The 7 Most Beautiful Lakes in Maine

Maine is the Easternmost state in America, bounded by New Hampshire to the Southwest, the Canadian wilderness arching across the North, and the powerful waters of the North Atlantic Ocean to the South. With one of the lowest populations in the country and being sensibly dubbed "The Pine Tree State," this section of New England is the perfect place to unplug from rambunctious society and reconnect with nature. Amidst the rousing coastline, thick woods, and ancient Appalachian mountains, there are over 6,000 lakes and ponds dotted across the landscape, nearly half of which are not even formally named. Checking off this extensive list would be a noble lifelong pursuit, but for now, here are seven of the most beautiful bodies of water to start with. 

Moosehead Lake

Moosehead Lake is well-named for its thriving moose population (they outnumber the area's human population by 3 to 1), its antler-shaped footprint, and its overall immensity. At 75,471 acres, this Piscataquis County lake is the largest in the state and the biggest mountain lake in the Eastern United States. With over 281 miles (452 kilometers) of shoreline and 80 islands throughout, it is easy to rent a private cabin, cozy hotel, or rustic campsite or seek out your own secluded slice of freshwater paradise. The nearby summit of Big Moose Mountain, part of the whimsical Longfellow Mountains, rewards hikers with a panorama of Moosehead Lake and a glimpse of Mount Katahdin (Maine's highest point). 

Rangeley Lake

Rangeley Lake is great for wranglers – especially those with an appetite for trout. From the water or from the 33-mile (53 km) shoreline, visitors are blessed with views of Saddleback Mountain sprouting above the dense coniferous forests. Rangeley Lake State Park resides on the South side of the water. The lake creates an opportunity for all kinds of enjoyable daytime activities, such as paddling, hiking, boating, swimming, and bird-watching. Also, it opens the door to extended vacations by offering camping and motorhome sites. If you hang out long enough, you may even see a seaplane touch down somewhere on the 6,302-acre expanse since Rangeley (or Oquossoc) Lake is a designated water landing zone. 

Mooselookmeguntic Lake

Just look how magnetic Mooselookmeguntic Lake is. This 16,359-acre beauty is adjacent to Rangeley Lake, still within Franklin County, and only a few miles walk (from the South end) to the famed Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Mooselookmeguntic (also called Cupsuptic) is the fourth largest lake in the state, with a shoreline stretching for around 58 miles (93 kilometers) – an excellent refuge for occasional vacation homes and a feeding place for the region's large population of moose (which is what the Abnaki name of the lake refers to). Suspended in the Southern portion are Toothaker and Students Islands – popular spots to paddle out to for an afternoon picnic.

Sebago Lake

Maine's second-largest lake is another sight for sore eyes. Cumberland County's Sebago Lake embodies 29,992 acres with a shoreline perimeter of 98.2 miles (158 kilometers). With a maximum depth of 316 feet (96 meters) and a mean depth of 107 feet (33 meters), it is the deepest lake in the state. That is a lot of water to behold and in which to frolic. The central and sizable Frye Island is home to many summer cottages, and Sebago Lake State Park, located on the Northern shore, welcomes tons of seasonal tourists to spread out on the two beaches, pitch a tent in the top-tier, 250-site campground, or launch a boat of any kind (sailing is enjoyed in these parts) to explore the immense watery playground. 

Cobbosseecontee Lake

Cobbosseecontee (or Cobbossee) Lake, located in Kennebec County, has a more rugged aesthetic that begs to be investigated up close. This 5,516-acre body of water is covered in coves, inlets, and over two dozen islands. This makes for a varied and engaging 61.8-mile (99-kilometer) coastline to paddle or motor around. Have your camera ready as you pass by Ladies Delight Light, a cute, white-bricked lighthouse – the only inland installation in Maine. Birdwatchers should be on the lookout for bald eagles, great blue herons, osprey, and of course, the classic loon. And even though Cobbosseecontee is an Abnaki word meaning "the place of many sturgeon," it is the lake's plentiful supply of large bass that baits anglers from all over. 

Echo Lake

Encapsulated at its South end by Beech Mountain, Acadia Mountain, and Carter Nubble, this picturesque lake provides a family-friendly swimming hole near Mount Desert Island and the wildly-popular Acadia National Park. Echo Lake, in Hancock County, is only 236 acres, with a shoreline perimeter of 4.1 miles. This quaint exterior, framed by echoing cliffs, is reflected by the motorboat regulations (nothing over ten horsepower is permitted). The main sounds reverberating through this splendid region are sure to be jovial children enjoying the warm, shallow waters of Echo Lake beach and calls from some of the 300 or so species of birds (such as bald eagles, hawks, geese, and gulls; to name a few).  

Nahmakanta Lake

The predominantly untouched shoreline of Nahmakanta Lake brings nature lovers to this Piscataquis County gem. The only infrastructure to be found along the 9-mile (14 km) shoreline is the lodge and corresponding cabins of Nahmakanta Lake Wilderness Camps, which has been operating a cherished time capsule since 1872. Otherwise, the modest 986-acre lake delivers nothing but a serene chunk of "true Maine wilderness." The rolling green hills of North Maine Woods accentuate the unadulterated glacial waters, creating a surreal spot for a meditative paddle, an introspective rock-skipping session, or a reflective hike along the adjacent Appalachian National Scenic Trail. 

The thousands of ice-age remnants throughout Maine make it one of the best places in the country to indulge in lake life. Nearly all of these crystal-clear gems experience winter solitude melt into a fun-filled summer full of swimming and paddling before witnessing fall colors explode from the previously ubiquitously-green surrounding forests. These seven lakes are beautiful, year-round, in all sorts of divine ways.