The Most Beautiful Lakes in New York, According to Our Readers

New York captivates with its sprawling national parks, twinkling city lights, and vibrant urban beaches. But locals know that some of New York's prettiest spots are tucked away from the crowds. In fact, New York offers some of the most enticing and remote natural beauty in the country, making it an idyllic getaway for lovers of the great outdoors. But when it comes to our state's thousands of scenic lakes, we couldn't possibly pick a favorite. So, we turned to our New York Only readers and asked them to nominate their picks for the most gorgeous bodies of water in New York. And you delivered! From the state's crowning jewels to under-the-radar hidden gems, here are 16 of the most beautiful and best lakes in New York as voted by YOU:

1. Avalanche Lake - Lake Placid, New York

Tucked away in the Adirondack backcountry, a challenging hike and scramble lead to one of the most uniquely scenic lakes in New York: Avalanche Lake. The trail to Avalanche Lake is a magnificent one through the High Peaks Wilderness, with stunning views of Mount Colden and Avalanche Mountain rising out of the water, enveloping the lake in lush green beauty in spring and summer. In winter, the snowy views are perhaps even more phenomenal.

Editor's note: Due to mudslides, the Adirondack Loj and South Meadows trails to Avalanche Lake are closed until further notice. However, you can take another trail via Lake Arnold. Visit the Lake Placid website for updates.

2. Cayuga Lake - Cayuga, Seneca, and Tompkins Counties, New York

As one of the longest Finger Lakes in New York, it makes sense that Cayuga Lake would boast a little extra magic as well. From lake-side wine trails to lush state parks to family memory-making against a backdrop of truly phenomenal sunsets, Cayuga is one of the best lakes in New York for good reason.

3. Chautauqua Lake - Chautauqua County, New York

This long and narrow lake runs 17 miles from Jamestown to Mayville and is renowned for its fishing and recreational opportunities. This is a stunning, glittering body of water that dazzles in the sun, beckons like an endless ribbon of ice during winter, and is a brilliant place to go for a sunset sail. See for yourself why Chautauqua Lake is among the favorite New York lakes.

4. Green Lake - Fayetteville, New York

Vibrantly hued and surrounded by lush forest, the aptly-named Green Lake is the larger of Green Lakes State Park's two glacial lakes. Uniquely, Green Lake is a meromictic lake, meaning that fall and spring waters do not mix — an attribute that contributes to the lake's namesake color and distinctive mineral properties. Most lakes in New York are dimictic. But science aside, this gorgeous, jewel-like lake is an absolute treasure, making it one of the most beautiful lakes in New York.

5. Keuka Lake - Keuka Park, New York

Another of the vibrant Finger Lakes in New York, Keuka Lake, is special for a multitude of reasons. Eons ago, this unique "Y"-shaped lake was all as one, until glacial events caused it to split down the middle. But that's not all that history changed about this brilliant body of water. By splitting the lake in two, these same glacial events also created a reverse drainage flow that now runs from south to north in East Keuka. To this day, Keuka Lake is one of the few lakes in the world that flows in both directions. The result is a sparkling landmark that dazzles from every angle. Head to the Visit Finger Lakes website for more.

6. Lake Erie

No list of New York's most beautiful lakes would be complete without our state's icy showstopper: Lake Erie. Locals know that frigid breezes are a trademark of this shared Great Lake, but braving the chill is well worth it for the magnificent sunsets. And in summer, these crisp waters are the perfect place to play, catch a scenic ferry, explore lighthouses, and enjoy the magic of the season. With several beaches, Lake Erie is one of the best swimming lakes in New York.

7. Lake George - Warren County, New York

The Queen of American Lakes and home of the original lakefront vacation destination, Lake George, is a truly historic lake featured in the memories of countless New Yorkers. Clear water, abundant recreation, iconic scenery, and even the sheer size of this lake in the heart of New York have earned it numerous accolades over the decades. In fact, of all of the nominees we received for the most beautiful lake in New York, Lake George received the most votes by a landslide.

8. Lake Lila - Hamilton County, New York

Lake Lila is perhaps the most underrated lake in New York on our list, tucked away in the William C. Whitney Wilderness Area in Hamilton County. Clear, gentle, and off-limits to motorized boats, Lake Lila is an absolute dream for paddlers and backwoods campers alike who crave a peaceful escape in the depths of Upstate New York.

9. Lake Minnewaska - Kerhonkson, New York

If swimming, paddling, bouldering, hiking, and beach-lounging in the same landscape that houses dozens of waterfalls and boasts stunning, craggy shorelines sounds positively dreamy, then Lake Minnewaska is the place to be. The region's dramatic landscape only intensifies the beauty of the sunsets, which can be enjoyed right from the water or from any of the magnificent lake overlooks. This is true all-seasons beauty right here! You'll find Lake Minnewaska at Minnewaska State Park Preserve on the Shawangunk Mountain Ridge in Ulster County, and it's absolutely worth visiting to see the stunning landscapes surrounding the lake.

10. Lake Ontario

Lower New York is already blessed with dozens of beautiful coastal beaches that offer brilliant views of the Atlantic. But Lake Ontario, which spans 71 miles along the state's northern border, comes pretty close to the real deal when it comes to wild and untamed ocean beauty... and it's right here Upstate! Because of its incredible depth, Lake Ontario never fully freezes, and the water's rhythmic "tides" are as soothing as they are beautiful. It's arguably one of the most impressive lakes in upstate New York.

11. Lake Placid - Essex County, New York

Winding river-like underneath the towering watch of many of New York's renowned High Peaks, Lake Placid offers beauty unlike anywhere else in the state. Trails around the water offer stunning views in every season, but it's no secret that the Lake Placid region is the winter sports capital of the state. That means epic skating, ice fishing, dogsledding, and some of the most incredible misty and snow-covered hill views you can imagine. At sunrise, the Alpenglow is nothing short of spectacular.

12. Lake Champlain - Clinton, Essex, and Washington Counties, New York

New York may share Lake Champlain with Vermont, but it's New York's Adirondacks that make this lake a stunner in every season. This moody lake changes with the seasons and weather in the most dramatic ways, which makes it the perfect spot for epic photography. The summer beckons tourists to plan their lake vacations in New York's lakes, and Lake Champlain is among its top destinations for swimming, boating, hiking, and exploring the historic small towns that dot its shores.

13. Oneida Lake - Oswego County, New York

As New York's largest self-contained body of water at nearly 80 square miles, Oneida Lake never disappoints with its expansive views and colorful displays. The shallow water is warmer than that of New York's most popular lakes, making this gem perfect for diving right in. There's a reason why Oneida is the home of so many family memories in Upstate New York!

14. Oxbow Lake - Hamilton County, New York

Oxbow Lake, one of the most beautiful Adirondack lakes, is an angler's dream. With some of the cleanest water in the state, gorgeous mountain views, and crowd-free shorelines, it really doesn't get much better than this! (And the fish seem to agree.) Oxbow Lake is 312 acres and offers wonderful opportunities for paddling and boating.

15. Raquette Lake - Hamilton County, New York

As the largest natural lake in the Adirondacks, Raquette Lake is a true treasure tucked away in the trees. The lake's 100 miles of scenic, pine-covered shoreline create a unique, peaceful haven that seems to radiate relaxation. Enjoy the natural beauty the old-fashioned way, or hop on a ferry to enjoy an idyllic lake cruise. Either way, this lake is truly at the heart of one of New York's most vibrant landscapes.

16. Skaneateles Lake - Town of Skaneateles, New York

The crisp, tropical-colored waters of Skaneateles are a brilliant and refreshing sight on a hot summer's day. Skaneateles Lake has been unofficially called the most beautiful body of water in the world, but more officially, the second-cleanest lake in the country. Uniquely, Skaneateles sits higher than any other Finger Lake, which contributes to its clarity. As the longest of the Finger Lakes ("Skaneateles" means "long lake"), the terrain also varies greatly between the north and south shores. But all that scenic diversity just makes for an even better paddle and a lifetime of corners to explore.

This short list doesn't even come close to showcasing all of the most beautiful lakes in New York... but you won't find views like these anywhere else, that's for sure. If you're having a hard time choosing where to start, take this New York lake road trip through the Adirondacks.