Many people imagine Maine's beautiful, craggy coast when thinking about enjoying the great outdoors. We can't disagree that it's gorgeous. But the inland lakes offer something just as special, especially some of the cleanest lakes in Maine. In fact, you can enjoy some of the best of the state without even stepping foot in the ocean. One example is Echo Lake - which is close to the coast - but may just be the clearest lake in Maine. Located in Acadia National Park, it's crystal-clear and offers a great respite from the crowds of people that head to the park each year.
Echo Lake is a lake on Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park - and it's one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the state.
It sits on the western side of Mount Desert Island, giving it enough space from Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor to allow visitors to forget they're in one of the most popular spots in the state.
The area around the lake is great for hiking with a fair few trails and paths to explore.
One of the best leads to the summit of Beech Cliff where hikers can see the entirety of the lake.
After you've built up a summertime sweat, head straight for the water!
It has some of the most crystal-clear water of any lake in Maine, which makes it feel even more refreshing on a hot day. It's great for kayaking and canoeing, but simply relaxing along the shore is good enough for us.
To truly soak it in, make your way to the lake's southern end where you'll find a sandy beach.
The water here is clear and calm which makes it great for kids.
As with any place outside in Maine, the summer months can get busy. So if you plan on spending the day, try to arrive early.
Other than making you sure get as much time as possible here, there's truly no stress. Enjoy the clear water, take a swim and remember just how fortunate we all are to be in Maine.
Echo Lake, the clearest lake in Maine, is typically a summer destination for swimming. It can be accessed from dawn to dusk. Check out the official National Park Service website to learn more about it and other lakes for swimming near Acadia.
Luckily for those who love inland swimming, there are plenty of places to do it! Here are seven lake beaches in Maine that'll make you feel like you're at the ocean.
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