

00:49 Area.

00:50 Under the US Forest Service's protection, this little piece of paradise has been carved

00:54 out for camping, fishing, and of course, swimming.

00:57 The soothing blue waters paired with the tranquil green backdrops make for one of the most relaxing

01:01 swims in North Carolina.

01:03 After drying off, why not follow up your swim with an atmospheric hike through the Joyce

01:07 Kilmer Memorial Forest?

01:12 One of Idaho's most charming tourist attractions, Priest Lake stretches 90 miles long and more

01:17 than 300 miles deep.

01:18 300 miles from the US-Canadian border is Priest Lake State Park.

01:23 Located on the eastern coast, this park was made for swimming and much more.

01:27 The lake also calls out to motorboats, kayaks and paddleboards, guaranteeing a fun day on

01:31 the water.

01:32 The neighbouring Selkirk Mountains will only amplify your thirst to hit the lake.

01:37 After a stimulating water expedition, nothing is more satisfying than plopping down on the

01:41 sandy shore and napping until the sun goes down.

01:44 If you're up for a challenge, 54-year-old Ned Hastings swam from Upper Priest Lake's

01:49 navigational campground to the Coolum Beach in 14 hours.

01:53 Can you top that?

01:55 The Ozarks have no shortage of alluring lakes, although few are as unique as Table Rock.

02:02 This artificial lake derived from the Table Rock Dam, which was constructed in the 1950s

02:07 to manage floods on the White River.

02:09 Covering 43,100 acres, Table Rock Lake extends into northwestern Arkansas, but it primarily

02:15 attracts swimmers and campers from Branson, Missouri.

02:19 For many Branson locals, the lake is only several minutes away.

02:22 Who needs a pool when you have a lake practically in your backyard, right?

02:26 While visitors are treated to vibrant views above the surface, there's much to see below

02:30 the water as well.

02:32 Duck Island and Zebulon Pike are among the most fascinating scuba diving locations with

02:36 sea life and sunken boats waiting to be discovered.

02:40 Lake Martin, Alabama.

02:42 Lake Martin also formed thanks to a dam's construction.

02:45 When it came into being during the 1920s, Martin was the largest artificial lake on

02:50 the planet.

02:51 Although that record has since been surpassed, it's still the biggest lake of its kind

02:55 in Alabama, covering more than 40,000 acres.

02:59 As such, there's plenty of water for swimming, boating and paddling.

03:03 The lake encompasses several islands tailor-made for adventure.

03:06 Acapulco Rock Island by Tallapoosa River Gorge may be the most thrilling spot with cliff

03:10 divers plunging into the waters below.

03:13 While Lake Martin has a wide variety of sea life, it's most notably home to several

03:17 eagle nests.

03:18 It doesn't get more majestic than seeing an eagle land by the dock as you float in

03:22 the water.

03:23 Flathead Lake, Montana.

03:25 You won't find a larger natural lake in northwest Montana than Flathead.

03:29 In terms of surface area, it's also the biggest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi

03:34 River.

03:35 Flathead's legacy is tied to Lake Missoula, a prehistoric body of water formed towards

03:39 the end of the Ice Age.

03:41 A product of this pro-glacial lake, we wouldn't advise swimming in Flathead during the winter.

03:46 In June and August, though, there isn't a better place for locals and tourists to

03:49 cool off.

03:51 Wild Horse Island is not only a splendid spot for swimming, but also for observing wildlife

03:55 like birds, bighorn sheep and more eagles.

03:58 Speaking of wildlife, legend claims that a monster lurks in Flathead Lake.

04:03 For venturesome swimmers, though, that should only heighten your curiosity.

04:07 Lake George, New York.

04:08 When people think about bodies of water in New York, the Hudson River usually comes to

04:12 mind.

04:13 If Flathead is great for observation, we'd suggest visiting Lake George to get your laps

04:17 in.

04:18 Lake George possesses an old-fashioned sentiment that'll take you back to a simpler time,

04:22 whether you're lying on your back in the water or looking out from aboard a steamboat.

04:27 There are several sandy locales where the whole family can frolic, including Shepherds

04:31 Park Beach, Dog Beach and Million Dollar Beach.

04:34 Don't worry, that last one won't cost you a fortune, although the scenery is priceless.

04:39 Of course, if you do have some cash to burn, the Sagamore Resort provides one of the most

04:43 polished waterside views in the Northeast.

04:46 Lake Erie, Ohio.

04:48 The first of the North American Great Lakes to appear on this list, Erie also touches

04:53 upon Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York, not to mention Ontario.

04:57 As far as swimming goes, however, we'd argue that Ohio captures Lake Erie at its most nuanced.

05:02 There's a section of the lake that can appeal to everyone.

05:05 Kelly's Island will bring out your inner explorer, while also providing a laid-back

05:09 ambience.

05:10 Fort Clinton has been called the "Walleye Capital" of the world, in case you want

05:14 to get some fishing in with your swim.

05:16 The Battle of Lake Erie took place near Put-in-Bay, a nostalgic village that treats tourists like

05:21 family.

05:22 The highlight is arguably the mile-long White Sand Beach, alongside Cedar Point Amusement

05:26 Park.

05:28 Lake Powell, Arizona.

05:29 Living in Arizona, you need a refreshing spot to escape the heat.

05:33 While the extreme weather can be more than some can handle, it does have its advantages.

05:38 We don't know about you, but few things are more unnerving than jumping into a freezing

05:42 lake.

05:43 You are unlikely to have this problem, however, with Lake Powell.

05:45 The water is at its warmest during July, with an average temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

05:50 This is when swimmers venture to the Chains at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

05:56 The temperature is complemented by the natural scenery, which possesses the splendour of

05:59 a perpetual sunset.

06:01 When temperatures drop to 41 degrees Fahrenheit in January, trade in your kayak for hiking

06:06 boots and see the other wonders Lake Powell has to offer.

06:09 Lake Michigan, Wisconsin.

06:11 The largest body of water on our list, Lake Michigan has a few states in common, including

06:16 Illinois, Indiana and, well, Michigan.

06:19 While those three also have prime swimming spots, Lake Michigan has perhaps done the

06:23 most for Wisconsin's tourism, particularly Door Country.

06:26 As a matter of fact, one of Door Country's most notable residents was Katherine Whitney

06:30 Curtis, who pioneered synchronised swimming.

06:33 So, clearly something in those Wisconsin waters inspired her.

06:36 Lake Michigan has certainly inspired us with remote areas like Karnat Island, providing

06:41 the perfect backdrop for reflection.

06:43 Lake Michigan has certainly inspired us with remote areas like Karnat Island, providing

06:47 the perfect backdrop for reflection.

06:50 The Green Bay shoreline also offers a wide assortment of peaceful swimming spots, with

06:53 green treetops and crystal waters for miles.

06:56 Just remember to wait an hour before swimming and eating that famous Wisconsin cheese.

07:01 Creta Lake, Oregon.

07:03 Unlike our other entries, there's only one place at Creta Lake where you can legally

07:07 and safely swim; Cleetwood Cove Trail.

07:09 There's also a limited time to visit, as Cleetwood is typically only open from mid-June

07:14 to late October.

07:15 While that's not especially convenient, Creta Lake is like an exclusive five-star

07:20 restaurant.

07:21 Getting a reservation may take some patience and perseverance, but once you sink your teeth

07:25 into the food, it's all worth it.

07:27 Likewise, Creta Lake rewards its visitors with drop-dead gorgeous panoramic views of

07:31 the deep blue water and surrounding hill.

07:33 Sure, you can observe this from a hiking trail, but looking out from water is an experience

07:38 that can't be topped.

07:39 It's the most personal view that Creta Lake has to offer.

07:51 [music]

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