12 Secret Lakes In New York Locals Don’t Want Crowds Discovering
New York hides some incredible water gems that most tourists never hear about. While everyone flocks to the famous spots, locals know where to find peaceful shores and crystal-clear waters without the chaos.
I’m sharing these special places with you, but promise me you’ll treat them with respect and keep their magic alive.
1. Lake Lila
Getting to this wilderness treasure requires a bit of effort, which is exactly why it stays so peaceful. You’ll need to hike or paddle your way in, but that short journey keeps the crowds away.
Wildlife roams freely around the shores, and you might spot deer, loons, or even a moose if you’re lucky. The lack of road access means pure silence and untouched beauty await you here.
2. Kushaqua Lake
Historic cottages dot the shoreline of this 380-acre beauty in Franklin, giving it a charming, old-timey feel. Kayaking here feels like traveling back to simpler times when families spent entire summers by the water.
Fishing is fantastic year-round, and hiking trails wind through the surrounding woods with gorgeous lake overlooks. You won’t find jet skis or party boats disrupting your peaceful afternoon here.
3. Hemlock Lake
Most visitors rush to the famous Finger Lakes and completely miss this quiet cousin. Hemlock Lake offers the same stunning scenery without the tourist buses and crowded beaches that plague its neighbors.
The surrounding hills create perfect hiking opportunities with views that’ll make your camera work overtime. Kayaking across the glassy surface feels like having your own private paradise, especially on weekday mornings.
4. Lake Minnewaska
Perched high on the Shawangunk Ridge, this lake offers views that seem almost unreal. Crystal-clear waters invite swimmers, while surrounding trails lead to hidden waterfalls and cliff-top vistas.
The elevation gives the whole area a special atmosphere that feels different from typical lowland lakes. Come early in the morning to catch the mist rising off the water before other visitors arrive for their hikes.
5. Raquette Lake
With over 100 islands scattered across its surface, this Adirondack giant offers endless exploration opportunities. Each island has its own character, and you can spend days discovering hidden coves and secret camping spots.
The lake stretches for miles, but somehow it never feels crowded because there’s so much space to spread out. Local guides know the best fishing holes, but they’re tight-lipped about sharing them with outsiders.
6. Otsego Lake
James Fenimore Cooper called this “Glimmerglass” in his novels, and one look tells you why. The water sparkles like broken glass under sunlight, and the surrounding landscape hasn’t changed much since his time.
Most people visit nearby Cooperstown for baseball history and completely overlook this literary landmark. Kayakers and sailors find excellent conditions here, with steady breezes and protected coves for when winds pick up.
7. Lake Abanakee
Tucked inside Bear Mountain State Park, this small lake gets overshadowed by the more famous hiking trails nearby. Smart visitors take a break from climbing peaks to enjoy the peaceful shoreline and watch for wildlife.
The compact size creates an intimate atmosphere that larger lakes can’t match. You can walk the entire perimeter in under an hour, discovering quiet spots perfect for reading or sketching the scenery.
8. Thirteenth Lake
Spanning over 300 acres near Christian Hill, this Adirondack gem reaches nearly 50 feet deep in spots. No motorboats are allowed here, which means the water stays glassy and quiet all day long.
Paddlers absolutely love the tranquility, and fishermen find excellent catches without competing with noisy engines. The surrounding mountains create a stunning backdrop that changes with every season.
9. Cranberry Lake
As one of the Adirondacks’ largest wilderness lakes, Cranberry Lake offers serious remoteness for those willing to venture off beaten paths. Backcountry camping sites dot the shoreline, accessible only by boat or long hikes.
The lake’s irregular shape creates countless hidden bays and inlets that feel like your personal discovery. Few roads reach the water, which keeps development minimal and the experience authentic for adventurous souls.
10. Canadice Lake
This smallest Finger Lake remains beautifully undeveloped because it serves as a protected watershed for nearby Rochester. No houses crowd the shoreline, and no motorboats disturb the peace.
Hiking and biking trails follow the western shore, offering constant water views without the commercialization found elsewhere. The protection status means this lake will stay pristine for generations, unlike its more developed neighbors that continue changing.
11. Mohonk Lake
A Victorian castle watches over this mountain lake, creating a scene straight from a fairy tale. The private preserve limits access, which keeps crowds manageable even during peak seasons.
Rock climbers scale the surrounding cliffs while hikers explore miles of carriage roads with stunning overlooks. The combination of natural beauty and historic architecture makes every visit feel special, like stepping into another era entirely.
12. Balsam Lake
Holding the title of highest lake in the Catskills, Balsam Lake sits at an elevation that keeps temperatures cool all summer long. The mountain setting creates dramatic scenery that changes completely with the seasons.
Fishing here produces brook trout that thrive in the cold, clean water. The surrounding state forest provides excellent hiking, and the remote location means you’ll share the experience with just a handful of other nature lovers.
