I Heart My Lake Escape

Posted by Intelligent Travel on May 23, 2012
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The first swim of the summer at Flathead Lake, Montana. (Photo by Lisa Strope, My Shot)
The first swim of the summer at Flathead Lake, Montana. (Photo by Lisa Strope, My Shot)

Summer’s almost here, so we thought we’d take a break from our I Heart My City series and focus on the concept of getting away from it all. Taking a dive off the dock, toasting marshmallows around a camp fire at dusk, spooling out fishing line and pitching back to cast off, watching fire flies light up the night’s sky.

This is why we work so hard all year — for the chance to relax, to recharge, and to reconnect with the people we love.

National Geographic Traveler‘s new issue is on the shelves, with a full feature on the best lake retreats around. “We are a different breed, those of us who choose fresh water,” writes Joyce Maynard in the article’s introduction. “Where ocean vistas speak of drama and turbulence, a lake — unless the Jet Skiers have got to it — is a tranquil place.”

What’s your favorite lake escape? Tell us in the comments section below for a chance to appear in the next issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine.

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  1. Dana
    Chicago, IL
    May 23, 2012, 3:01 pm

    Hamlin Lake in Ludington, Michigan.

  2. Janice Wong
    Rockville, MD
    May 23, 2012, 3:06 pm

    Achensee, Austria — out of the beaten path of most tourists yet teeming with German and Austrian visitors.

  3. Liz
    Spain
    May 23, 2012, 3:19 pm

    Lake Bled, Slovenia

  4. Micheline Lessard
    Cantley, Québec, Canada
    May 23, 2012, 4:21 pm

    My favourite lake escape is a day spent at Lake Philippe in Gatineau Park just north of Ottawa. The escape there is particularly awe-inspiring on a Fall morning, in a kayak, as the loons cry out to one another and allow you to paddle close to them, as if you were as much a part of nature as they are. There is always an early morning ribbon of fog in the Fall, a symmetrical band between the blue sky and the deeper blue water of the lake. There are no sounds but those of the loons, the wind through the colourful fall foliage, and the paddle touching water. No motorized craft are allowed on the lake. It is the perfect place for the senses to take in all that nature has to offer there. It is the perfect escape because while there there is no other reality but that which the lake allows you to experience.

  5. Nancy D. Brown
    Lafayette, California
    May 23, 2012, 5:16 pm

    My favorite lake escape is in the mountains of Lake Tahoe, California. With its clear blue water and endless recreational opportunities, Lake Tahoe is the place to be in the summer.

  6. Christine
    Montpellier, France
    May 24, 2012, 9:07 am

    Lake Salagou in the Languedoc region of France. Blood-red earth, gorgeous hills and tranquility.And people write love messages using stones in the banks of the river and surrounding area.

  7. Henrique Méndez LL
    Kenya
    May 24, 2012, 1:20 pm

    My favorite Lake escape.
    The Lake Naivasha in the Kenya´s Rift Valley, the cradle of humanity.
    This flock of flamingos is one of more than350 birds species that have been recorded at Lake Naivasha and the area is one of the world´s top ten sites for birdwatchers… And “big five”
    Henrique Méndez Ll from venezuela.

  8. Jamie Steiner
    Nebo, NC
    May 24, 2012, 1:42 pm

    There is such an ambiance of peace here at Lake James. The various mountainous peaks and ridges hug this lake, adding not only clean, refreshing mountain water to our lake, but also views galore! My family and I use Lake James on a regular basis for entertainment, relaxation, and reconnecting. It is our source of sanity when life gets too chaotic. Lake James is a true gem found in the mountains of NC!

  9. Jeff Coulter
    Lake George, NY
    May 24, 2012, 3:51 pm

    Beautiful small town that’s been a summer resort for almost 150 years. Also has great history with Fort Ticonderoga.

  10. Deb
    May 25, 2012, 12:23 am

    Christina Lake in British Columbia — warmest mountain lake in Canada.

  11. Amy Torres
    Southern California
    May 25, 2012, 7:46 am

    My journey to Big Bear Lake is only a 75-mile drive from door to door, and it’s a world apart. At an altitude of 6800 feet, the crisp alpine air and deep blue skies draw me outside. As a four-season resort, there are numerous activities from snowboarding to hiking, jet-skiing to toasting marshmallows, off-roading to ziplining. Because of the proximity, I can relax to my heart’s content as often as I like (typically every weekend.)

  12. Sandra Foyt
    United States
    May 25, 2012, 8:38 am

    Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks! We love kayaking to one of the small island campgrounds, and playing at Robinson Crusoe for a few days.

  13. Sarah H
    Mid Wales
    May 25, 2012, 8:38 am

    It’s a tough choice so I’m going to nominate two which are both in New Zealand – Lake Wakatipu, which has Queenstown on its shores, is surrounded by soaring mountains and native bush. It is breathtakingly beautiful in any weather.
    ake Mapourika just North of Franz Josef on the West Coast of the South Island is magical for its beautifully clean and surprisingly warm waters enclosed by native forests and reflecting the Southern Alps on its glassy surface. Great camping spot too!

  14. Simon
    Italy
    May 25, 2012, 8:39 am

    I cherish the mountain lakes, especially when they can be reached only after a nice hike. One that was really enchanting is in Zermatt, where from a certain angle you can see the Matterhorn reflected in the water http://www.wild-about-travel.com/2010/02/postcard-matterhorn-pond/
    Closer to Milan, where I live, my favorite lake is the small and charming Lake of Orta.

  15. Tirzah
    Singapore
    May 25, 2012, 8:44 am

    Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Its huge yet so serene. It has the power to wipe all thoughts off your mind & keep you at peace :)

  16. Beth Davis
    United States
    May 25, 2012, 8:56 am

    We love our Fort Louden Lake, Our front yard. all year long. every season is beautiful here.

  17. Lisa Boice
    Salt Lake City
    May 25, 2012, 9:06 am

    While only 30 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, when at the Great Salt Lake you feel like you’re in a far-off land. My favorite way to experience the Great Salt Lake is by visiting Antelope Island State Park, which is plopped right in the middle of the lake, allowing me to get close to antelope and buffalo that roam freely on the island, and all the birds that rely on this special lake. The Great Salt Lake is a major staging area for migrating water birds that feed on the lake’s abundant brine shrimp. From week to week you can witness successive waves of migrating birds, making each visit a unique experience. Millions of birds pass through this natural wonder that’s saltier than the ocean.

  18. Lindy
    Gulf Coast
    May 25, 2012, 9:07 am

    Lake Michigan :) Or Lake Connestee in Connestee Falls, North Carolina

  19. Linda C Hadfield
    Houston, Texas
    May 25, 2012, 9:41 am

    Lake Tahoe, on the Nevada/California state line. Absolutely gorgeous in both the summer and winter. However, regardless of the season, the water temperature always hovers around 50 degrees. i remember feeding the ducks as a kid and falling into the lake. When my parents pulled me out, my lips and fingers tips were blue. (I loved all the attention! :D)

  20. Kendra L. Williams
    Des Moines, IA
    May 25, 2012, 9:42 am

    Lake Superior from Canal Park in Duluth, Minnesota! The world’s biggest freshwater lake and her many moods always draw us back.

  21. Mike
    Lake Powell, Southern Utah
    May 25, 2012, 9:46 am

    A houseboat on Lake Powell is a magical escape. Cruising the red rock canyons under blue skies and finding a sandy cove to anchor away from everything. I work for the airlines and we fly all over the world looking for great vacations and my 4 teenage kids still say their favorite vacation is our annual week in Lake Powell.

  22. Al T
    Lake James, NC
    May 25, 2012, 10:31 am

    Surrounded by the NC State Parks, Lake James is a great place to enjoy the splendor of nature and all its beauty. With plenty of year-round outdoor activities, this place is perfect for families, couples or a quiet get-away for one. The Fall foliage is special! Lake James’ water is crystal-clear and perfect for fishing, swimming, and water skiing or just relaxing! Great place to visit with easy access via interstate highways.

  23. Bill Richey
    Aurora, Colorado
    May 25, 2012, 10:37 am

    There are several gorgeous lakes scattered around Colorado. My favorite is Turquoise Lake outside of Leadville. It’s surrounded by mountains. The snowmelt is what fills the lake for 6 or 7 months. It’s very peaceful. Great fishing if you know how. Great place to pitch a tent.
    Leadville has many interesting restaurantss and bar and grills.

  24. Grant Humphreys
    Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma
    May 28, 2012, 12:39 am

    I’ve been coming to Lake Eufaula in eastern Oklahoma for 36 years. It’s great – beautiful, laid back, natural wooded hills full of wildlife, and great fishing and boating, We’re now building a new walkable resort community called “Carlton Landing” so that families can have the same rich experiences I had growing up.

    Thanks for doing a lake issue. Can’t wait to see it!

  25. J. Todd Vinson
    Oklahoma
    May 28, 2012, 1:00 am

    I have been going to Lake Eufaula for 20 years. This past year i discovered Carlton Landing. Carlton Landing is an amazing place that is designed for family, community and simplicity. It is located on one of the best lakes in the Heartland and the largest man made lakes in the country. Can’t wait to go back’

  26. Kathy B
    Washington, DC
    May 29, 2012, 11:16 am

    Lake James, North Carolina in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Pristine water and beautiful views year round. Peaceful and tranquil getaway from the rat race of the east coast! Best kept secret on the coast!

  27. Andrew Baysden
    Charlotte, NC
    June 1, 2012, 11:10 am

    Lake James, NC. All the tranquility of a unspoiled, beautiful lake, combined with easy access to the Mountains and dynamic city of Asheville, NC

  28. Diane
    Charlotte, NC
    June 1, 2012, 11:15 am

    Lake James in North Carolina is indeed one of the best kept secrets along the east coast. Peace, tranquility, serenity, beauty, and nature’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains all merge together here in one magnificient place.!

  29. Bill
    Lake James, North Carolina
    June 1, 2012, 3:07 pm

    By far the best lake experience I have had with my family is Lake James, North Carolina. With most of the land owned by the state, you feel like you can escape from it all and have no one around…. all of this only 45 minutes from Charlotte, NC. I took my family here a month ago for an overnight weekend and stayed in Camp Lake James. Let’s just say that my wife has been asking to go back ever since.

  30. Tim Miner
    Charlotte, NC
    June 1, 2012, 6:28 pm

    Kathy, I concur completely, Lake James is my favorite place to go to leave it all behind. And Camp Lake James fits right in with the tradition of holiday camps from the early 20th Century. It’s like stepping back in time.

  31. Lewis
    Charlotte NC
    June 3, 2012, 1:35 pm

    Lake James is the most wonderful Lake in North Carolina. It has remained remarkably undisturbed and is as close as you can get to the glacial moraine lakes of the North without having to shovel snow!

  32. Sherrell
    Charlotte NC
    June 3, 2012, 10:02 pm

    I cannot agree more with all the Lake James posts. The lake and the area are rich with beauty, outdoor recreation, and history. To me Lake James is clear mountain water, views down the Linville Gorge and of the Appalachian Mountains, as well as hiking the Over Mountain Victory National Historic Trail.

  33. Susan
    Troutman, NC
    June 4, 2012, 9:51 am

    Lake James, NC is by far the cleanest, clearest, most tranquil lake in the system of Catawba River lakes. Having spent a lot of time on the lakes over the years including Lake Norman and Lake Wylie, Lake James surpasses both in terms of beauty, views and tranquility.

  34. James
    Denver, NC
    June 4, 2012, 7:27 pm

    To respond to the multiple posts regarding Lake James, NC, I could not agree more with each of you. If you’re looking for a beautiful location to unwind from a busy schedule, there is nothing better than relaxing on a boat, fishing line in the water, and taking in the scenery of the NC mountains as the backdrop.

  35. Michael
    Alexandria, VA
    June 6, 2012, 10:04 am

    If its tranquility you’re after, along with manageable accessibility to/from significant employment centers, Lake James simply can’t be beat.

  36. Rajesh KC
    Pokhara, Nepal
    June 6, 2012, 2:08 pm

    Fewa lake, with the reflection of Annapurna mountain range…can’t explain… it’s just wow.

  37. Pat Omandam
    Lake Tahoe
    June 6, 2012, 2:11 pm

    There’s nothing like basking on a warm, quiet beach–at the 6,500-foot level! Lake Tahoe is my favorite way to rejuvenate in the summer. The pristine, literally ice cold waters make this huge natural wonder a destination for centuries of California and Nevada travelers! Mother Nature created her own secret spot when she carved the Tahoe basin out of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

  38. Cory Ouellette
    Stateline, NV
    June 6, 2012, 2:24 pm

    My pick for favorite lake has and will forever be the beautiful waters of Lake Tahoe. A mixture of tranquility and exciting entertainment with wonderful people that become friends and who you consider family immediately. Beautiful beaches to tan yourself on and bars, restaurants, and clubs to frequent. Amazing winter resorts to get your choice of snow sports action on. This place has it all and has been my home for ten years now.

  39. Andrew Crump
    Ontario, Canada
    June 6, 2012, 2:29 pm

    The North Shore of the Georgian Bay, 30,000 island. Pristine northern Ontario wilderness, a boater/cottagers escape.

  40. Christiane Hoppe
    Lake Wanaka, New Zealand
    June 6, 2012, 2:52 pm

    Beauty in perfection

  41. Casey
    June 6, 2012, 8:03 pm

    Lake Louise in Banff, Canada.
    <3

  42. Dave
    Polson, Montana
    June 6, 2012, 11:46 pm

    NatGeo,
    You hit it on the head!
    Flathead Lake is the ultimate summertime adventure!
    Swimming in crystal-clear water, water skiing, hiking on Wildhorse Island, enjoying the small town love of Polson!
    It has it all!

  43. Frasier
    Charlotte, NC
    June 21, 2012, 7:57 pm

    If you enjoy the thought of being surrounded by the banks of a pristine 6500 acre lake with 150 miles of shoreline; in the middle of a lush green forest; and at the base of towering mountains . . . then Lake James in Morganton, NC, is the place for you! It is an easy drive from most major cities in NC, SC, GA, VA, and many people who have discovered it drive there regularly from FL and even the D.C. area. 

    For millions of years, clean mountain streams and thundering waterfalls have carved out the rugged Linville Gorge. These waters begin journeys atop some of the tallest peaks east of the Mississippi and eventually form three crisp rivers that merge to fill nearby Lake James in Western North Carolina. Lake James sets the stage for a getaway where breathtaking views aren’t just seen, they are enjoyed and explored.

    Nestled among true National Treasures like the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pisgah National Forest, Linville Gorges, and the Catawba River . . . the Lake James area is a unique and invigorating place! Whether you are looking for a shady spot to enjoy a good book, a day of discovery on mountain trails, or an afternoon spent on the glassy waters of the lake. All of this and you are only a stone’s throw away from dozens of exciting activities to fill every moment with a new adventure . . . or then again, maybe not!