Top 13 Lakes around South Burlington

Near South Burlington, you can explore a variety of lakes, from the vast freshwater expanse of Lake Champlain to the family-friendly Lake Iroquois, and the pristine, undeveloped Shelburne Pond. Each offers distinct natural landscapes and recreational opportunities.

Lake Champlain is ideal for diverse water sports, including swimming, fishing, paddling (kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding), and various forms of boating. Lake Iroquois also offers popular options for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and waterskiing.

Yes, Lake Iroquois is particularly family-friendly, featuring a public beach with swimming, picnicking, and playground equipment. Along Lake Champlain, Blanchard Beach near Oakledge Park is a stunning sandy beach with amenities like restrooms and picnic pavilions, perfect for families.

The lakes are popular year-round. Summer is ideal for swimming, boating, and hiking. In winter, when the lakes freeze, activities like ice fishing, skating, and cross-country skiing become popular, especially at Lake Iroquois.

Shelburne Pond is known for its pristine natural environment. It is the largest undeveloped body of water in the Champlain Valley, surrounded by swamps, marshes, and rich woods, making it excellent for tranquil paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Yes, the Burlington Greenway (Bike Path) offers a scenic route along Lake Champlain for walking and biking. Red Rocks Park provides trails with views of Lake Champlain. Lake Iroquois has walking trails in a 380-acre forested parcel, and Shelburne Pond features trails through forests and along the shoreline.

Shelburne Pond is particularly rich in wildlife, supporting unusual plants, ephemeral spring wildflowers, and various bird species due to its undeveloped character. Lake Champlain also hosts diverse birdlife and is known for its fishing, indicating a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

Absolutely. Waterfront Park on Lake Champlain offers breathtaking views of the lake and the Adirondack Mountains. Red Rocks Park in South Burlington also provides scenic views of Lake Champlain. Delta Park, accessible via the Island Line Trail, is another unique spot right on the water.

Beyond water sports, you can enjoy extensive cycling along the Burlington Greenway, with routes like the easy "Colchester/Burlington bridge – Burlington Greenway loop" available. There are also numerous running trails, such as the "Red Rocks Park loop," and mountain biking opportunities, including routes in the "MTB Trails around South Burlington" guide. You can find more details on these activities in the respective guides: Cycling around South Burlington, Running Trails around South Burlington, and MTB Trails around South Burlington.

The Burlington Greenway (Bike Path) along Lake Champlain is a paved path offering easy access to various points along the lake. Parks like Waterfront Park and Delta Park often feature open green spaces and walking paths suitable for many visitors. The Granite Steps on the Burlington Greenway also provide easy access to the water.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning scenery, especially the spectacular sunsets over Lake Champlain against the Adirondacks. The diverse recreational opportunities, from active water sports to tranquil nature walks, and the family-friendly amenities at places like Lake Iroquois and Blanchard Beach, are also highly appreciated.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Lake Champlain is renowned for its fishing, with species like smallmouth bass, brown trout, lake trout, northern pike, and yellow perch. Lake Iroquois and Shelburne Pond also offer good fishing opportunities, with anglers finding various species.