Top 4 Lakes around Bangor
Best lakes around Bangor, Maine, offer diverse recreational opportunities and natural charm. This region is characterized by numerous freshwater lakes, providing a variety of settings from developed shorelines to more secluded natural environments. The area's geography supports both warmwater and coldwater fisheries, making it a notable destination for anglers. Its proximity to urban amenities combined with natural landscapes makes it accessible for outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Bangor
- The most popular lakes is Penrhyn Quarry, a historical site that…
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Penrhyn Quarry
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Llyn Padarn Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
The Lonely Tree, Llyn Padarn
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Marchlyn Bach Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
The Marchlyn Bach dam and reservoir is not part of the Dinorwig HEP scheme. It is a reservoir owned by Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water).
The road in …
Tip by
View of Llyn Padarn from Pont Pen-y-Llyn
Highlight • Viewpoint
Its absolutely stunning and well worth the ride.
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Bangor.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Bangor
Cycling on Anglesey — in search of the wild on Wales' largest island
Snowdonia Slate Trail — Unearth one of Wales' most spectacular hikes
Cycling the North Wales Coastal Route – Ice cream & incredible views
Wales North to South — Celtic rugged beauty by trail
Industrial heartlands on NCN Route 5 – Reading to North Wales
Mountain passes and river valleys — riding Route 82 in Wales
The best of Barefoot Britain — Awesome routes off the beaten track
Road Cycling Routes around Bangor
Cycling around Bangor
Running Trails around Bangor
Other adventures around Bangor
Tips from the Community
Beautiful wander around Llyn Padarn via the lonely tree
0
0
On a clear day, from this end of Llyn Padarn you’ll get an enticing view of Snowdon and other peaks. Its absolutely stunning and well worth the ride.
4
0
Marchlyn Bach Reservoir The Marchlyn Bach dam and reservoir is not part of the Dinorwig HEP scheme. It is a reservoir owned by Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water). The road in the foreground leads after a two mile climb to the HEP surge pool. The road in background leads to Marchlyn Mawr.
0
0
The Lonely Tree was a Scots pine on a hill near Llanfyllin, Powys, Wales. Visible from much of the town it was a local landmark with several traditions attached to it. The tree was blown over during a storm in February 2014, and despite efforts to save it, the tree was found to be dead in June 2015..
0
0
Great views from the bridge at the western end of Llyn Padarn. Look across the lake at the old Dinorwig slate mining and the Electric Mountain. To the right you can see over Llanberis and up onto Snowdon.
2
0
Penrhyn Quarry was the largest slate quarry in the world by the end of the 19th century. In its prime, it employed nearly 3,000 men who toiled in tunnels that reached a mile (1.6 km) into the hillside and delved 1,200 feet (370 m) deep. The Great Penrhyn Quarry Strike of 1900 to 1903 was one of the most notable industrial strikes in history. The culmination of several years of anger at the conditions endured by workers, it was a battle that changed the community in this part of North Wales forever. Today, the quarry is still operational and employs a few hundred people. It is also home to Velocity 2, the fastest zipline in the world, which flies an incredible 1,640 feet (500 m) above the quarry lake.
0
0
Spotted a kingfisher here too for the first time ... it flew across the lake and under one of the arches of the bridge up the Seiont.
0
0
Spotted to squabbling dippers this morning - one with a close flypast over the bridge!
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes around Bangor, Maine?
The Bangor area offers several popular lakes. Pushaw Lake is the largest in the greater Bangor area, known for fishing and paddling. Green Lake is a large freshwater lake popular for its cold-water fishing and natural environment. Branch Lake is highly regarded for fishing, swimming, and boating, and serves as a drinking water source for Ellsworth.
Which lakes near Bangor are best for fishing?
Many lakes around Bangor offer excellent fishing. Pushaw Lake is known for largemouth bass, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. Brewer Lake has landlocked salmon, white perch, and chain pickerel. Phillips Lake is excellent for cold-water fishing, especially salmon and togue. Green Lake supports a diverse coldwater fishery including landlocked salmon and lake trout. Branch Lake is ideal for lake trout, landlocked salmon, and brown trout. Hermon Pond is a good spot for warmwater species like largemouth bass and black crappie.
Are there family-friendly lakes near Bangor?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Brewer Lake offers calm, clean water ideal for swimming and paddling. Pushaw Lake has public access points like Lakeside Landing with picnic tables and a boat launch, suitable for various family activities. Phillips Lake with its clear waters and islands to explore is also a good choice for family outings.
What kind of water activities can I do on the lakes around Bangor?
The lakes around Bangor support a wide range of water activities. You can enjoy swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding on lakes like Pushaw Lake, Brewer Lake, Phillips Lake, Green Lake, and Branch Lake. Boating is also popular on many of these larger lakes.
Which lakes are good for winter activities near Bangor?
When temperatures drop, several lakes become suitable for winter sports. Brewer Lake is accessible for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Phillips Lake is a destination for ice fishing and other winter activities once it freezes over.
Are there any lakes with hiking trails nearby?
Yes, Branch Lake is surrounded by the Branch Lake Public Forest, which offers hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife watching and birdwatching. Additionally, the nearby Fields Pond Audubon Center provides year-round trails close to Brewer Lake.
What are the accessibility options for public access to these lakes?
Public access is generally good for many lakes. Pushaw Lake has multiple public access sites, including Lakeside Landing in Glenburn and Gould Landing in Orono, both with boat launches. Brewer Lake has a public boat launch with parking. Hermon Pond also offers two public boat launch facilities.
What makes Pushaw Lake unique among the lakes near Bangor?
Pushaw Lake is notable as the largest lake in the greater Bangor area, spanning over 5,000 acres. It's a shallow, warmwater lake known for its abundant fish populations and is a local favorite for a wide range of recreational activities. Its proximity to Bangor makes it an easily accessible escape. For more historical context, you can visit its Wikipedia page.
Which lake near Bangor is known for its clear water and scenic views?
Phillips Lake, also known as Lucerne Lake, is characterized by its crystal-clear water and mountain views. Its scenic backdrop makes it a stunning location for swimming and paddling, with islands to explore.
Is there a lake near Bangor that is important for aquatic conservation?
Yes, Green Lake is significant for aquatic conservation. It is one of the original habitats for landlocked salmon and supports a diverse coldwater fishery. The Green Lake National Fish Hatchery, focused on Atlantic salmon conservation, is located adjacent to the lake, highlighting its importance.
Are there any lakes that serve as a drinking water source?
Yes, Branch Lake serves as the drinking water source for Ellsworth. Due to this, strict boat inspection regulations are in place at its public boat launch to maintain water quality.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Bangor?
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for swimming, boating, and warm-weather fishing. Fall offers beautiful foliage and pleasant conditions for hiking. Winter provides opportunities for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing on frozen lakes. Spring is great for fishing as the waters warm up.
Most popular routes around Bangor
Most popular attractions around Bangor
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Bangor? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
