5 great New England lakes for summer fun

Tubing is a favorite activity at Candlewood Lake in Connecticut. (CTVisit.com)

Summer is a time to get out in nature and enjoy all the region has to offer. During the hot summer months, you probably need some time to cool down. Thankfully, New England has a boatload of lakes to experience.

From lakes in the heart of the region’s nicest cities, to tucked-away hidden gems, there is no shortage of possibilities. Whether you want to fish, lay out, enjoy trails or take a kayak or canoe out onto the water, all six New England states have an array of options.

Each lake has different guidelines and amenities, so research them before you hit the road. Be aware of rules regarding fishing, boating and jet skiing.

Here’s a sampler of some of our favorite lakes.

Lake Champlain – Burlington, Vt.

If you have never been to Lake Champlain, consider it a must-do this summer. Bordering Canada, New York and Vermont’s most happening city, Burlington, Lake Champlain presents anything and everything under the sun to visitors every year.

Adjacent to all that Burlington has to offer, from restaurants to museums to breweries, Lake Champlain has nearly 500 square miles to enjoy and explore. With bike routes along the water, a collection of comfy sands and a variety of boating options in the lake’s open waters, Lake Champlain presents the opportunity to have your rugged outdoor adventures with the convenience and luxury of Burlington’s downtown. Perfect for a family trip or just a weekend getaway for two, Lake Champlain’s versatility is its selling point.

Lake Sunapee – Sunapee, N.H.

At the foot of Mount Sunapee, Lake Sunapee is a scenic and relaxing destination for New Englanders. Whether you are pushing off to enjoy time on the water or to explore the many islands, Lake Sunapee is an ideal spot for the curious adventurer.

The lake also has plenty of lodging for visitors. Whether you are looking to camp at Mount Sunapee State Park or stay in some of New Hampshire’s funkiest Airbnbs, you will find what you love and love what you find. Fans of history will adore Lake Sunapee. The nearly 6.5 square miles of water was the setting for one of the earliest adoptions of the steamboat for passenger travel. And today, visitors still can enjoy an authentic steamboat ride.

Lake George – Canaan, Maine

A paradise for the outdoorsy, Lake George is tucked away just over an hour from the Maine coast, in the heart of the Pine Tree State’s lush forests.

With grassy spots to lay out in the sun, an abundance of hiking trails along the lake’s perimeter, and a variety of fish to be caught, Lake George is the perfect spot for folks who can’t quite make up their minds on what they want to do.

One of the cleanest lakes you will find in all of Maine, Lake George is a great place to take a dip and cool off or rent a kayak or canoe. Kid-friendly with its Tiny Tots Beginner bike trail and picnic tables, the only thing you will wish you had at Lake George is more time.

Breezy Picnic Grounds – Douglas, Mass.

On the shore of Whitin Reservoir in south central Massachusetts, Breezy Picnic Grounds is not your traditional lakeside experience.

Swapping some of Mother Nature’s natural beauty for some modern-day fun, Breezy offers waterslides, an arcade and a freshwater swimming area to visitors watched over by certified lifeguards. Perfect for a family outing with friends, Breezy’s well-maintained and lush grass presents the ideal picnic spot in the shade. With ice cream and frozen goodies at the snack bar, Breezy Picnic Grounds is a place for families looking to treat themselves during the hot summer months.

But the biggest draw at Breezy is the waterslides. The three 300-foot slides have no limit to how many times you can ride, but do expect a bit of a line. For southern New England families, a trip to Breezy Picnic Grounds swaps the typical trip to the lake for an elevated lakeside experience the whole family will love.

Lake St. Catherine – Poultney, Vt.

For a rustic and rural lake to unplug at, check out Lake St. Catherine.

Located on the New York State border, Lake St. Catherine is a bit off the beaten path but provides everything you could look for in a lake. With plenty of space to pitch the tent or park the RV, the lakeside amenities are perfect for families and friends to get away and enjoy nature. The lakeside provides perfect conditions for fishing of all types including rainbow trout, landlocked salmon and small- and large-mouth bass.

The lake offers two sandy beaches, lots of grassy fields and just enough activities for the whole family to enjoy, like night hikes, crafts and amphibian explorations.