8 Great Lakes for Fall Color
It’s that time of year again! Fall has officially arrived, and what better way to celebrate than to see fall foliage from the comfort of your boat? You won’t want to miss boating on these eight great lakes for fall color.
Lake Tahoe
California/Nevada State Line
Lake Tahoe is world-renowned for so many reasons, one of which is its stunning autumn colors. Catch the best of that color in mid-October while cruising its famously pure and clear water. Lake Tahoe has more than 10 launches where you can put your boat in the water, so it should be easy to get there. But expect to pay a fee. You won’t want to miss this experience.
Rangeley Lakes
Villages of Rangely, Maine
If boating by breathtaking mountainsides rich in color is on your list this season, check out Rangeley Lakes. Whether at Rangely or its other lakes and streams, you can count on some insane tree colors. The best foliage typically occurs from the last week of September to the first week of October and can be accessed through numerous locations via boat ramps, most of which are in Rangeley State Park.
Lake Placid
Adirondacks, New York
Fall isn’t just a season in Lake Placid; it’s an adventure into natural beauty. Between the last week of September and the first week of October, see the show of a lifetime. This year’s fall foliage is forecasted to be excellent. Keep updated with their foliage report for more information. Lake Placid can be accessed from its one public launch, which is free and easily accessible off Route 86. You will love it.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Empire, Michigan
There’s nothing quite like these dunes when the leaves change. This area is home to the world’s largest freshwater dune system. Its fall colors are equally impressive, especially when looking at it from Lake Michigan. Peak foliage occurs around mid-October, so there’s still plenty of time to plan a trip. This area is best accessible via public launches in Glen Arbor.
Lake of the Ozarks
Missouri
Explore this spectacular lake (pictured at top) that families have enjoyed for generations. Lake of the Ozarks is one of America’s largest human-created lakes and a significant sight to see—definitely one of the great lakes for fall color. You can use any of its three boat ramps in Ozark State Park for a fee. You’ll see its stellar fall foliage anytime from mid- to late October. And its fishing? It’s the best time of the year to catch some catfish, black bass, and white bass.
Jordan Pond
Near Bar Harbor, Maine
Visit one of Maine’s most popular attractions to witness one of the most vibrant fall color spectacles. This lake is unique, as glaciers carved out this valley and this pond. While you can only take non-motorized boats, such as canoes or kayaks, you will witness extraordinary beauty from these vessels. Jordan Pond’s peak foliage typically occurs the second to third week of October. You can access the pond on the south end near the Jordan Pond House, from the north parking lot.
Flathead Lake
Rollins, Montana
Autumn at Flathead is one of the most breathtaking times of the year. Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western U.S. and one of the world’s cleanest lakes. It’s renowned for its clear waters. The best time to see its fall foliage is mid-September and early October. Its fall color change is nothing short of awesome. Take your boat to any of the six marinas surrounding its coast.
Deep Creek Lake
Garrett County, Maryland
Deep Creek Lake is consistently ranked as one of the top places to see fall foliage. It’s a unique destination, as it is Maryland’s largest freshwater lake. If you enjoy fishing, this is a great place to fish—it is fully stocked with pike, trout, and carp—and peep the leaves. Those vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds are best seen between early and mid-October this season. You can access Deep Creek from the boat ramp inside Deep Creek Lake State Park, open 24 hours a day.
Take some pictures and enjoy this season’s fall foliage before it’s gone! It’s a unique experience, especially when you see it from your boat at one of these great lakes for fall color. Autumn color is abundant across the United States, but we hope this list has given you some ideas about where to take your boat next. Each location is a showstopper.
Denelle Balach
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