The days getting shorter and air becoming (a tiny bit) cooler are reminders that summer is starting to fade. Before it slips away entirely and your attention turns to pumpkin patches and leaf peeping, head to one of these six underrated lakes for a final day of fun in the sun.
Bear Lake, Utah
Boaters love spending the day at Bear Lake
A "crystalline" lake on the Idaho-Utah border, Bear Lake's gorgeous blue hue has earned it the nickname "Caribbean of the Rockies," said Lonely Planet. Visitors can go boating, jet skiing, fishing, camping and hiking at one of the lake's three recreation areas. There are also sandy beaches to lounge on when you just want to gaze out at the water.
Cave Run Lake, Kentucky
Cave Run Lake is a playground for water enthusiasts
The lush Daniel Boone National Forest envelopes Cave Run Lake, a "dream destination" for boaters, kayakers and "anglers hunting muskellunge," said Outside. Hikers and bikers can stay busy on the hundreds of miles of trails that surround the lake, while bird watchers will appreciate the opportunities to spot ospreys and eagles.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Cayuga Lake, New York
Taughannock Falls by Cayuga Lake is a showstopper
The longest of the Finger Lakes, this is an "underrated treasure" among "endlessly captivating bodies of water," National Geographic said. Go kayaking or canoeing off of Myers Park and Taughannock Falls State Park, drive the Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway for excellent lake, woods and waterfall views, and carve out time to visit one of the many wineries nearby.
Convict Lake, California
Convict Lake sits in a gorgeous part of the Sierra Nevadas
There are no prisoners here, just deer, aspens and beautiful mountain views. Picturesque Convict Lake is "perfect" for electric boating (the only type allowed), swimming and trout fishing, said SFGate. Photographers should also bring their gear and snap as many pictures as possible of the scenery, like stunning Laurel Mountain and its reflection in the lake's "vivid" cerulean water.
Lake Ouachita, Arkansas
Lake Ouachita has nearly 700 miles of shoreline
This is the largest lake in Arkansas, and the "refreshing" lack of development by it means the area still feels "wild and untouched," Outside said. Spend the day here spearfishing, scuba diving or kayaking on the Geo-Float Trail, an aquatic interpretive trail with 12 exploration zones spotlighting the lake's "unique geological formations."
Torch Lake, Michigan
The water and sand at Torch Lake is reminiscent of the Caribbean
Swimming, snorkeling and fishing are some of the activities that bring adventurers to Torch Lake's "dazzling" turquoise waters, Travel and Leisure said. Its glacial origins give the lake its "striking" color and clarity, with visibility of up to 30 feet. A natural gathering spot is the "iconic" Torch Lake Sandbar on the southern tip of the lake, a "serene" stretch of white sand.
-
Truck drivers are questioning the Trump administration's English mandateTalking Points Some have praised the rules, others are concerned they could lead to profiling
-
DC prosecutors lose bid to indict sandwich throwerSpeed Read Prosecutors sought to charge Sean Dunn with assaulting a federal officer
-
2 kids killed in shooting at Catholic school massSpeed Read 17 others were wounded during a morning mass at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis
-
5 of the best platonic TV friendshipsthe week recommends Maintaining boundaries has proven tricky for all but the most committed of buddies on the small screen
-
A guide to the Great Wall of ChinaThe Week Recommends Experience this architectural feat
-
8 hotels with ace tennis courtsThe Week Recommends Bring your A game
-
The 5 best zombie movies of all timeThe Week Recommends Ghouls feasting on flesh have been a staple of cinema for more than 50 years
-
7 travel fragrances that let you smell good on the goThe Week Recommends Spritz away!
-
A guide to Budapest's healing thermal bathsThe Week Recommends There's a reason why it's called the City of Spas
-
Every MCU movie since 'Avengers: Endgame,' rankedThe Week Recommends How did the recent 'Fantastic Four: First Steps' stack up?
-
5 fun cycling tours that let you vacation on two wheelsThe Week Recommends Gain a new perspective while pedaling
