Top 6 Lakes in Orleans County

Orleans County offers diverse natural features. You can find stunning vistas like the View of Lake Willoughby from Pulpit Rock, which provides a clear perspective of Lake Willoughby. The region also features the expansive shoreline of Lake Ontario and the serene, man-made Lake Alice/Waterport Reservoir. You might also encounter unique spots like the Boardwalk Between Ponds on Mount Pisgah South Trail, offering views between two charming ponds.

Yes, the Lake Willoughby Scenic Drive, following Vermont Route 5a along the western shore, is often compared to a Norwegian fjord due to its high-sided mountains rising directly from the water. Additionally, the Great Lakes Seaway Trail (Route 18 and Lake Ontario State Parkway) traverses the county's northern coastline, offering scenic views along Lake Ontario.

Lake Ontario is a premier destination for trophy-size salmon and trout. The Oak Orchard River, flowing into Lake Ontario, is also excellent for trout and salmon year-round. Lake Alice/Waterport Reservoir is well-stocked with walleye, Northern Pike, Channel Catfish, and various bass and panfish. Ice fishing for yellow perch is popular on Lake Alice during winter.

Absolutely. Lake Ontario is a hub for boating and water activities, with marinas and yacht clubs in Point Breeze and the Orleans County Marine Park in Kent. Lake Alice/Waterport Reservoir also offers opportunities for boating, waterskiing, and canoeing, with a public boat launch located at the intersection of Waterport and Oak Orchard River Roads. For more details on the Lake Alice boat launch, you can visit Orleans County Tourism.

Yes, several spots are great for families. Yates Town Park on Lake Ontario offers a renovated playground, picnic pavilions, and a walking trail. Long Pond is a family-friendly viewpoint known for its bird population. The Peter Gilman Waterfall is wheelchair and family-friendly, and South Beach, Lake Willoughby is a popular family spot for swimming in chilly, clear water.

Yes, you can find hiking opportunities. The Boardwalk Between Ponds on Mount Pisgah South Trail offers unique views as it leads to Mount Pisgah. The Lake Alice Wildlife Management Area provides year-round outdoor recreation, including hiking. For more extensive hiking options, you can explore various routes in the region, such as those found in the Cycling in Orleans County guide, which also lists routes suitable for touring bicycles.

Beyond fishing, boating, and hiking, the Lake Alice Wildlife Management Area offers camping, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and hunting. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes, including road cycling and gravel biking. You can find detailed routes in guides like Road Cycling Routes in Orleans County and Gravel biking in Orleans County.

The lakes offer activities year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for boating, paddling, and swimming, with pleasant weather for hiking and exploring. Fall brings beautiful foliage, especially around Lake Willoughby. Winter is popular for ice fishing on Lake Alice and other winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the Lake Alice Wildlife Management Area.

Yes, the Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum in Point Breeze offers a replica lighthouse and exhibits on the area's maritime history, providing outstanding views over Lake Ontario from its top.

Orleans County is a bird lover's paradise. The Great Lakes Seaway Trail along Lake Ontario's northern coastline is excellent for spotting hundreds of bird species, including bald eagles and blue herons, especially during migration. Long Pond is also renowned for its bird population, particularly birds of prey. The Lake Alice Wildlife Management Area is another great location for observing diverse waterfowl.

Yes, you can visit the Peter Gilman Waterfall. Additionally, the Waterport Falls, a man-made spillway where Lake Alice's waters flow, provides a scenic point of interest, particularly in early to mid-spring.

Yes, you can swim in the chilly, clear waters of Lake Willoughby at either South Beach or North Beach. Lake Ontario also offers opportunities for swimming along its shoreline.