Top 13 Lakes around Burlington

You can experience Lake Champlain at several popular locations. Waterfront Park offers breathtaking views, open green spaces, and walking paths, with access to the Burlington Bike Path. Delta Park, accessible via the Island Line Trail, is a unique spot with picnic tables to explore the peninsula and delta. For swimming and sunbathing, Blanchard Beach near Oakledge Park is a stunning sandy beach with amenities.

Yes, many areas are suitable for families. Lake Champlain itself offers sandy beaches like Oakledge Park and North Beach, and parks such as Waterfront Park and Delta Park are family-friendly with green spaces and picnic areas. Lake Iroquois is also known as a family-friendly lake, offering swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and waterskiing.

The lakes around Burlington offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy water sports like swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and various forms of boating on Lake Champlain. For land-based activities, there are numerous cycling and hiking opportunities. For example, you can find routes like the 'Island Line Rail Trail' or 'Ethan Allen Homestead - Peninsula Trail' for hiking, and various cycling routes along the Burlington Greenway. Explore more options in the Hiking around Burlington and Cycling around Burlington guides.

Yes, Shelburne Pond is considered a pristine, undeveloped body of water and the largest undeveloped lake in the Champlain Valley. It's surrounded by swamps, marshes, and rich woods, making it excellent for tranquil paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing, supporting unusual plants and various bird species. It's a great spot for nature enthusiasts seeking a quieter experience.

The best time to visit the lakes around Burlington, Vermont, is generally from late spring through early fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant for water sports, hiking, and cycling. Summer offers the warmest temperatures for swimming, while fall provides stunning foliage views, especially around Lake Champlain.

Many areas around Lake Champlain, particularly in Burlington, offer accessible options. The Burlington Greenway provides a scenic route for walking and biking along the lake, and parts of it are generally flat and paved. Waterfront Park also features walking paths that are accessible. While specific wheelchair accessibility details for all trails vary, the main waterfront areas are designed for broader public access.

Yes, Lake Champlain offers several spots for wild swimming. Beyond designated beaches like Blanchard Beach, many coves and quieter areas along the lake's extensive shoreline provide opportunities for a more natural swimming experience. Always be mindful of local regulations and water safety.

For a lake trip, consider bringing swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent. If you plan on water activities, bring appropriate gear like kayaks, paddleboards, or fishing equipment. For land activities, comfortable walking or cycling shoes are essential. Don't forget water, snacks, and a camera to capture the scenic views.

Lake Champlain is renowned for its excellent fishing, supporting a diverse range of species. Shelburne Pond is also noted for good fishing, particularly for those seeking a tranquil experience. Lake Bomoseen, while about an hour away, is another beautiful lake that can accommodate various water sports, including fishing.

The Lake Champlain bike ferry crossing provides a seasonal connection across Lake Champlain for the Burlington Bike Path. It allows cyclists to continue their route when the land path is interrupted, offering a unique way to traverse the lake and extend cycling adventures. It typically operates during the warmer months.

During winter, when the lakes freeze over, activities like ice fishing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing on the frozen surfaces become popular, particularly on smaller lakes or protected bays of Lake Champlain. Always check ice conditions and local safety guidelines before venturing onto frozen water.

Many lakes and their surrounding areas offer easy hiking trails. The Burlington Greenway Path runs along Lake Champlain, providing accessible walking and cycling. Granite Steps along the Greenway offer easy access to the water and a spot to enjoy the scenery. Lake Iroquois also has walking trails in its surrounding forested parcel. For more options, refer to the Hiking around Burlington guide.