This serene glacial lake in southwestern New Hampshire is nestled within Mount Sunapee State Park. Its visitors will find a spacious beach for swimming, a boat launch, and hiking trails within the park area.

Beyond the summer season, the lake is particularly beautiful during fall, when the surrounding trees display a vibrant array of colors.

Image: Jackson Hendry

The remote Ross Lake, located in the North Cascades region of Whatcom County, Washington, is a hidden gem off the beaten path. This stunning lake winds its way through the landscape at 1,600 feet above sea level, framed on all sides by towering mountains.

Campsites accessible by boat or hiking are available, and backcountry camping is allowed with a permit. Visitors to Ross Lake come for trout fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking.

Image: Paul Pastourmatzis

The gorgeous Lake Lure stretches along the base of Hickory Nut Gorge in the mountains of western North Carolina. If its shores look familiar, it’s because Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey filmed scenes here for the classic movie Dirty Dancing. The lake offers beaches and hiking trails for visitors to explore.

Image: Blake Wheeler

Nestled in the hills of the Ozarks, Lake Ouachita is home to a unique creature swimming beneath its surface—freshwater jellyfish. Unlike their saltwater relatives, these invertebrates are harmless and rarely found elsewhere. The lake also boasts over 200 uninhabited islands for visitors to explore.

Image: Aaron Burden

Located near Austin, the Hamilton Pool Preserve is a favorite summertime retreat for locals when the heat becomes overwhelming. This stunning natural pool was formed when the roof of an underground river collapsed after thousands of years of erosion.

Water from Hamilton Creek spills over the edge of the collapsed dome, creating a 15-meter waterfall that flows into the grotto below. The preserve also features hiking trails and picnic facilities for visitors to enjoy.

Image: Matthew Daniels

While most travelers visit the Northern Sierras for trekking, the region also boasts excellent swimming spots with magnificent backdrops—Lake Almanor being no exception.

This man-made lake sits within Plumas National Forest, adjacent to Lassen Volcanic National Park, offering visitors breathtaking views of the park’s namesake volcano.

Image: Simon Berger

Another California lake, Mono is not only the oldest in the entire US but also one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, it features towering limestone columns that rise dramatically from the lake bed. Mono Lake also serves as a vital habitat for migratory birds, which feed on the brine shrimp that thrive in its salty waters.

Image: Leo_Visions

When it comes to lakes in Utah, there’s more to explore than just the Great Salt Lake or Lake Powell. Bear Lake, a crystalline body of water straddling the Idaho–Utah border, is often called the "Caribbean of the Rockies" due to its striking bright blue hue, caused by suspended limestone in the water.

Image: Daniel Bowman

Next to the aforementioned Utah, Colorado is also home to a stunning yet relatively uncrowded lake—the Blue Mesa Reservoir. This picturesque body of water, surrounded by golden hills and rocky outcroppings, lies at the end of an hour-long hike down the Gunnison River Gorge.

Image: Rocco Caruso

Cave Run Lake is located among the trees of Daniel Boone National Forest. The blue-toned water attracts fishermen, boaters, and swimmers alike to enjoy an escape from the heat, while its shores feature beaches and activity areas perfect for families.

Image: Craig McLachlan

This stunning Maine lake, part of the Rangeley Lakes region, is a renowned fishing hotspot. The distinctive shape of the lake can be appreciated from the Height of Land lookout, making it a must-visit for those seeking tranquility and outdoor adventure.

Image: Les Anderson

Reaching Hanging Lake requires a 1.2-mile hike, but the breathtaking views make the effort worthwhile. This stunning lake was formed by a geological fault, which caused it to separate from the valley above, leaving it suspended atop the cliffs of Glenwood Canyon.

Image: Irene Dávila