The United States boasts the most amazing contradictions all in one country when it comes to exploring and possible vacation spots, from vast mountainous ranges to relaxing and awe-inspiring lakes, and there is so much to choose from.
One particular stand-out asset of the country’s rural areas is the great lakes; five of the greatest, and their parks are here for you to read about.
1. North Carolina: Lake Santeetlah
In the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Lake Santeetlah has a huge seventy-six-mile-long shoreline across the Nantahala National Forest and is, wonderfully so, entirely protected from any kind of development.
Back in 1928, when the Cheoah River was dammed, Lake Santeetlah was formed and is now a fabulous oasis for everything from kayaking to fishing, and what is more, if you spend more than a couple of hours there, you are likely to see hawks, beavers, otters, and even bald eagles.
2. New York: Lake George
Lake George camping is one of the best ways to experience the great outdoors and all the natural environment offers and is actually commonly referred to as the ‘Queen of the American Lakes’.
Rated as one of the cleanest lakes in North America, Lake George contains ten native species of turtle and more than fifty different species of native fish and has a complicated and eco-friendly ecosystem that is carefully nurtured and maintained.
3. Wyoming: Yellowstone Lake
Next on the list is a crystal clear and endlessly deep lake, located bang in the middle of one of the world’s most highly geologically active mountainous areas, between the Absaroka and the Beartooth range; Yellowstone Lake.
Fascinating facts about Yellowstone Lake include:
- The park is home to a massive 67 different species of mammals
- There are around 1,000 miles of challenging hiking trails
- 150 species of nesting birds reside in and around Yellowstone Lake
- More than half the world’s active geysers are in Yellowstone
4. Oregon: Crater Lake
Crater Lake has a whole twenty-two-mile rim around the edge and was formed approximately eight thousand years ago, when the active volcano Mount Mazama erupted and filled with snowmelt and rain over time.
Crater Lake is the deepest lake of all the lakes in the United States and goes down to nearly two thousand feet in the center. When the sun is in exactly the right place, you can even see the barren Phantom Ship under the deep blue water and the forested Wizard Island in the very center.
5. New Hampshire: Echo Lake
In the southeast section of the White Mountain National Park is Echo Lake, which is one of the jewels of New Hampshire state.
The best time of the year to visit Echo Lake is most definitely in the fall when entire areas of the park are covered in yellows, golds, reds, and dark purple as the leaves begin to turn. Echo Lake sits under the shadow of the famous Whitehorse Ledge and is surrounded by seven-hundred-foot cliffs.
