no motorboat lakes near me

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Lakes with "no motors" restrictions?

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CO SB (or other qualified officer )... Where can one find a localized list of said waters or is it state wide you CAN use an electric trolling motor ( NOT gas) on said bodies of water??? Thanks! Robert :fish2:  

Is this what you are looking for ??? http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10366_37141_37701---,00.html  

malainse said: Is this what you are looking for ??? http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10366_37141_37701---,00.html Click to expand...

Been on somewhat of a vaca the last week or so visiting with inlaws from out of state. Posted using Outdoor Hub Campfire  

That's some good info!  

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No Motor? No Worries! Activities for Waterways with Boat Restrictions

If you’re interested in lakefront property for sale , don’t let the idea of purchasing Adirondack waterfront land with boat restrictions scare you off. There are many benefits to living on a motor-free lake and it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a day on the water! There are tons of non-motorboat options to choose from:

If you’re looking for a way to get out and enjoy the water, kayaking is a great activity that can be done alone or with friends and family! You don’t need any prior experience to try this fun hobby, but it can also be a challenge if you’re looking for something more athletic.

For those who are new to kayaking, there are several options available to get started. You can take lessons from an experienced instructor or simply rent equipment at your local recreational center – in either case, it’s an easy way to learn the ropes without investing in expensive gear just yet! If you’d prefer not to take lessons (or if they aren’t offered) then just try it on your own – it’s easier than you might think! Kayaks are very stable boats that can handle rough waters well. You’ll quickly gain confidence as soon as you get out into open water so don’t worry too much; instead, focus on enjoying yourself!

The best part about kayaking is that anyone can do it: kids as young as eight years old have been known to paddle alongside adults without difficulties and seniors often use them because they are a low-impact sport that doesn’t strain joints as other activities would. There’s no age limit when you’re having fun on the water!

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is one of the most popular water sports in the world, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a great workout for your core and balance, and unlike motorboats, SUPs don’t disturb any animals or humans in the water with noise pollution. You can even do yoga or fish while standing up on your board!

Paddling can be done almost anywhere: Adirondack lakes are common places for recreational SUP enthusiasts and whitewater paddlers alike, but rivers, oceans, and even swamps are also functional when searching for new adventures. The main thing to consider when choosing a location is whether there will be enough water depth once you walk out from shore or wade in from the shallows.

Depending on your level of experience and commitment, there are different types of boards that may be better suited for your needs:

• Inflatable: As its name suggests, an inflatable SUP can be pumped full of air so that it’s ready for use right away when you get out on the lake or ocean. This type is typically more expensive than traditional boards, but is more convenient and can easily deflate and be taken from place to place!
• Hardshell: A hardshell board is usually made from fiberglass or plastic foam; these materials provide good stability but also make them more difficult to transport if you want to go paddling somewhere besides your local lake. They’re less expensive than inflatables but require more maintenance than other types due to their construction materials getting easily damaged by sunlight and saltwater exposure over time.
• Surfboard: Truthfully, you could surf on any SUP, but these are specifically designed to perform well on waves. These boards look like regular surfboards except they don’t have fins attached underneath them—instead, they’re just smooth so they can slide across any surface without being caught up in anything else floating around nearby (like seaweed). 

Give it a try! Many tourist shops now offer paddleboard rentals for those who want to try them before making an investment. Many places also offer classes where seasoned instructors will teach you how to SUP safely while having fun out on the water.

Canoes make for a fun day trip or overnight adventure, it’s no wonder they’re the most popular boat in the Adirondack Park! If you’re unsure of where to begin with canoeing, sign up for one of the many guided trips offered by local outfitters and guides. You’ll have an easy time finding a place that rents canoes near you—they are available at businesses all over Upstate New York!

Many people like canoes because they allow you to get closer to nature than motorized boats do as they move more slowly and quietly through the water (though speed demons will most likely prefer sailboats). Canoes can easily hold one or two people so you can decide if you want to paddle alone or with a partner.

Plus, it’s much easier to get out on the lake since canoes don’t require gas or filling stations as motorboats do; usually, all that’s needed is an oar and a life jacket!

Sailing is a popular water sport and for good reason. It’s a great way to get outside and enjoy the breeze on your face as you sail through the water. Since a sailboat is propelled by the wind, it is a great way to enjoy a lake that doesn’t allow motorboats. Sailing is relatively easy once you have some experience and get used to it, so if you haven’t tried it yet and are looking for something new to do on your lake this summer, consider giving sailing a go!

If you don’t know how to sail and want to learn, it’s helpful to take lessons from an instructor who can help teach and guide you through the process. Because there are so many different little things that go into sailing, having an experienced person help show you what exactly goes into doing it will make learning much easier. 

Rowboats are the perfect option for folks looking to enjoy a slower pace on the lake, and one of the most versatile. Not only can they be used for exploration and birdwatching , but they’re also an excellent way to get some exercise while you’re out there. Take advantage of their flat bottoms to pull up on a beach or a rock and have yourself a picnic—many lakeside parks will provide picnic areas complete with tables, grills, and other amenities.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly way to enjoy the water, try a pedal boat—it’s a fun and easy experience that can be enjoyed by almost anyone. You can usually reserve them at any given marina, or if you have access to your own boat dock, there are plenty of rental companies out there that will deliver them to you!

A pedal boat is essentially an enclosed paddleboat powered by pedals instead of paddles. The use of pedals means that the entire family can participate in propelling the boat through the water. It’s a great way to get everyone involved! So gather up your crew, put on some sunscreen, and hop aboard; from there, it’s smooth sailing all day long.

Buying Adirondack Land with Boating Restrictions

Though lake restrictions can sometimes seem onerous, motor-free lakes are great for the local community, property value, and above all else, the natural environment, helping with Adirondack land and habitat preservation. 

Enjoy endless recreation opportunities with our lakefront property for sale . Our buildable lots are perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to enjoy the serenity of nature and get out on calm waters. Contact us today to get started.

Lake Homes Realty Articles and Info – LakeHomes.com

Lake Life in the Slow Lane: Non-Motorized Watercrafts

In 2021, most boats that you’ll see on the lake are motorized. The typical propulsion system for boats, outbound motors are a self-contained unit affixed to the back of the boat which contains an engine, gearbox, and propeller. Essentially, these contraptions take fuel and convert it to power so your boat moves forward. Some motors are inbound rather than outbound, meaning that the engine is inside the boat’s hull. 

While motors are a useful, modern invention for boats, they aren’t always necessary. In fact, there are several joys and benefits of forgoing the motor for paddles, oars, and other manual propellers. If you love being on the water, but you enjoy a slower pace of lake living, one of these non-motorized watercrafts might be perfect for you.

The technology of sailboats is as old as recorded history. Our earliest record of sailboats is from Ancient Egypt when the Nile River and the Mediterranean were used as popular trade routes among various lands. Without the technology of a motor, sailboats simply use the natural wind to propel the boat forward. Because wind is unpredictable, any seasoned sailor knows how to adjust the sails to the wind — a concept that lends itself metaphorically to life. Although the terminology can be complicated, once you learn the tricks of the trade, it’s worth it. 

Similar to the sailboat, the canoe’s history dates back thousands of years. Rather than being specific to one country and culture, canoes were likely ubiquitous across the world and instrumental in trade, war, and personal transportation. The English word comes from a Caribbean word meaning “dugout.” This name appropriately reflects the practice of constructing a boat from a tree and carving a hollowed space for sitting. Instead of a motor, typically, canoers use paddles to propel the boat forward. In a two-person canoe, the front paddler controls the speed and power while the back paddler controls the direction.

Unlike canoes that have an unspecified origin, kayaks likely originated in northern parts of the world such as present-day Greenland, Siberia, and North America. Meaning “ small boat of skins ” in the Greenland Eskimo language, these non-motorized watercrafts were first used by Inuit and Aleut people for travel and trading. While these first kayaks were created out of bone, wood, and animal skin, today’s kayaks are mostly made from long-lasting polyethylene plastics. Because kayaks are usually operated by one person, the kayaker will use a double-sided paddle to propel the small boat forward. 

Standup Paddleboards

Most personal watercrafts involve sitting in , not on the watercraft. Not so with SUPs. An acronym for “stand up paddleboard,” SUPs have roots in surfing. The modern sport originated in Waikiki, Hawaii in the 1940s by John Ah Choy , a surfer who as he aged, wasn’t able to get up and down from his surfboard like he could in his younger days. For aid, he used a canoe paddle to catch waves. Eventually, the style gained popularity among other surfers. Usually made of fiberglass and resin, these boards are a sturdy non-motorized watercraft that’s perfect for fishing, yoga , and other lake recreation. 

Banana Boats

We’re not talking about the brand of sunscreen or the delicious banana s’more dessert . Like other lake floats , banana boats are a purely recreational type of non-motorized watercraft. Shaped like a banana, these inflatables come without any type of motor system and can sometimes be tugged behind a motorized boat. Typically, they seat up to 10 people — perfect for a fun-loving group of guests at your lake house. 

Whether you choose a motorized or non-motorized personal watercraft, we hope you keep enjoying the lake in whatever way suits your lifestyle!

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Escape to the beauty and peace of Wisconsin’s only Quiet Lakes!

Lost land lake, teal lake, and ghost lake.

Escape to the beauty of Northern Wisconsin’s Quiet Lakes near Hayward, WI – three sparkling gems set deep in the unspoiled wilderness of the Chequamegon National Forest and blessed with a 10 mph speed limit (no motor size limit) prohibiting waterskiing and jet skiing, making these lakes unique to the Midwest and Wisconsin’s Northwoods.

We Warmly offer you a variety of fine Lodging , Dining , Taverns , Recreation , Shopping .

Angler's Delight!

“It is hard to sleep when the fishing is this good!” John Ward

relaxing on our Quiet Lakes and have a great time fishing some of Hayward’s best waters, savor fine dining including some of the Area’s best fish fries. Bike or hike our scenic north wood’s paradise, and enjoy the warm and friendly service in one of our stores and bait shops.

the Great Divide National Scenic Byway to the heart of the Chequamegon National Forest 15 miles northeast of Hayward and escape to tranquility!

Fishing report 14 September 2024

Good morning from the Quiet Lakes, another warm week of weather on tap with temps right around 80 until next weekend. Slightly cooler today (75) with a chance of rain this afternoon. Almost zero chance of precipitation after today’s rain so it should be a nice week. Water temps have stayed right around the 70…

“Of all the places we have been I can think of none more beautiful and peaceful. The fishing was excellent and the wildlife was spectacular: from the eagles soaring overhead, the otters frolicking in the bay, the beavers busy at their lodge, the deer, to the sweetest chipmunk under our steps.”

“As always we thoroughly enjoyed our Teal Lake visit. It’s so much fun to introduce our children to the Northwoods – they felt very much at home and were ready to stay for the rest of the summer! (We all were!)”

“The Quiet Lakes are my water therapy.”

“My life dream was to catch a legal musky and I had to come here from Hawaii to fulfill it.”

“Your chances of catching a legal musky are greatest on the Quiet Lakes.”

“I didn’t mind being awakened in the middle of the night by the haunting bugle of an elk!”

“We can never get enough of this north woods paradise.  The loons provided a concert of varied calls like nothing we had ever heard before.”

“It is dangerous to introduce paradise to our hectic city minds, yet the peace and quiet beauty was a tranquilizer much needed.”

“Why can’t we see stars like this at home?”

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Why Quiet Lakes?

The pictures tell the story…

15 Best Lakes in Pennsylvania

Written by Anietra Hamper Updated May 3, 2023

Author Anietra Hamper is an outdoor enthusiast and has explored some of the best lakes in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania has beautiful natural landscapes, from the Allegheny and Pocono mountains to the Dutch countryside, and the lakes are an important part of that memorable scenery. More than 2,500 lakes throughout Pennsylvania mean the state is primed for boating, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and relaxing shoreside to take in the abundant beauty.

Lake Erie is the largest lake in Pennsylvania by size, but as part of the Great Lakes, it is not located entirely within the state. While most of the lakes in the state are man-made, there are 50 that were created by glaciers.

You will find most lakes are located within the Pennsylvania State Park system , which makes them easy to find, but there are a few top lakes located out of the way for those who are looking for a more primitive experience.

Plan your adventures by the water with our list of the best lakes in Pennsylvania.

Lake Wallenpaupack

Raystown lake, lake harmony, conneaut lake, canadohta lake, edinboro lake, lake nockamixon, kinzua lake, gouldsboro lake, pymatuning lake, fairview lake, antietam lake reservoir, beltzville lake, blue marsh lake, map of lakes in pennsylvania.

The Lake Erie shoreline in Pennsylvania looks more like an ocean beach than a freshwater basin which is why it is one of the best vacation lakes to visit in the state. The easiest access to Lake Erie is from Erie , Pennsylvania on the northwest tip of the state.

Relax on some of the 11 miles of sandy beaches at Presque Isle State Park and take a dip in some of the warmest waters you'll find among the five Great Lakes. The state park is a popular vacation spot for people who live in the state, so it is no wonder a visit here is one of the top things to do in Pennsylvania for out-of-towners looking for the best experiences.

Lake Erie has some of the best swimming opportunities , which is one of the top reasons people hit this waterway, but you will find plenty of other water recreation availability for kayaking, fishing, boating, and canoeing. It is easy to find water sports rental locations in Erie or hire a guide for a water excursion.

You can also take a sightseeing cruise to catch a great Lake Erie sunset, or hire a fishing charter to target walleye, perch, and steelhead in what is one of the top angling spots in the state .

The second largest inland, man-made lake in Pennsylvania is Lake Wallenpaupack, located in the Pocono Mountains in northeast Pennsylvania near the town of Hawley . The expansive 5,700-acre lake has 52 miles of shoreline, so there is plenty of space for boating activities or shore-based recreation.

It is one of the best lake communities in the state, so there is always something festive happening, from festivals to fireworks. Lake Wallenpaupack has four boat launches around the lake, and boat rentals are available.

Swimming is a popular pastime at the lake, and your best beach access is at the Palmyra Township public beach in Hawley . It is open to the public in the summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day) and is a great beach spot for families. The beach area has restrooms, snacks available, picnic tables, and lifeguards on duty in season.

Water sports and fishing are popular things to do on the lake, with several rental companies in the area. If you want to try fishing at the lake, stop by the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center, where you can borrow fishing rods, reels, and a tackle box for the day through their fishing tackle loaner program. Just don't forget to buy a valid Pennsylvania fishing license.

You can also hike on the many trails surrounding the lake or stop into the town of Hawley for indoor activities like museums, small boutique shops, and restaurants.

One of the best lakes in Pennsylvania, and the largest inland lake , is Raystown Lake because with more than 8,300 acres of water, you can actually reside in a houseboat for your entire stay. Raystown Lake is in Hesston in south-central Pennsylvania.

The lake has 12 public access spots for boaters, swimmers, and those who just come for a picnic and the scenery. The man-made Raystown Lake has a number of public beaches and a popular campground (Susquehannock Campground).

It is easy to rent a houseboat for the week, or a vacation home in nearby communities like Martinsburg and Huntingdon . The entire Raystown Lake region is known for its outdoor activities, so you will have no problem filling several days with activities like hiking, biking, and fishing at the lake.

The beautiful Lake Harmony in the Pocono Mountains is one of the pristine and cleanest natural glacial lakes in the state. The clear water coming from the mountains is one of its main draws.

The lake is located near the resort community of Lake Harmony , where you will see many cottages and waterfront homes. It is a popular lake for boating and jet skiing . The fishing is prime, too, due to the natural waters, so you will see many anglers reeling in bass, trout, and perch.

Lake Harmony is 2.5 miles long, and it is privately owned, but you can access it if you plan to stay in one of the vacation rentals or at Split Rock Resort . The lake has a beach for swimming and a marina and boat launch area. There are other activities nearby in the area, like Hickory Run State Park, which is popular for hiking, golf courses, the Pocono Raceway, and an indoor water park.

Northwest Pennsylvania is home to Conneaut Lake, the state's largest natural lake in the state. It is located in the town of Conneaut Lake , which is a cottage region and popular for vacation homes.

The 929-acre lake is popular for vacationers who want to enjoy boating, water skiing, swimming, and fishing. It is also a nice lakefront location for those who do not want to be on the water but prefer to relax next to it.

One of the big draws to Conneaut Lake is the Conneaut Lake amusement park . It is a vintage throwback to simple summer vacations reminiscent of family fun. The midway has a nice collection of preserved old-school amusement rides, including a working carousel built in 1910. The park has scaled back to limited opening times, so you will want to check before you plan to visit.

The park's waterfront location on Conneaut Lake adds an extra flare and nostalgia to a vacation. There is newly expanded public beach access and a great boardwalk overlooking the water.

The second-largest natural lake in Pennsylvania next to Conneaut Lake is the 168-acre Canadohta Lake, which is located in the northwestern part of the state in the town of the same name.

Canadohta Lake is known as a family-friendly lake and a popular spot for summer vacations. It is a nice lake for boating and fishing, and there are even boat rentals available. There is a popular annual ice fishing tournament in the winter.

While the main draw to Canadohta Lake is its spring-fed waters and the water sports activities, there is much to do in the area. From golf and miniature golf to hiking, biking, and roller skating, the region around the lake is nice, too. Cottages, cabins, and campsites are available for rent around the lake.

Edinboro Lake in Erie County in northwestern Pennsylvania is a smaller lake compared to others in the state but it is a great lake to visit, especially for fishing and swimming in a more intimate waterway.

The lake is just 245 acres but has two beaches and diverse fish populations of bass, musky, crappie, and panfish, which is why anglers like it. Boating and kayaking are also common activities on Edinboro Lake.

If you are looking for other activities in the area while staying at Edinboro Lake, you are just a short drive from the Erie Zoo; the Hurry Hill Farm Maple Museum; and Presque Isle State Park, where you can spend a full day swimming or hiking. There are many cottages, vacation homes, and cabin rentals near Edinboro Lake that you can rent for vacation.

One of the most enjoyable lakes in Pennsylvania is Lake Nockamixon, located in the scenic hills of Buck County on the eastern side of the state near Quakertown . The 1,450-acre lake is the jewel of Nockamixon State Park.

On a summer day, you will see many pontoon boats, windsurfers, people canoeing and fishing, and lots of leisure lake-goers enjoying a waterside picnic beneath one of the shady spots along the shore. Swimming is not allowed in the lake, but there is a public pool within the state park.

There are five public boat ramps around Lake Nockamixon, where you can launch for the day or spend the night in designated boat anchor areas. The water releases from the dam that occur in the spring and fall turn a stretch of the lake into one of the most thrilling whitewater experiences in the state . If you have a thirst for excitement on the rapids, you may want to plan your trip around those scheduled releases.

Surrounding the lake are many miles of trails in the state park , which are great for hiking and biking . The park sits along a migratory path for waterfowl, so bird-watching is a common activity around the lake. After you spend a day at the lake be sure to drive past the nearby Knecht's Covered Bridge that is has been a mainstay in the area since 1873 and is a nice place to catch the sunset.

Kinzua Lake, also known as the Allegheny Reservoir, is a top spot for water recreation and one of the most scenic destinations in the entire state. The man-made reservoir is surrounded by 513,000 acres of the Allegheny National Forest in northern Pennsylvania near Warren on the border with New York .

There are six boat launches around the lake and a marina for provisions and boat rentals. Popular water activities on Kinzua Lake are boating, fishing, and swimming.

There are two public beaches within the park and a number of picnic areas with stunning scenic views of the forest and lake. Off the water there are recreational opportunities like hiking with 600 miles of trails available, biking, ATVing, horseback riding, bird-watching, and backwoods camping.

The man-made Gouldsboro Lake in northeastern Pennsylvania is a nice lake for swimming and boating. The 250-acre lake also attracts anglers throughout the year, as it is open for ice fishing in the winter months.

The lake is located inside Gouldsboro State Park , so the surrounding parkland has many hiking and mountain biking trails and picnic areas. The public beach at Gouldsboro is open during the summer and has restroom facilities.

Since the lake and state park are part of the Pocono Plateau, you will find plants and wildlife unique to this area. Stop by the park office to find out more about the plants and animals found in the area.

The Pymatuning Lake is large, spanning nearly 17,000 acres and shares part of its waterway with Ohio. The lake is located in Jamestown and inside Pymatuning State Park . It is one of the most frequented state parks in Pennsylvania, so the lake is often quite popular for swimmers, boaters, and anglers.

There is also a great campground available if you want to make a full outdoor weekend out of your trip. Pymatuning Lake has three public beaches that are open during the summer season. Boating is easy on the lake, with three marinas available and several concession areas.

There is a great water trail for kayakers and canoers. The Shenango River Water Trail covers nine miles, starting just below the dam, and goes to Greenville . The state park covers more than 21,000 acres of land, so you can supplement your water recreation with some land-based activities, like hiking on some of the seven miles of trails.

The shallow waters of Fairview Lake in eastern Pennsylvania in Palmyra Township is what makes it one of the top fishing lakes in the entire state. It has several unique natural elements that make it a prime habitat for a variety of fish species.

It is a natural lake that is only 169 acres. Its maximum depth is 48 feet, but it has a unique geological feature of a ridge that runs through it, where the depth shrinks to only about three feet. Fairview Lake has a bit of fishing fame tied to it as well, which is why bass anglers come here for a little fishing luck.

The locals claim that Bassmaster Classic Champion Mike Iaconelli caught his first bass in Fairview Lake as a little boy. Aside from the angling legends and fish in Fairview Lake, it is a family-oriented lake, with many vacation homes available and boating opportunities.

One of the most beautiful lakes in Reading, Pennsylvania , is Antietam Lake Reservoir. The lake and park are on approximately 650 acres of dedicated green space that is a naturally scenic backdrop for picnics and hiking.

You can walk on the interconnecting trails at the park that cover 12 miles. The park represents an effort to protect the state's natural resources, so there are environmental programs offered year-round at the Angora Fruit Farm, which makes up 22 acres in the center of the park.

The most picturesque spot on the lake is the restored stone house and wooden bridge, which date back to the mid-1800s and add a historic ambience. If you walk around the park, you can see the original caretaker's home that still stands on the property and dates back to 1880.

Address: 230 Angora Road Reading, Pennsylvania

The scenic Beltzville Lake is a nice 949-acre lake near Beltzville State Park in Lehighton , Pennsylvania. The park and lake sit in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains and are popular with both visitors and locals.

The lake has a 525-foot beach open for public use from May through mid-September. There is a bathhouse for changing, and concessions. There are 15 miles of trails to hike around the lake, including the Sawmill Loop Trail, which offers a historical view into the region's past as it passes by what was once the gristmill raceway, a quarry from the 1700s, and some wetlands.

Beltzville Lake is a great lake to visit for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing, especially for birds. The lake sits on the migration path for waterfowl and warblers, so springtime is one of the best times of year to look for them.

Address: 2950 Pohopoco Drive, Lehighton, Pennsylvania

Blue Marsh Lake is located in Leesport and is a good option if you are looking for an all-around recreational lake with nearby amenities and multiple options for activities. The lake has a small beach and a boat launch for those who want to spend time on the water.

There are more than 5,000 acres of land surrounding the lake, so you can enjoy biking, horseback riding, or hiking on sections of the 36 miles of trails that stretch through the area. There are picnic shelters and tables available and some with grills for cookouts.

Blue Marsh Lake has a visitor center that might be a good first stop if you are unfamiliar with the area and looking for things to do. There are also concessions and restrooms available, so you can easily make a full day of your visit to the lake.

Address: 1268 Palisades Drive, Leesport, Pennsylvania

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Pennsylvania Outdoor Adventures : To round out your Pennsylvania itinerary , you may want to plan a day just to visit some of the national and state parks , like the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area or Ohiopyle State Park, some of which have fantastic white water rafting , hiking , and fly fishing opportunities. There are many lodging options in Pennsylvania that range from rustic campsites in the state parks to top resorts that can wrap up your day with a spa treatment.

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Paddling: The Myth of Motor-free Adirondack Waters

Of the 200 largest lakes and ponds in the Adirondack Park, from Lake Champlain, with 262,864 acres, to Round Pond in Indian Lake, covering 134.9 acres, the overwhelming majority of big lakes and ponds provide abundant opportunities for motorized watercraft—but scant opportunity for quiet, motor-free waters.

Protect the Adirondacks has just released a new report entitled The Myth of Quiet, Motor-free Waters in the Adirondack Park . This report analyzed the public uses on the 200 largest lakes and ponds in the Adirondack Park. What we found is that there are relatively few opportunities for motor-free experiences on the biggest, most accessible lakes and ponds in the Adirondacks.

Protect the Adirondacks believes that the largest lakes in the Adirondack Park provide the most accessible opportunities for public water-based recreation. But the supply of motor-free experiences on these waterbodies is low when compared to the abundance of opportunities for motorized watercraft. There needs to be greater equity for motor-free waters recreation so that the Adirondack Park can better meet the public’s demand for a wide spectrum of outdoor recreational opportunities. There is a great demand for recreational experiences on accessible, motor-free lakes and ponds. The demand is high, but the supply is low.

Two lakes in the Adirondack Park’s Top 200 are soon to be classified by the Adirondack Park Agency: Third Lake (Number 94, 340 acres) and Boreas Pond (Number 95, 338 acres). The APA’s Forest Preserve classification review, which is ultimately made official by approval of the governor, will determine the types of public uses allowable on these lakes. Protect the Adirondacks supports Wilderness classification for these two remote lakes. This would help to correct the imbalance of waters available for all types of motorized watercraft and motor-free waters.

Low Supply, High Demand

Across the Adirondack Park there are few genuine opportunities for motor-free boating on a big lake or pond. In the top 100 biggest lakes in the Adirondack Park, just five lakes stand out as lakes without motorboats, jetskis, and floatplanes; Lows Lake, Little Tupper Lake, Round Lake, Lake Lila, and St. Regis Pond. These lakes are all managed as motor-free waterbodies as parts of the Forest Preserve. Three other lakes, Cedar Lake in the West Canada Lakes Wilderness Area, Newcomb Lake in the High Peaks Wilderness, and Pharaoh Lake in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, are also motor-free, but they are largely inaccessible for boating by the general public. They are great lakes to hike to, and extraordinarily beautiful places, but they are difficult to reach with a boat.

Of the 100 biggest lakes in the Adirondack Park, 77 are open for all manner of motorized boating and floatplanes. 13 lakes are privately owned and provide no public access, and just 8 are motor-free. Two lakes in the top 100 are currently in process of being purchased by the State of New York for addition to the Forest Preserve, after which the type of allowable public use will be determined through a public review process. The reality, therefore, is that more than 75% of the Park’s grandest lakes are open for motorized activity while only 8% offer the motor-free option, and just 5% are easily accessible for a motor-free experience.

For those who desire greater motor-free opportunities, the numbers improve slightly in an analysis of the 200 biggest lakes in the Adirondack Park. 115 (57%) of the Park’s 200 biggest lakes are open for motorized uses, 54 (27.5%) are privately-owned and thus closed, and 29 (14.5%) are open and motorless. However, of these 29 motor-free lakes, just 17 (9%) are easily accessible without long carries.

When one compares the acreage of waters open for motor-free and motorized opportunities, the differences are stark. Fully 96% of the total surface water area of the 100 biggest lakes and ponds in the Adirondack Park is dedicated to motorized boating; just 2% is open for public motor-free recreation. If we subtract Lake Champlain, which at 262,864 acres is vast and located partly in Vermont, and look only at waterbodies completely within the Blue Line, the amount of water area dedicated to motorized water uses is 90%. Just 5% is open for public motor-free opportunities.

If we expand our data to look at the surface areas of the 200 biggest lakes in the Adirondack Park, 93% are dedicated to motorized uses. If Lake Champlain is excluded, the figure drops to 84% open for motorized uses. Only 7% of the acreage in these 200 biggest waters is devoted to motor-free use, and this figure includes the acreage for motor-free waterbodies that are difficult to reach with a boat.

The PROTECT report provides a table listing the 200 largest lakes and ponds in the Adirondack Park from Lake Champlain (262,864 acres), to Round Pond (135 acres in the Town of Indian Lake). The table provides the locations of these waterbodies, waterbody acreage and allowable uses.

In addition to the fact that there is a low supply of motor-free waters for the big lakes and ponds in the Adirondack Park, there are also many other reasons why it’s critical to create more motor-free opportunities for the public. The following details the importance of motor-free waters for natural resource protection and public recreational use.

Natural Resource Stewardship

Of all the reasons to expand the number of motor-free waters among the large lakes in the Adirondack Park, natural resource stewardship is vital. Here are some particulars:

• The threat of aquatic invasive species infestations is vastly less for motor-free waterbodies than waters open to motorboating. Evidence is overwhelming that motorboats are the key vectors of spreading aquatic invasive species from lake to lake. The chances of infestation are significantly less for spreading invasives with the “cartop” fleet of boats. It’s far easier to see any vegetation or debris hanging on a canoe or kayak and they are easier to clean. There are no boat trailers where water can pool or debris or plants can become suspended. It’s much more difficult to transport standing water on a canoe or kayak.
• Motor-free waters provide better habitat for nesting waterfowl and wildlife. Motorboats disturb nesting waterfowl. It’s been documented that species, like loons, will nest on a quiet lake, and travel to forage on larger lakes. Motorboats have the impact of forcing nesting birds off their nests and some nests are even swamped by waves.
• Waves and erosion have a major impact along shorelines. Impacts are far greater on waters with heavy motorboating, than on motor-free waters. Lakes and ponds that experience high levels of motor boat use also experience instances of shoreline erosion due to incessant wave action on busy days.  

Quiet and Solitude

Several dozen canoes and kayaks can be in simultaneous use on a motor-free lake or pond, such as Lake Lila or Round Lake, and the experience remains one of tranquility. Put several dozen motorboats on one such lake and the experience is dominated by the buzz of engines, surge of boat waves, and smell of gasoline.

It is even more critical in our fast-paced life for us to escape the noise, speed and smell of roaring engines. It is good for all of us to have places for refuge and silence, places where we can observe native species and intact ecosystems and enjoy an overnight camping experience. Such wild places grow fewer each year.

It’s important that people have accessible wilderness areas. The Adirondack Park offers great opportunities for hiking in wild places, where the longer one hikes the more remote the country one can access, but opportunities to do this by boat are limited. For many, canoe or kayak access is how they get to wild places and enjoy Wilderness. Greater opportunities are needed for this type of experience in the Adirondack Park.

Older People and People with Limited Physical Mobility Deserve Easily Accessible Motor-free Waters

Often the criticism of a motor-free lake is that it discriminates against people with limited mobility. But there are many older people and people with limited mobility who desire to have wild experiences on a motor-free water body. They cannot hike great distance, but they can paddle or ride in a canoe. The vast majority of motor-free opportunities are on small, remote lakes and ponds, which are challenging to reach for older people or people with limited mobility. Easily accessible motor-free waters should be available for these people.  Motor-free waters provide a wide range of opportunities for elderly and disabled individuals and groups.

Forever Wild and the State Constitution

In 1894, the framers of the “Forever Wild” clause in the State Constitution recognized the need for public opportunities for a close connection to nature. A big part of the leading testimony in support of the “Forever Wild” clause was to provide lands and waters where, in their language, “peace and quiet” would reign forever and the sounds, smells and life of nature would be an unbroken chain from that time onward. Nothing is more faithful for the spirit of “Forever Wild” than a motor-free lake or pond.

Opportunities for New Motor-free Waters in APA Forest Preserve Classification Review

In the spring of 2013, the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) started its formal classification review for the new Forest Preserve lands around the Essex Chain Lakes. The Department of Environmental Conservation made its formal submission to the APA. The APA will conduct a formal public hearing process during the summer-fall of 2013. Part of the Essex Chain Lakes and one of the 200 largest lakes and ponds in the Adirondack Park is Third Lake (Minerva, Essex County).

Public use will be determined during the APA’s classification hearings. PROTECT supports a Wilderness classification for the Essex Chain Lakes. This provides an opportunity to increase the number of motor-free lakes among the biggest 100 lakes and ponds in the Adirondack Park from 8 to 9. Boreas Pond is scheduled to be purchased by the state within the next five years. This waterbody is another ideal candidate for motor-free management through a Wilderness classification. If Boreas Pond is classified as Wilderness and managed as a motor-free waterbody it would bring the number of motor-free lakes among the biggest 100 lakes in the Adirondacks to 10 lakes.

In the Adirondack Park’s Forest Preserve, lands designated Wild Forest include over 100,000 more acres than lands designated Wilderness. Wilderness lands should be equal to Wild Forest. For all the reasons detailed in this report there needs to be many more opportunities for easily accessible motor-free waters in the Adirondack Park for the public to enjoy.

Today, just five of the biggest 100 lakes in the Adirondacks are relatively easy to access and motor-free. Just 17 of the biggest 200 lakes are easily accessible and motor-free. The demand is high for motor-free experiences, but the supply is low.  This needs to change.

The public deserves greater opportunities for motor-free waters across the Adirondack Park.

Photo: Loon Lake, one of many Adirondack lakes dominated by motorboat and jet ski traffic (courtesy Shannon Houlihan).

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Peter Bauer

Peter Bauer is the Executive Director of Protect the Adirondacks . He has been working in various capacities on Adirondack Park environmental issues since the mid-1980s, including stints as the Executive Director of the Residents' Committee to Protect the Adirondacks and FUND for Lake George as well as on the staff of the Commission on the Adirondacks in the Twenty-First Century. He was the co-founder of the Adirondack Lake Assessment Program (ALAP) in 1998, which has collected long-term water quality data on more than 75 Adirondack lakes and ponds. He has testified before the State Legislature, successfully advocated to pass legislation and budget items, authored numerous articles, op-eds, and reports such as "20% in 2023: An Assessment of the New York State 30 by 30 Act" (2023), "The Adirondack Park and Rural America: Economic and Population Trends 1970-2010" (2019), "The Myth of Quiet, Motor-free Waters in the Adirondack Park" (2013), and "Rutted and Ruined: ATV Damage on the Adirondack Forest Preserve" (2003) and "Growth in the Adirondack Park: Analysis of Rates and Patterns of Development" (2001). He also worked at Adirondack Life Magazine . He served as Chair of the Town of Lake George Zoning Board of Appeals and has served on numerous advisory boards for management of the Adirondack Park and Forest Preserve. Peter lives in Blue Mountain Lake with his wife, has two grown children out in the world, and enjoys a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities throughout the Adirondacks, and is a member of the Blue Mountain Lake volunteer fire department.Follow Protect the Adirondacks on Facebook and Threads .

37 Responses

“Lows Lake, Little Tupper Lake, Round Lake, Lake Lila, and St. Regis Pond”

What about Little Clear Pond (drive to), Green Pond (drive to), Long Pond (very short carry)…..

Your argument here seems to be centered on a lack of “large” ponds or lakes is that correct?

All the smaller ponds (and some pretty large) that are not accessible by anyone except paddlers are by default motor-less waters, no?

Would you also envision waters that are ONLY for motorized use as well as part of this balance?

^^^ TROLL ^^^

Troll alert says, ^^^TROLL^^^Couldn’t agree more.

I would scratch Lows lake from the truly motorless list. During my first experience there in July a couple years back I saw a pontoon boat docked up at the boy scout camp/landing and a fishing boat with trolling motor in that same area. Add to that the drone of a generator from the camp (which was much worse than motors when you have to listen to it all night), and you have a wilderness experience let down. I did return with a better experience, but that couldn’t have been an isolated experience.

But are the larger water bodies good for cartop boats? Realistically, a lake the size Piseco Lake or Lake Placid is going to be choppy and rough and most days, for a small car-top boat.

Those lakes are best reserved primarily for bigger boats, but if people want to take cartop boats out on them, then they should stay close to the shore, and in smaller bays.

Also, most of the large lakes are highly developed along the shore, and have one or more major highways along them. Banning motor boats would have a minimal effect compared the noise pollution along the shorelines.

Also, many of the larger lakes. The Saranac chain, Cranberry, Rainbow etc. have many acres of water that is only accessible by paddlers since much of these dammed up waterways are too shallow for most motor boats. I have had lots of quiet paddling in the coves and bays of many of the larger lakes.

I’ve paddled both Piseco and Lake Placid several dozen times, in a 10 foot 14lb canoe, and have never encountered conditions that were too choppy or rough. In fact, the only time I’ve felt unsafe in a small boat on lakes like that is when a motor boats wake hit me.

It is a good point, however, that some of these larger lakes are developed to the point where quiet paddling is hard to come by regardless of the motors on the lake. Not all of them however. Lake Placid for example is a lake that can offer lots of quiet solitude when the motor boats are not going at it, even with the shoreline development.

According to the study 3 of 8 of the top 100, and 12 of 29 of the top 200 motor-less lakes are dubbed “remote and non accessible”. Peter, two things. First why not advocate to make them more accessible and second doesn’t your group normally advocate for things like Wilderness designations and road closures that make things remote and inaccessible? Seems like you want to have it both ways. Make many places inaccessible and then restrict the accessible ones to your groups preferred activity?

On the demand side you say this: “There is a great demand for recreational experiences on accessible, motor-free lakes and ponds. The demand is high, but the supply is low.”

I saw no data to support anything on the demand side in your report. I don’t see places like the St. Regis Canoe area especially crowded at most times? I do see boat launches like the Second Pond launch for Lower Saranac jammed and overflowing onto the highway all summer long.

I think it is probably a good idea to increase some motor-less opportunities but I don’t see any big “myths” involved. I would also add that the campaign to “clarify” navigation rights on streams and rivers as somewhat of an invitation to motorized use of some water bodies that have historically been pretty quiet places to paddle.

Paul, the ponds you mention are accessible and motor-free but they are not among the largest lakes in the Park.

That is true. I guess Peter is referring to the St. Regis Lakes rather than St. Regis Pond in his comments. I was thinking that Little Clear and Long Pond as examples are pretty large bodies of water for paddling. It took me a while to row the length of Little Clear the other day and St. Regis was windy and about as large as a “lake” I would have wanted to be on in a guide boat that day.

This is a topic where I think some groups have backed themselves into a bit of a corner. First there is what I have mentioned above about wanting to have the access issue both ways and then there is another issue. Phil in something you wrote the other day on the Finch property classification there was this idea that a new canoe area in there could help relieve some of the pressure on the St. Regis Canoe area? All along some have been arguing that these things will increase tourism business for the local communities. Now we see the argument that one area will draw “business” away from other areas. I don’t think this is what many local politicians had in mind when they approved these deals. So if the demand is really there and motor-less will be more of a draw than something else than fine but a better case must be made.

What are the stats? How many motor boats versus motor-less crafts? Is there a numbers case to be made for more of a “balance”.

Paul, I don’t have the stats. But I see a lot more cars in the Park carrying canoes and kayaks than pulling motorboats.

I see a lot of canoes and kayaks also. It would be interesting to see what the data is and what the majority of paddlers really want. I seem to see lots of paddlers that don’t seem to have any issue with using waterways that are a mix of boat types. The theoretical question is would a launch like Second Pond have more paddlers there if it were not totally jammed with trailers all summer. I am just not sure there is really an issue here. A lake like upper St. Regis is great for paddling even with the motor boats that are there.

Here is a simple economic question that would not be hard to get at. What is the economic impact of the marinas in the Adirondacks verses the outfitters. You could start around the trilakes. I know that one Ski Nautique sold is the equivalent of about 50 one thousand dollar canoes as far as sales tax revenue goes. How many boats does St. Regis sell in an entire season? We need to have both kinds of activities but does the latter justify some type of balance as far as the water ways they need exclusive use of?

Need a better research method I think. Even if you took a couple days a year diligently counting boats on a road or launch does not capture the whole picture. Seeing more canoes and kayaks does not account for the motor boats docked long term or sitting in trailers in driveways. They are less mobile and many people keep their motor boats on a lake longer-term. If reducing motorboats is the goal, then the best way to do it is not through just access regulations, but increased ownership costs. Use research to support environmental impact and cost to compensate/clean up the damage by motor boats and come up with additional boat registration fees.Add in a pump surcharge at marinas and that would definitely cut down on the motor boat numbers. Also, a bit off point but related, What about a blue line permit for added accountability for all water craft to cut down on invasives to start a war chest to combat them?

Matt, I don’t think there is any goal to reduce the number of motorboats? If you did want to do it then you could just close the public launches. The development of the four cycle engine and very strict emissions standards has really changed the way motorboats impact the environment. I suspect that electric boats (I should say more types since there are some already) will also continue that trend. Would this thing be legal on a “motor-less” lake?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzfYAeXTOUk

Over the past few years I’ve wanted to take my kids summer camping on a motorless lake with clean water and wild, as opposed to recently logged shores or shores heavily impacted by dam releases. Lake Lila fits the bill, but each time we’ve gone in, after driving a great distance, the parking lot has been completely full – even on weekdays. So off we usually end up at the Saranacs. In spite of trying, my kids have never canoe camped on a quiet lake, and we go almost every year.

I have been camping and canoeing in the Adirondacks for over 50 years, and I can tell you it is a fact that there is huge demand for quality, quiet water here in the greatest park in the East. For those who see dollar signs, if we capitalize on paddlesports, the Adirondacks could one day regain its rightful place as the greatest watersports park in the nation. It’s a good dream.

Dan, Why not try the St. Regis Canoe area. There are many different places where you can set off and you won’t find any dams or logged shorelines. It sounds like the Essex Chain lakes will also be open soon. Hopefully it will not be too difficult to access.

This does not really bother me. Many of the largest lakes aren’t great for paddling anyways. The best paddling spots will always be in the small, secluded and hard to reach areas where solitude can be found.

If I am putting in on Lake George for example, I know that I will likely deal with higher winds and choppier waters in addition to boat traffic. And just because a lake allows motorboats does not mean that the lake is overrun with them. I have always enjoyed paddling Blue Mountain Lake. There is motorboat traffic, but not much of it, and the scenery is great. Nothing but great experiences there.

Also, many of the large lakes will have areas of low boat traffic (EX – Northwest Bay, Lake George).

Generally, I see three or four canoes, kayaks and row boats to one motor boat. Of the camps on the lakes, most have one motor boat but often two or three cnaoes or kayaks. This is anecdotal though, with the numbers picked up over about 30 years of paddling/hiking through the ADK’s.

Racquette Lake is a good example of mixed traffic on the water. Sometimes, I have to stick closer to shore as the larger waves roll off my boat. Othertimes I can paddle anywhere. Crossing Lake Champlain with a small 12′ canoyak is an experience. You wonder sometimes if the motor boats are even watching. Yes, both types can coexist on the water. But smaller water is, perhaps, exclusivly “owned” by small, human powered boats.

To have 5% of the largest lakes reserved for human powered boats is reasonable in my estimation. There are many, many canoers, kayakes and rowers out there that would love a pleasent day on the water without worrying about a motor boat suddenly racing by. Yes, it’s slower, like the pace of life in these areas. 5% is a drop in the bucket to paddle a pristine lake, a price I would easily pay.

Even though a beer and tooling along in front of a motor can be enjoyable at times, you simply do not see too many animals with the engine running. How many times have you seen a couple deer amble down for a drink and walk back? Not in a motor boat. By the same token, getting from point A to point B is easier done with a motor.

I agree with the sentiments expressed in the article. I believe that there are a LOT of people that would slow down, smell the roses (avoiding the bee) and simply kick back and watch the sunset on a larger lake, IF they had a chance to paddle out on one. At least night navigation would not be an exercise in risk taking, but a serene moon light paddle on glass smooth water.

This conversation and Peter’s reasonable proposition reminds me of the time an intrepid person suggested that hikers should have to pay for a permit to climb the high peaks, indeed any peak in the ADKs — the person was lucky to get out of the room intact. I am a paddler (also own a guideboat) and have experienced too many instances of thoughtless owners of motorboats leaving wakes that endangered me and my cohort, even close to shore. I support Mr. Bauer’s position that the region needs more “motorless” bodies of water that are easily accessible. For those who argue motorboaters bring more $$$ to the local economy, take in the annual Wooden Canoe Heritage Association Annual get together at Paul Smith’s College in June. Paddlers are not noticed as much ‘cuz they make a lot less noise !!

Don’t get me started on this…

I paddle and row and have a motorboat. This thing about “thoughtlessness” goes both ways. It is almost a several a day experience on the Sarnac Chain in a motorboat to have many canoes and kayaks paddling on the wrong side of the navigation channel (going the wrong way) or across the navigation channel for no reason completely clueless to where they should be. And this in places where they could be far outside the channel enjoying a much more quiet part of the lake or river. It makes almost no sense.

BB, I agree there should probably be some more “motor-less” opportunities but the smaller more remote waterways seem much more suitable for paddlers. Don’t forget all the rivers and streams that are pretty much only “open” for paddlers as well. It just isn’t a”myth” that there are many places out there like Peter claims.

Navigation channels are for motor boats not canoes. Your attitude reflects the typical “I drive, therefore I rule the road” attitude of car drivers, in this case transferred to the water.

Get rid of the motorized boats, no need for navigation channels…problem solved!

Didn’t say the motor boats rule the “road”. Some of them are just as clueless at times.

Roads are built primarily for motor vehicles. Bikes can use them as well but they must follow the rules of the road. Cars and bikes must share the road. Isn’t it the same in Navigation channels? Are most water bodies that have a navigation channel also considered public highways? Isn’t the right of navigation a common law right?

Roads were built for motor vehicles and lakes were built by glaciers. Navigation channels were laid out to delineate a safe passage for motor boats to not damage their props. I know of no statute that requires non-motorized boats (or motorized for that matter) to follow a navigation channel. I also know of no navigation channel with a center stripe, white shoulder lines, crosswalks (crosspaddles?), or non-motorized shoulders that would imply a designated area for certain craft to stay in. Are you saying that I should get a ticket for encroaching in the ‘wrong’ part of a navigation channel with a canoe?

No. I think maybe we are suggesting that there are common sense “rules” that apply to traveling on any kind of road, path, hiking trail,river, or lake, whatever. And some folks are certainly free to not use their common sense. There is no shortage of that one some waterways.

I like motor-free lakes because as a paddler, they are quieter, safer, and for me, more in harmony with my idea of experiencing nature.

My canoe does not disturb the motor boat. The motor boat disturbs my canoe.

While I support more motor-free waters, it must be said that there are wilderness areas in the Park today that are loaded with motorless lakes and ponds, which are used by virtually no one.

In terms of policy, we could approach the issue of motor vs. no motor cooperatively:

How about one motor free day per week on some lakes?

One all-electric day?

This is not just about boating.

My family loves to swim long distances, and we choose to do this only in motor-free lakes.

I prefer to read next to a motor-free lake.

Follensby Clear Pond is among the bodies of water that ought to be motor-free. Anyone with a motorized water craft has easy access to Upper Saranac Lake a stone’s throw away. They don’t need Follensby Clear. I would certainly consider camping there if it were motor-free. I also agree with Bauer’s point that there are older folks who like to paddle in a serene setting but are not able to portage. They deserve easy access to some quiet water paddling.

Tom, Isn’t Follensby Clear Pond already a “motor-free” pond?

“I also agree with Bauer’s point that there are older folks who like to paddle in a serene setting but are not able to portage. They deserve easy access to some quiet water paddling.”

Then you should ask his group to support policies that will keep more waterways easily accessible. There are a number of motor-less waters that, if made more accessible, could solve this dilemma.

Follensby Clear is not motor free. Neither are a lot of the little bodies of water around there. One of which, I own property on and can attest to this.

We already have hundreds of lakes and ponds with direct accessibility. No need to support opening access to others if you want motor free paddling. Seems easier to more fairly distribute motor usage on those hundreds of lakes and ponds that are already accessible.

Dave, thanks for the info on Follensby Clear.

“We already have hundreds of lakes and ponds with direct accessibility. No need to support opening access to others if you want motor free paddling.”

According to Peter’s post here that is a myth???

I don’t see where Peter suggests that is a myth at all.

There are hundreds of lakes that are easily accessible in the Adirondacks, the overwhelming majority of them just happen to allow motors.

What I am saying is that if we want people to have motor free usage of accessible lakes and ponds, there is no reason to build roads or ease access to MORE lakes and ponds, all we need to do is declare some of the ones already accessible as motor free.

You could do it that way but don’t you think it would be fairer for both constituents to just make some of the hundreds of motor free waters that you are describing more accessible rather than kicking motors off waters that are already open for that use?

There are many examples where you simply need to remove a gate. For example removing the gate and eliminating the carry down the road to Lake Lila would make exactly the type of lake that Peter describes more accessible for motor free use for the type of users he is concerned cannot gain access?

This is an interesting site and soon my wife and I will spend a week in the Adirondacks for the first time ( we’re native New Englanders).

It would be great to have a greater number of waters that are motor free but I am afraid it is too late. As a child I grew up on a large freshwater lake in Massachusetts and it was great but that changed over the years. Boats got bigger and more powerful. Technically the speedlimit was 45 but one police officer in town had a boat that could reach 83mph. I think that statement pretty much sums it all up.

The lake I grew up on was the scene of canoes, rowboats and nothing bigger than 10 or 20 horsepower. That changed because the town saw money from visiting water skiers as well as recently the site of some bass tournaments with boats that have 200 plus horsepower.

Sadly rules should have been in place twenty years ago. There are some but few restricted lakes in New England I am not sure if it will happen in the future because the almighty dollar still rules. I am not sure about New York state and the towns in the Adirondacks but I suspect they welcome the boats because these see a trail of money.

Again, I believe it may be too late. It should have been done thirty or more years ago.I could be worng.

For what it’s worth, I have seen very little mention or consideration extended in Peter’s original piece to the many property Adirondack property owners who happen to have camps on many of these larger non-motorless lakes

Believe it or not, there are still many camps that require use motorized acess. And on many of the lakes, the owners also own and use sailboats, guideboats and yes, even canoes.

It is about time we recognize that motorless advocates are not exclusively paddlers. Should the non-motorized community have more rights than the camp and property owners, who contribute to the local economy via land and school taxes. employmentl for locals, and a thousand other ways,

Is it fair for paddlers to claim exclusive rights to traditional waters where sportsmen and anglers have traditionally used motors to access remote areas to hunt and fish, and dare I mention ‘check their traps’.

In terms of simple economics, it would be interesting to compare the contributions of each user group, as well as in terms of environmental protection. I’m sure that property owners are much more contientious when it comes to matters of invasives, noise pollution, and common courtesy for other users.

I paddle and row, and also use a motor on occassion. And as previously mentioned , I have also encountered inconsiderate packs of paddlers on the channel between the Saranac Lakes. Likewise, I have been swamped more than once by inconsiderate motor boaters while pulling on the oars of a guideboat along the same route.

Unfortunately, it remains impossible for the state to legislate, zone or designate the use of common sense or common courtesy. In the effort to exclude one type of access over another, someone is going to be discriminated against. Who has the right to make this call? I see both sides of the coin, as I frequently haul a pack canoe down Cranberry Lake a motorboat to enjoy the motorless waters of the Five Ponds Wilderness. It is often too dangerous to make the long trip across the big lake with just the canoe. All users must learn to share, and calling for exclusivity is not good manners in the sandbox or on the water.

Having paddled in the Adirondacks for years, I can tell you that many of the larger bodies of waters are not safe to paddlers. Only Sat, I was at the Otis Reservoir in Otis , MA it was a DISASTER. Jerk-offs on Jet ski’s , PWC, large boats all speeding up and down a 1,200 acres body of water ? Huge wakes- YES even along the shore. No consideration at all. Loud, huge wakes As long as the boaters have their fun , F everybody else is the rule.

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Fishing the No-Motor Zone

• By Mark B. Hatter
• Updated: February 4, 2012

Hey, Mike,” I said, “pole over to your left about 30 yards; I want to get a few silhouette shots of you with that orange glow blooming on the horizon.” Mike Dill and I had launched about 40 minutes earlier, Dill in his square-backed canoe, me in my kayak. In total darkness we paddled our way across smooth open water toward a large flat about a quarter-mile offshore on the eastern side of Florida’s Banana River no-motor zone (NMZ).

There’s not a lot to do in the dark, except perhaps collectively plot an attack strategy for the 40-inch-class redfish and black drum that you and your companion hope to find when the sun begins to rise. Or, in the case of a solo trip, counter the monotony of paddling by counting satellites racing across the predawn sky.

Since Dill was rowing backward using oars, he used my eyes, which were fixed on a set of lighted buildings adjacent to a Cape Canaveral launch gantry. Nearly an hour after launching, we arrived at the flat just as the sun was radiating a red-orange glow to the east. Perfect timing!

Fashionably Late

Dill stowed his oars, assembled his push pole and moved into position as I reached behind me for my camera. An uneasy feeling hit me as I blindly groped behind my small lunch cooler, where my case should have been. A second later, it was painfully clear that my gear was not there. A wave of panic set in, but I knew what I had to do: race back toward the cars with my fingers crossed, hoping I’d find my beloved floating camera case somewhere along the way.

I left Dill alone on the utterly smooth flat, praying I’d find the box within a few hundred yards but prepared to accept an hour-plus worth of work before I could catch up with him. My anxiety was compounded by the fact that I was going to miss fishing the best part of the morning!

So I paddled like a crazy man all the way back to the cars without finding the floating box. A few other anglers launched while I was plowing in the wrong direction, but they were out of earshot and I was sure my floating case would be along my path in the windless lagoon, provided I was on the right reverse vector.

Thankfully, I did find the case, which I had apparently left next to my pickup truck along the road. I was lucky it was still there, and after securing it to my kayak with bungee cords, as I should have done earlier, I paddled hard in the direction I had left Dill.

Physically wasted, uncomfortably sweaty but extremely grateful that I still had a camera, I finally spotted Dill at the northern end of the flat. He was out of his canoe, which was a good sign. I dug my blade in hard and pulled against the drag of the water, wanting to close the gap between us as fast as possible. As I approached, it appeared he was fighting a substantial redfish.

I glided within earshot to see the water boil 20 yards from his rod tip and hear his drag complain against the pull. “Nice fish, Mike,” I said, sliding my anchor overboard. “Not exactly how I planned my morning, but at least I made it back in time to shoot your toad redfish.”

“You found your camera case?” he asked, incredulous.

“Yeah. Back at the car where I left it.”

“Well,” he said, attempting to downplay what I knew was a perfectly executed operation, “I found a school of the big girls just off the point about 30 minutes after you left. It took me a while to move into casting range without spooking them — they were floating, tails and backs out of the water — but I managed to get in close for a good cast.”

Under dead-calm conditions, even the slightest pressure wave from a canoe or kayak will sink a floating school. Typically you can expect to get one, and only one, shot on those mornings when the air is still enough to hear a casual conversation between anglers from nearly a quarter-mile away. And when the hookup occurs — or doesn’t — the school will be on to you before the second cast, bolting for the mid-lagoon channel markers after sensing your errant movements or the panic of their hooked mate.

Enter the Zone

The 10,500-acre Banana River no-motor zone has become arguably one of the richest and most balanced protected marine ecosystems in the United States. Even before its establishment in 1994, substantial keep-out zones, created by NASA for apparent security reasons, provided sanctuary for popular species, such as redfish, spotted seatrout and black drum. I say balanced because, unlike many other areas of the state, where you’ll rarely find redfish longer than the 28-inch slot limit for keepers, the NMZ hosts redfish, black drum and trout of all sizes and lengths.

I fished the area prior to its becoming a canoe- and kayak-only sanctuary and marveled at the number of redfish prowling the shallows even back then. While the Mosquito Lagoon and the adjacent waters of the Indian River and Banana River, outside the NMZ, also hold large redfish and black drum, those fish invariably experience more pressure from powerboat-ensconced anglers than the ones living within the confines of the NMZ, where overall fishing pressure is negligible.

Even on bluebird days, when perhaps a dozen anglers might be encountered in the NMZ over the course of a day, the quiet nature of the vessels employed ensures the fishery remains exceptional. Besides, you do not need to be the first on the flat to score here.

When it comes to fishing the NMZ, Dill is normally a sleep-in type of guy who waits for the morning people to work their way north from the designated launch area before he climbs out of bed (ironic, because when it comes to snook fishing, Dill is a nocturnal beast). On the other hand, I can’t deal with not being the first guy on the flat and have been known to launch as early as 4:30 a.m., a characteristic flaw that has earned me a charming moniker from my fishing buddies that begins with ballistic and ends with — well, let’s not talk about what it ends with.

Regardless of on which side of the Pepsi/Coke timing issue we stand, Dill and I both have caught our fair share of trophy fish. As a “sweeper,” Dill prefers to come in after the crowds and targets those fish on the flats that tend to show later in the morning, particularly during the winter months, when the water warms as the day wears on. His canoe is best suited for fishing later anyway. Because he’s able to stand in it and pole efficiently, it provides him a higher vantage point and therefore greater visibility.

On the other side of the coin, my kayak puts me low to the water, and I prefer dawn to see those fish that float at first light, even if they are not feeding. Both strategies have merit, and occasionally I do get Dill out of bed for the zombie patrol.

The NMZ encompasses roughly the entire northern end of the Banana River, from State Road 528 north to the NASA Causeway. Technically speaking, there is a small chunk of water north of State Road 528 and west of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) open to motorized vessels all the way up to Kennedy Athletic, Recreation and Social (KARS) Park. However, even the ICW is closed north of KARS Park.

Between 1994 and 9/11, the NMZ was open to all anglers, though NASA employees had “preferred status.” On the western shore, KARS Park was open only to NASA employees or their designated guests, and the guard at the gate made sure of that. To fish the west side if you were a non-NASA employee, you had to launch from the barge canal parallel to State Road 528, which added at least an hour’s worth of paddling.

NASA guys, however, could not only access KARS Park but also launch at designated areas along the NASA Causeway to the north, or at the port on the northeastern corner of the NMZ, where the ships that hauled in the solid rocket boosters were moored. Yeah, it wasn’t fair.

On the eastern shore of the NMZ (prior to the building of the Port Canaveral cruise terminal), anglers could launch from the 401 causeway, parking at the fence near the entrance of the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. They could then work their way north to the NASA Causeway along the eastern shoreline if they were so inclined. This was just fine for non-NASA folks, as there are plenty of good areas to fish from just north of the launch area.

Everything changed on Sept. 11, 2011. As the nation shuddered at unfathomable terrorism, all U.S. government agencies tightened their respective security. NASA was no exception. For several years, the entire NMZ was shut down to all traffic, making for some very sad seasons for Dill, myself and many others who enjoyed the solitude and exceptional fishing of the sanctuary.

After several years, the security concerns slowly relaxed, and the western shore was opened once again, with NASA folks getting preferential treatment. Since I wasn’t on the “preferred” list, I had to get creative. So I began strapping my kayak to my 16-foot skiff, launching at Kelly Park, just south of State Road 528 on the Banana River, and cruising (yes, in the dark) up to the southwestern boundary of the NMZ. Remember that a small slice of the NMZ remains open to motorboats up to KARS Park. From there I’d park the skiff just offshore, launch my kayak and paddle north to my favorite spots. It worked great, although it added some trepidation to the trip. At the end of the day, as I paddled back, I worried: Would my skiff still be there?

Sometime later I began to hear rumors that the expansive and often more productive eastern side of the NMZ was again open to fishing. I contacted the local park ranger to ask if this were true. He e-mailed me back, stating that while it was indeed reopened, unless I were a NASA employee, I could not launch from NASA property or even from the southern shore off the 401 causeway adjacent to the cruise terminal. No worries! I had the skiff system down to a science and was able to exploit the eastern shore for several months by parking my skiff at the junction of the southern NMZ boundary and the ICW, in the middle of the Banana River.

A half-season later, security reopened public launching from the 401 causeway adjacent to the Port Canaveral cruise terminal, negating my need to use my skiff. Generously, and at the same time, NASA finally opened up KARS Park to civilians for a modest $5 launch fee.

Sweet Seclusion

Eventually Dill landed his big redfish. It was a beast, measuring over 42 inches, but happily, it was not the only fish of the day. We didn’t receive pressure from either the north or the south. Surprisingly, we had the entire eastern shore to ourselves (the two guys I saw while chasing my camera never ventured north of the first flat). While the morning matured, the sea breeze we’d expected did not, and we had virtually windless conditions all day long.

It was a long paddle, but we did find schools of large black drum and redfish finning and basking along the edge of a narrow flat to the north. The fishing was tough but rewarding; the calm conditions gave us but single shots.

By late afternoon, a sea breeze finally did kick in, and we’d had enough rod bending to call it a day. As we paddled back, Dill began strategizing: “What are you doing next Friday? If you’re not working, how about we try the west side?”

“Yeah, I’m off — sounds like a plan,” I replied.

Then he added, “Great, but how ’bout we not do the zombie patrol again. I wanna sleep in.”

Coke or Pepsi, it makes no difference; they’re both great, and so is the NMZ. No matter what time you launch or which side you ply, you are sure to find solitude and outstanding fishing in one of Florida’s finest fisheries.

Helpful Hints

For both big redfish and black drum, I often use a lighter 7-weight rod (for its stealthy characteristics) rigged with a weight-forward floating line designed for cold water. For all-around use, a 9-weight rod is likely a more appropriate choice for most anglers, as it casts weighted flies much better and can handle bigger fish easier.

I fish both in and out of my kayak, depending on water depth and bottom hardness. Black drum are often a bit deeper and off bar edges that have hard sand bottoms. Since they are less wary than big redfish, it’s fun to stalk them on foot. On the other hand, I almost never fish out of my kayak when hunting big reds; they’re just too sensitive to the noises that come from wading.

Almost 90 percent of the time, my fly of choice is a black Clouser Deep Minnow. This fly works great for black drum and redfish. My second choice is a Merkin Crab tied in dark colors. While redfish have good eyesight and will move to the fly when they see it, black drum have poor vision and literally must be beaned to see and, hopefully, eat the fly.

The NMZ offers trophy fish all year long, but Dill and I prefer the winter months for two reasons. First, there are more black drum on the flats in the winter. Second, when the water is hot, the fish are active only for a short period during early morning, whereas during the winter months, fishing often improves as the shallows warm throughout the day.

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• Jun 5, 2023

5 Non-Motorized, Lake Minocqua Watersports to Try this Summer

Lake Minocqua is a beautiful destination that offers a wide range of exciting watersports for people of all ages and skill levels. With its mostly-clear waters, lush green surroundings, and warm summer sun, it's no surprise that visitors flock to the area to enjoy its numerous recreational activities.

While many of the guests at Nitschke’s Northern Resort LOVE taking their boats out on the Minocqua chain-of-lakes (especially because a boat slip is included with every cabin rental), we thought it’d be fun to share 5 non-motorized ways to enjoy the waters this summer.

So, book your cabin , grab a swimsuit, pack a towel, and get ready to dive into aquatic adventures that await you at Nitschke’s Northern Resort!

Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) - A Relaxing Way to Explore

Stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP, has become increasingly popular in recent years. This exciting watersport allows you to stand on a large, stable board and use a long paddle to propel yourself through the water. SUP is not only a great way to explore the beautiful lake and its surroundings but also an excellent workout for your core and upper body.

The calm waters of Lake Minocqua make it an ideal location for beginners to learn the basics of SUP. Once you have mastered your balance and paddle technique, you can venture out further into the lake to explore its many coves and inlets. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try SUP yoga, which combines the serenity of yoga with the gentle movements of paddleboarding.

Kayaking - An Adventure for All Skill Levels

Kayaking is another popular watersport on Lake Minocqua that doesn't require a motor. This activity involves sitting in a small, lightweight boat called a kayak and using a double-bladed paddle to propel yourself through the water. Kayaking offers an excellent opportunity to explore the lake and its surrounding areas at your own pace, providing a unique perspective of the landscape.

Lake Minocqua has numerous kayaking routes to choose from, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Beginners can start by navigating through the calm, protected bays and inlets, while experienced kayakers can venture out into the open waters or travel through the chain-of-lakes, for a more challenging adventure.

Regardless of your skill level, kayaking is a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of Lake Minocqua and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and wildlife.

Canoeing - Timeless Enjoyment for All Ages

Canoeing is a timeless water sport that has been enjoyed by generations and cultures of people around the world. Similar to kayaking, canoeing involves paddling a small, lightweight boat through the water. However, canoes are typically larger than kayaks and can accommodate more passengers, making them an excellent choice for families or groups of friends.

Lake Minocqua offers a variety of canoeing routes that cater to all skill levels. Beginners can start by exploring the calm, shallow waters near the shoreline, while more experienced paddlers can venture out into the open waters where the occasional boater making waves could make it an exciting adventure.

Canoeing is not only a fun and relaxing way to experience the beauty of Lake Minocqua but also offers an opportunity to bond with your loved ones as you paddle together in harmony. If you don’t, you’ll be going in circles!

Paddle Boating - Using Your Feet to Propel You Forward

Paddle boating is a unique water sport that offers a fun (and typically more dry) way to explore Lake Minocqua without the need for a motor. Paddle boats are small, lightweight vessels that are powered by pedaling with your feet, similar to riding a bicycle. This low-impact activity is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, making it an excellent choice for families or groups of friends.

Paddle boating is a fantastic way to spend a leisurely afternoon on the lake, as it allows you to take in the stunning scenery while gently gliding through the water. You can choose to paddle along the shoreline, explore the many coves and inlets, or simply relax on the calm waters while enjoying a picnic or sunbathing on your boat depending on its size.

Snorkeling - Discovering Underwater Wonders

Snorkeling is an exciting water sport that allows you to explore the underwater world of Lake Minocqua without the need for any complicated equipment or training. All you need is a mask, snorkel, and fins, and you're ready to dive into the mostly-clear waters to discover a fascinating world teeming with life.

The lake is home to a diverse array of fish species, as well as other aquatic creatures such as turtles and crayfish. Snorkeling offers an excellent opportunity to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures, as well as explore the unique underwater landscape of the lake. Whether you're an experienced snorkeler or a complete beginner, the calm waters of Lake Minocqua provide the perfect environment for a memorable underwater adventure.

Tips for Staying Safe While Enjoying Watersports

While watersports are a fun and exciting way to enjoy the beauty of Lake Minocqua, it's essential to prioritize safety while participating in these activities. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while enjoying your favorite watersports:

Always wear a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) while participating in watersports, regardless of your swimming ability.

Be aware of the weather conditions and avoid venturing out on the water if storms or high winds are forecasted.

Familiarize yourself with the lake's rules and regulations, and always follow them.

Paddle or swim with a buddy, especially if you're new to the sport or exploring unfamiliar areas.

Carry a whistle or other signaling device to alert others if you need assistance.

Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Dive into Summer Fun at Nitschke's Northern Resort on Lake Minocqua

Lake Minocqua offers a wide range of thrilling watersports that don't require a motor, making it the perfect destination for a fun and exciting summer vacation.

From stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking to canoeing, paddle boating, and snorkeling, there's something for everyone at this beautiful lake.

By following the safety tips outlined in this article, you can ensure that your watersports adventures are not only enjoyable but also safe for you and your loved ones.

Ready to try these amazing watersports? Book a cabin with Nitschke's Northern Resort and get ready for fun in the sun!

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YakAttack Kayak Carts Will Get You There

As kayaks have evolved and anglers have added tremendous amounts of tackle and accessories, the weight factor must be considered. It's not easy to get your kayak to the water's edge if it's loaded down and hard to move—especially by yourself. YakAttack has engineered several transportation options to help you get your kayak from the bed of your pickup to the boat ramp with ease. There are numbers of intuitive carts that carry the load on a reliable chassis system that virtually fits any style hull. Kayak Fishing Fun's Senior Editor Thomas Allen demonstrates the options in this video.

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Public Water Access Guide

Find Places to Go Boating Near You

Get onboard with social distancing—take to the water to relax, refocus and recharge. Discover nearby locations to go boating in your local community by using our interactive map below. Select your state to see the latest updates and closure status from state officials regarding public water access points, boat landings, and ramps.

Last Updated: July 1, 2020

Boating During COVID-19

Use this guide to help you find answers on everything from local boating restrictions and ramp closures in your area, to social distancing best practices while on the water.

Coronavirus & Boat Shopping

The process for buying a boat during the COVID-19 pandemic raises a lot of questions for prospective boat buyers. Our special-edition boat shopping guide provides step-by-step details, hoping to answer some of those questions.

Find Boat Rentals Near You

No boat? No problem. Enter your city or zip code into our Go Boating Today Tool to search for boat rentals and charters near you—you'll be on the water in no time.

Boat Finder Tool

Now is a good time to do research for better boating days ahead—explore the 23 boat types to find your favorite. Narrow down your choices based on your preferred activities.

Working with a Boat Dealer

Local dealers can help make the buying process easy and simple. Opting to work with a dealer ensures that your buying experience and transition to ownership is smooth and enjoyable.

State-by-State Detailed Access Updates

Access Impacts: Most Alabama State Parks and associated facilities remain open except for the following:  all swimming pools and designated swimming areas, museums, arcade areas, fitness centers, nature centers, planetarium, and bike-share programs are closed or suspended. Playgrounds and playground equipment are closed or suspended. Read more here .

Boating access areas remain open. For a complete list, click here . Beaches and beach access areas reopened May 1. Group gatherings are limited to 10 people or less.

NOTE: The White’s Bridge facility on Lake Harris (Wedowee) is currently closed for maintenance.

Contact: Lee Gatts ( [email protected] )

Access Impacts: Starting June 5, out-of-state visitors must have completed a traveler declaration form and tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of arrival or met other criteria. Alaska state parks remain open.

According to state boating officials, residents are encouraged to go boating and fishing if they can do so without leaving their community. Limited fishing charters are now open under the phase 3/4 however clients who are arriving from out of state to participate in chartered Sport/Personal Use fishing or hunting do not meet the definition of Critical Infrastructure workers, and must complete the testing/registration regime as defined under Health Mandate 10. Read more here .

Health Mandate 18   – Intrastate Travel revised travel restrictions starting June 5 to allow intrastate travel between communities. Travel between off-road communities can be restricted by local option. Contact: David Dickerson ( [email protected] )

Arizona State Parks and Trails recreation parks, campgrounds and trails were opened with few exceptions on June 1. As of June 19, masks are required in all Arizona State Parks. Masks are required when visiting ranger stations, restrooms, stores, or historic buildings. When outdoors, masks are required if unable to socially distance. Parking may be limited and there are capacity limits at each park to encourage social distancing. No same-day overnight reservations. Read more parks updates here . Fish and game updates can be found here .

Contact: David Dickerson ( [email protected] )

Access Impacts:  Wildlife management areas, boat ramps, lakes and fishing accesses controlled by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) remain open during the day to allow people to get outside during this time of social distancing. The AGFC suggests the following: keep it local, plan ahead, spread out, avoid crowded access points and keep it friendly but keep it quick. To read the AGFC’s full response, click here .

Contact: Libby Yranski ( [email protected] )

Access Impacts: Click here for a list of open state parks. The Los Angeles County public health order issued May 13 reopened beaches, more retail stores and outdoor recreational areas. More information and protocols can be found here. As of June 10, state parks have opened more capacity at parking facilities and opened more parks to visitors.  The list of closed parks can be found here . State officials have closed parking lots at all parks and boating access locations in order to prevent overcrowding. While access to these facilities are open, getting to them, in many cases, will be very difficult. A full list of closures can be found here . Click here for a county-by-county status for business and recreation by county.

Los Angeles County Beach Access: All beaches are currently open, with restrictions .

The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has adopted the following 2020 season dates for the state’s four Salmon management areas:

• In the Klamath Management Zone, which is the area between the Oregon/California state line and Horse Mountain (40°05’00” N. latitude), the season opened June 1 and continue through Sept. 3.The Fort Bragg and San Francisco areas, which extend from Horse Mountain to Point Arena (38°57’30” N. latitude) and Point Arena to Pigeon Point (37°11’00” N. latitude), respectively, are expected to open on June 17 and continue through Oct. 31.
• The Monterey area, between Pigeon Point and the U.S./Mexico border, is expected to open on April 7 and will close on July 2.

Access Impacts: Colorado state parks remain open for all outdoor recreation and all Colorado Parks and Wildlife visitor centers, service centers and all CPW offices have begun reopening with restrictions. Restrictions and closures remain subject to change. Campgrounds - including cabins, yurts and group camping for groups of 25 or fewer - and SWAs are now open to camping. Boating and fishing are allowed in State Parks during the Stay in Place order as long as boaters follow government guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Read more here . 

Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Stations to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species in State Parks are open and staffed during the Stay at Home order. Blue Mesa reopened to boating on May 15.

Connecticut

Access Impacts: Connecticut State Parks and Forests are open for solitary outdoor enjoyment. Outdoor facilities remain open including boat launches, state parks, and forests, with guidelines that when using trails and parks to keep a safe distance from others per the Governor’s order.  However, the buildings at all state facilities are closed to the public. Campgrounds will reopen to all on July 8. Read more here .

All of DEEP’s 117 boat launches located throughout the state remain open. Kent Falls State Park (Kent) and Seaside State Park (Waterford) have both been closed to the public. The state has issued guidelines for safe boating, which can be read here . Please note , when a State boat launch parking lot is full, the launch is closed and the additional launching/retrieval of vessels may not be allowed.

Updated state boating guidance was released on June 22. The full guidance can be found here , and includes the following provisions:

• All persons boating with non-family members should maintain a six foot social distancing separation from non-family members. On vessels where this distance is not possible, face coverings should be worn.
• All person using state boat launch facilities and docks should maintain a six-foot social distancing separation from non-family members. Where this distance is not possible, face coverings should be worn.

As of June 2, the following outdoor recreation businesses have been allowed to increase their passenger max to: boat tours (one passenger per six feet of rail space), charter fishing (one passenger per six feet of rail space), sport fishing (one passenger per six feet of rail space) and kayaking. Sector guidance can be found here , self-certification guidance can be found here .

On June 24, the governors of the tri-state area jointly announced the travel advisory, which requires a 14-day quarantine for visitors from states whose infection rates meet certain thresholds indicating “significant community spread.” Nine states currently meet that threshold, Cuomo said: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, Utah and Texas. Read more here .

Access Impacts: Delaware’s state parks and wildlife areas are open. Beginning on May 1, The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced all those aged 13 or older are required to bring a face mask with them to enter state parks, wildlife areas and reserves, and should wear them when they cannot maintain social distancing from other visitors. Those who do not bring face masks when visiting these areas may be required to leave by officers or staff. Charter and head boat fishing operations are allowed with restrictions. Read more here .

All state beaches reopened on May 22 however beaches at state parks may limit capacity to vehicles to enforce social distancing.

State park campsites, cabins, cottages and yurts reopened on June 1, read more here . The 14-day self-quarantine for out-of-state visitors must self-quarantine also expired on June 1.

Access Impacts: Boat ramps and other access points are open, with restrictive launching procedures at boat ramps and the number of people aboard. Boaters also cannot anchor within 50 feet of another boat. Most of Florida’s coastal counties have opened their beaches.  Click here for more information. Miami-Dade beaches opened June 10 with restrictions   after being closed for 12 weeks. Beaches are open in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties after being closed over the July 4 weekend. Miami-Dade Mayor Gimenez warned the beaches will again be closed if there is crowding and people do not follow the public health rules.

Face masks are required in some instances and groups must be fewer than 10 persons. Camping in most state parks is allowed. For information on specific parks click here .  Hotels are open to all guests. Dade County has issued The New Normal guide for residents. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is open.

The FWC’s Florida Public Boat Ramp Finder is updated every 24-hours to include information regarding boat ramp open/closed status. FWC recommends that you check with local authorities for current boat ramp status. All recreational boats must be at least 50 feet apart. Each recreational vessel must not have more than 10 people on board.

Marinas, boat launches, docking, fueling marine supply and marina services are open statewide. Boat ramps in most locations are open daily from 6am to 8pm.  In Miami-Dade, one boat per launch area is allowed at a time. Vessels must be prepared in advance to launch (plug secured, dock lines tied, safety equipment and provisions already onboard).  All passengers must board the vessel once it is launched. Upon returning to the dock all passengers must remain on the vessel until the boat is ready to be loaded onto the trailer. Once loaded, the passenger(s) shall return to their vehicle(s) and exit the launch facility together. Boats must remain 50-feet apart when anchored and rafting up is not permitted. Boats that are 25 feet or less can only have four adults; boats 25 to 36 feet may accommodate six adults; while boats 37 feet or larger can have up to eight adults and two children on board. Kayak/canoe launch areas are open. Read more here . Miami-Dade regulations can be found here .

Access Impacts:  State parks, including boat launches and fishing piers remain open. Some parks are experiencing large crowds on certain days, thus park staff may temporarily limit access to ensure social distancing and protect the health of the public and our employees. Please understand that admission may be limited for several hours and will reopen once there is available capacity. Click HERE to view the limited facilities and activities.

For a complete list of boat ramp closures, click here .

Access Impacts: Hawaii began a phased re-opening of state parks on May 2 and rescinded the ban on interisland travel on June 16. Numerous, popular state parks are open for ocean recreation, mauka trail use, and general exercise. Social distancing must be practiced. No person shall sit, stand, lie down, lounge, sunbathe, or loiter on any beach or sand bar in Hawaii.  Running, jogging, or walking on the beach is allowed, so long as social distancing requirements are maintained. Read more to check park status here.

Boating: No more than ten people are allowed on any boat in Hawaii’s water for recreational purposes, unless they are part of a single residential or family unit sharing the same address. 

Fishing: Shore Fishing Limitations. No group of more than two persons may engage in shore fishing, unless all in the group are part of a single residential or family unit sharing the same address. All persons engaging in shore fishing, who are not part of a single residential or family unit sharing the same address, shall comply with social distancing requirements.

A mandatory 14-day quarantine for visitors from the mainland remains in place and may be extended beyond June 30.

Access Impacts: Idaho's 30 State Parks remain open for day use and camping but visitors are urged to follow the COVID-19 prevention practices outlined in Gov. Brad Little's Idaho Rebound Plan -- primarily physical distancing and wearing masks when spacing is impossible -- to protect their safety and the health of others.  Access to parks may be restricted if visitors regularly violate social distancing guidelines . 

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission resumed the sale of nonresident fishing and hunting licenses, tags, and permits.  Full Fish and Game updates are available here .

Access Impacts: Illinois state parks are currently operating at normal hours and most IDNR sites are open.  All visitor centers and playgrounds remained closed.  Find a complete list of outdoor recreation impacts read more here .

Boating: On May 29, Governor Pritzker moved Illinois into Phase 3, which allows for increased boater capacity in Illinois – removing the 2-person restriction. Phase 4 restrictions for boating are the same as Phase 3.  Currently,  marina operations, boat rentals, bait shop (pick up only) and fishing tournaments/events with restrictions are allowed. Read the full guidance here .

Chicago: The City of Chicago reopened for boating on Monday June 22. Boaters in Chicago will need to adhere to the boat capacity guidelines put forth by the state of Illinois (references above). There will be no rafting of boats along the Chicago lakefront. Anchoring will be allowed in South Monroe Harbor, but a 50’ minimum radius must be maintained between vessels. For more information regarding the Chicago boating season and Chicago Harbors, read here .

Contact: Jill Sims ( [email protected] )

Access Impacts: Currently all DNR properties including State Parks, State Forests, Fish and Wildlife areas, Nature Preserves, and state recreation areas are open. Entrance fees have resumed. Marinas are open with limited shuttle service available. State park beaches are open. Lakes, dams and waters managed by the U.S. Army Corps are closed.

Fishing license and stamps set to expire on March 31, 2020 expired at the end of June and a new license is required. Read more here .

Access Impacts: State Parks, Forests and Preserves are open.  Visitors are reminded to strictly abide the social distancing rules and not gather in groups. For a full list of closures read more here . 

Access Impacts: Kansas State Parks, fishing lakes and wildlife areas are open. Kansas Governor Kelly recommended on June 8 that counties adopt Phase 3 of her reopening plan. Under Phase 3, gatherings up to 45 persons are allowed, and education activities, venues and establishments may operate under state guidelines. This includes summer camps and other recreational opportunities. as will indoor arcades, trampoline parks, theaters and museums. Click here for details on business and social openings. Full Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism updates can be found here .

Access Impacts:  Kentucky State Parks returned to normal hours on June 1. All lodges and cottages are available. Barren River Lake’s lodge and restaurant will be closed during renovations but cottages are open and the campground opened June 11. Lodging and camping reservations are open. Restaurants at open resort parks will also be open on a carry out basis only. Cumberland Falls and Natural Bridge state resort parks re-opened June 1. Park museums and historic sites opened June 8. All campgrounds opened June 11. Playgrounds, swimming pools and beaches are currently closed. No picnic shelter rentals until further notice as the State is following the public health recommendation of gatherings of 10 or less.

State park guests are encouraged to wear masks, practice social distancing, and follow the other CDC-recommended guidelines listed at KYcovid19.ky.gov. For additional Park information, click here .

Some boat ramps operated by the U.S. Corps of Engineers may be closed. Please check by visiting corps websites:

Louisville District

Nashville District

Huntington District

Access Impacts: None for state run facilities. The Governor is encouraging residents to be in nature but maintain social distancing. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries encourages outdoor activities including fishing , however, visitors must practice social distancing and gather in groups of 10 or less.

Access Impacts: State parks and public lands remain open for day use. All inland waters have been opened to recreational boating and fishing as of March 20, 2020. Maine has opened marinas, boatyards, marine dealerships and boating access points. Businesses and their customers must follow the guidelines in Maine’s Official Phase 2 Guidance . Maine’s Phase 2 checklist for fishing, boating and outdoor activities can be found here .

Access Impacts: Boating, boat racing, fishing, state parks, beaches are open and most mandatory restrictions have been replaced with recommendations.  Recreational boating activities must meet the following criteria:

• Marinas and pump out stations are open but must implement guidelines found here .
• Local jurisdictions may choose to open public boat ramps, but must ensure social distancing guidelines.

Fishing: Recreational fishing activities are allowed however anglers must adhere to social distancing guidelines when fishing from onshore or at a pier. Fishing tournaments may be held virtually or without spectators. Read more here .

Queen Anne County: Effective July 1, Matapeake Beach and the beaches located at Terrapin and Ferry Point Nature Preserve will be restricted to Queen Anne’s County residents beginning July 1. Additionally, piers will move to operation from dawn to dusk daily. Read more here .

Massachusetts

Access Impacts:  Inland boat ramps and canoe launches within state parks, forests, wildlife management areas, boating access facilities and other state owned properties remain open for use by boats being launched by vehicles registered in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, except where the access has already been closed due to parking restrictions or other restrictions. Beaches and most outdoor activities, including recreational boating businesses and the charter/for-hire fishing industry, reopened with guidelines on May 25th. Updated guidelines were released on July 3, they can be found below:

• Updated recreational boating access guidance can be found here .
• Charter and for-hire fishing guidance can be found here .
• Reopening Standards for Recreational Boating Businesses can be found here .

Boat Ramp Guidelines:

• Ramps remain open subject to available parking. A ramp will be considered closed if all parking is full. Illegally parked cars will be ticketed and may be towed.
• All boat ramp and canoe launch users shall practice social distancing. Users should allow appropriate space for users of the boat ramp or launch and clear the ramp when users launch is complete.
• Users should ensure they are ready to depart quickly from the ramp or dock as soon as their boat is put into the water. Users not actively launching their boat should clear the launch area.
• Upon return to ramp, users should load their boat as quickly as safely possible and then clear the launch area.
• Use of ramps for organized in-person fishing tournaments, derbies, or any other type of competition should comply with the tournament requirements in Workplace Safety and Reopening Standards for Businesses and Other Entities Providing Youth and Adult Amateur Sports Activities.  All events must also comply with any additional local restrictions.
• Loitering on ramps or use of ramps for any activity other than launching boats is prohibited. Parking at ramps for activities other than launching boats is prohibited.
• Masks or face-coverings should be worn in public in accordance with the Department of Public Health’s advisory when social distancing is not possible.

Recreational boating is permitted under the following guidelines:

• Face coverings are required for all workers and customers in accordance with COVID-19 Order 31: Order Requiring Face Coverings in Public Places Where Social Distancing is Not Possible to prevent against the transmission of COVID-19.
• All users while on boat ramps, docks, piers etc., shall follow social distancing
• All recreational crafts shall remain a safe distance apart. Tying boats or other crafts together is prohibited.
• All recreational boating is subject to the discretion of local officials, harbormasters, and law enforcement.
• All local rules, regulations, laws and Coast Guard requirements still apply.

Access Impacts: Michigan state parks, recreation areas, trails and other state-managed lands are open, provided all visitors adhere to the requirements for proper social distancing.

Boating: Boat launches and parking lots at access sites remain open but their amenities may be closed. Additionally, due to high water some boating access sites may be closed. DNR-managed boating access sites that already were open for the season and remained open during the stay-at-home order will remain open. The addition of various amenities, such as the placement of courtesy piers and the reopening of bathrooms will begin as staff time and maintenance schedules allow. State harbors reopened on June 10.  Read more here .

Fishing: Charter and fishing guide operations that involve boats, canoes, and other marine vessels may operate provided they:

1) Maintain six feet of distance from one another, to the extent possible

2) Ensure the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, face shields and face masks appropriate for the activity being performed.

3) Adopt protocols to limit the sharing of tools and equipment to the maximum extent possible to ensure frequent and thorough cleaning of tools, equipment and frequently touched surfaces.

In addition to the DNR Law Enforcement Division, Michigan State Police and local law enforcement agencies have full authority to enforce the provisions of this order.

Access Impacts: State parks, recreations areas and other public lands remain open to the public, however visitors will experience some changes in services available. Read more here .

On May 13, Governor Walz issued Executive Order 20-56 , further expanding outdoor recreation businesses permitted to open as long as they are able to maintain social distancing guidelines.

 On April 17, Governor Walz issued an Executive Order expanding allowable outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, golfing, fishing, hunting and more. The order also permits specific outdoor recreation businesses to reopen and remain open. These businesses include: bait shops, marina services, dock installation services, boat repair, outdoor shooting ranges, public and private trails, and golf courses. Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department put together a video on social distancing while boating, which can be viewed here .

Mississippi

Access Impacts:  State Lakes and State Park Lakes reopened for fishing and boating on Monday, April 20, 2020 for day use only. Wildlife management areas remain open. Social distancing guidelines must be adhered to, group activities are limited to a maximum of 100 people. Read more here .

All areas of the Gulf Islands National Seashore  in Mississippi have reopened.

Access Impacts: Missouri state parks and boat ramps are open with normal operating hours, however social distancing recommendations apply. Read more here .

Access Impacts: Montana state parks are open and most campgrounds have reopened as of May 1. Visitors are reminded to bring their own supplies when recreating on our state lands while practicing social distancing guidelines and adhering to Leave No Trace principals. Supplies should include hand sanitizer as it may not be available in all parks. All park events and programs have been cancelled until further notice.

Fishing: fishing piers are open but social distancing guidelines are to be strictly followed.

 For a list of Park and boat ramp closures, click here .

Access Impacts: Nebraska state parks and recreation areas remain open for day use, fishing and recreation with some facilities closures. State designated beaches and swimming areas have reopened as of June 4. Read more here .

Access Impacts: Governor Sisolak’s Executive Directive 10 allows outdoor recreation. Nevada state parks remain open for day use only and social distancing rules must be followed. Visitor centers and campgrounds are open under certain conditions, which can be read here .  All AIS Inspection stations at Lake Tahoe are open with COVID-19 precautions in place.   Lake Mead National Recreation Area is open.

New Hampshire

Access Impacts: State park seacoast sand beaches , bathrooms and parking were opened June 1. Sunbathing and other traditional beach activities have resumed June 5 on seacoast beaches. Beachgoers must still remain 6 feet from other groups. State parks, boating and boating access points are open. Toilet facilities are closed at NH Fish and Game boat ramps. Anglers should practice social distancing recommendations from state and federal health agencies. Let's Go Fishing programs are canceled until at least July 1. To check the status of individual parks, click here . Fishing tournaments, including bass tournament permit issuance, resumed June 15 provided that participants follow the CDC guidelines.

Access Impacts: As of May 2, all New Jersey state and county parks are open for day use. On days of high visitation, parks may close early. Boaters are reminded they cannot congregate in parking lots, at boat ramps or at popular fishing locations. As of June 9, parking lots at state parks have been reopened to full capacity. Residents are now allowed to fish and boat with non-family/non-household members in groups less than 25 people provided the six-foot social distancing is adhered to on the vessel and there are face coverings/proper sanitation, read the guidance document here . Read more here .

On June 24, the governors of the tri-state area jointly announced the travel advisory, which requires a 14-day quarantine for visitors from states whose infection rates meet certain thresholds indicating “significant community spread.” Nine states currently meet that threshold, Cuomo said: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, Utah and Texas.

Access Impacts: New Mexico State Parks began a phased reopening May 1 and are open for day use. Parks may have specific hours but are open to boating, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking in small groups.  When boating, please adhere to social distancing practices and no more than 5 per motorized vessel. Read more here .

Access Impacts:  Marinas, boatyards, and recreational marine manufacturers are open. Fishing charters are allowed to open.  Marinas and boat launch sites are open. Call the park or regional office for more information.

State parks are open but are subject to capacity limits. Face coverings are encouraged. To encourage physical social distancing at popular parks, trailheads, and scenic areas on high visitation days, the state parks department will reduce the number of parking spaces Have a plan ready to visit a different park or another park area. Visit  here  for a list of parks and their status, which includes real-time alerts regarding parks that have reached capacity and are closed to new visitors. Entrance fees have been reinstituted. Read more here .

  Contact: David Dickerson ( [email protected] )

North Carolina

Access Impacts: All North Carolina state parks are open. Visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines . Most campsites with the exception of large group camping locations are now open. For a full list of Park guidelines, read more here .

For a list of boating access area closings, click here .

North Dakota

Access Impacts: North Dakota outdoor recreational facilities, including boat ramps that are accessible to the Missouri River and wildlife management areas remain open. Marinas, ramps and fish piers are currently open. Check with park to see if gas is available at the marina. Read more here .

Access Impacts: Ohio state parks, wildlife area, forests and nature preserves mostly remain open – including trails, dog parks, and docks. There are some facility closures (ie most restrooms) and several property closures.  Keep up to date on changing closure statuses here .

Access Impacts: Oklahoma state parks are open but visitors are strongly encouraged to practice social distancing.

Access Impacts:  Many Oregon State Parks and beaches are open for limited daytime use. Check the  Park Status Map  for regular updates on open parks and open beaches. If a park is closed, their boat ramps will be closed as well. Read more here . The Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) maintains an interactive map of boat ramps that shows the location of Oregon boat ramps and who owns them. OSMB advises users to contact the owners of the ramps to find out whether they are open or closed. Boaters must stop at aquatic invasive species inspection stations

BLM has begun restoring access to lands and access areas, contact your local BLM office for restrictions. Read more here .

State officials strongly encourages anglers and boaters to recreate close to home. Please check with the land manager where you are headed for the latest information on access restrictions. Read more here .

Pennsylvania

Access Impacts: Pennsylvania boating facilities, marinas trails, lakes, roads and parking are open. Camping and other activities on state and county parks are being opened in phases and varies by county. These re-openings are in keeping with Governor Wolf’s guidance and direction . Residents traveling to any of the 15 states listed here bust self-quarantine for 14 days upon their return.

Rhode Island

Access Impacts: All state parks opened on May 18. All state beaches are open from June 1 until Labor Day. Visitors must abide by social distancing rules and safe group size. Boat launch sites are open. For a full list of parks that are open or closed, read more here . Visit DEM’s website for a  list of public boat launching sites .

DEM has released guidance for marinas as well as charter boat operations .

South Carolina

Access Impacts: South Carolina State Parks opened on Friday, May 1, on a limited basis.  Group facilities like picnic shelters and community buildings, will remain closed initially. State park Visitor Centers reopened Monday, May 11, with signage, physical indicators and barriers in place to ensure the safety of staff and visitors. All state park retail stores and spaces are open.  Common facilities are available to groups of 50 people or less. For more information, click here .

Governor McMaster issued an Executive Order reopening all public boat ramps and beach access points .  

South Dakota

Access Impacts: South Dakota state park offices are closed, but the parks themselves are open. Public boat launches remain open to the public. For ramp locations and seasonal status, check here .

Access Impacts: All Tennessee state parks and most Park facilities are open. Trails, boat ramps, marinas, golf courses and other outdoor recreation opportunities are open.  Most overnight accommodations are open for groups of 50 people or less. For full details on the park statuses, read more here .

If going to any location to boat or fish, be sure to check with the managing authority to make sure that place is open for recreation. There are several localities and counties that have closed some parks and boat ramps.

For a complete list of boat ramps in Tennessee, click here .

Access Impacts:  Texas State Parks are currently open for day use and limited camping. Masks and face coverings are strongly encouraged in state parks, but not required. Six-foot social distancing is required. No groups larger than ten people are allowed, except for families or people living in the same household. Park pass holders receive a 2 month extension on the park pass due to previous closures. Some boating and fishing access points are closed. Read more here . Day pass and camping reservations are highly recommended - make reservations online or by calling (512) 389-8900.

Cameron County: Cameron County  has closed parks, beaches and beach access points on South Padre Island until 12:01 AM July 13. However, the city of South Padre Island’s beach accesses will remain open. Read more here .

Access Impacts: Utah State Parks and all areas managed by Utah Parks and Recreation are open to visitors. There may be facility closures (such as visitor center) at the park or property, thus it is encouraged to check before arrival.  Boating accesses are open. Read more here .

Access Impacts: Vermont state parks and boating facilities are free and open. State camp sites and park restroom facilities will reopen June 26. Boat rentals will not be available this year. Out of state visitors must meet criteria (arrival from low COVID impact area or quarantine) as laid out on the Vermont parks website. Read more here and  here .

Effective June 8th, Vermonters may travel outside of Vermont to counties across New England and New York that have a similar active COVID-19 caseload to Vermont and return without quarantining if they do so in a personal vehicle.  Similarly, residents of other states who live in counties across New England and New York that have a similar active COVID-19 caseload to Vermont may enter the state for leisure travel without quarantining. The State of Vermont has determined that any county with less than 400 active cases of COVID-19 per one million residents meets these criteria. The Agency will publish an updated map and list each Monday by 5 p.m.  that identifies quarantine and non-quarantine counties throughout New England and New York.   

Access Impacts: Virginia Wildlife Management Area lakes and rivers operated by the Department of Wildlife Resources (formerly Game and Inland Fisheries) are open and boating is allowed. Check with local county and city governments for any additional closures of parks, lakes or piers.  Please find additional statewide guidance here .

Access Impacts: State managed boat ramps and launches, parks, wildlife areas and recreational lands reopened May 5 for local day-use only. State-managed boat launches and marinas also opened May 5 for day use only. No overnight moorage will be allowed. Social distancing guidelines must be followed and only those living in the same household may go boating together. A full list of state parks that have reopened can be found here .

All freshwater fisheries and Puget Sound saltwater fisheries in Marine Areas 5-13 opened under permanent rules on May 5.  Halibut fishing in Marine Areas 5-10 opened starting May 20  on alternating days through June 30.  Coastal saltwater fishing in marine areas 1-3 opened May 26 . Marine area 4 opened on June 20.  Shellfishing opened May 26 in Marine Areas 1-3, with the exception of razor clams. Columbia River crab also opened May 26. Some  Puget Sound shrimp fishing opened May 28 , with additional openings in June. AIS check stations are still active, and WDFW staff are inspecting watercraft for invasive species. Read more here. As of June 3, out of state residents are allowed to purchase fishing licenses.

Please note, many Washington state agency employees have been furloughed. WDFW employees will be furloughed on July 10, 17 and 24 th . Agency activities may be affected.

West Virginia

Access Impacts:  West Virginia day-use park and forest areas, including hiking and biking trails and fishing lakes remain open for public use.  State parks opened Thursday, May 21 during Week 4 of West Virginia’s reopening plan. Visitors are reminded to Leave No Trace by cleaning up their trash, waste and belongings before leaving a park or forest. For more information, click here .

Access Impacts:  Wisconsin state parks have reopened and admission fees are required. Due to some locations have popular demand – there will be capacity limits.  Please make sure to seek out current property information on the website before visiting. Read more here . 

Boating and fishing:

• DNR boat launches are open at open state properties.
• All anglers and recreational boaters should practice social distancing and keep travel to a minimum.
• If individuals can lawfully access Wisconsin’s rivers and lakes, they are free to navigate upon them while engaging in outdoor recreation.

Access Impacts: Wyoming state parks and visitor centers are open and camping is open to out-of-state visitors . The Wyoming Game and Fish Department encourages visitors to follow social distancing guidelines and to avoid congregating with others in parking lots, public access areas and trailheads. Read more here.  

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Explore the Best Lakes in the Adirondacks for Your Boating or Kayaking Trip

What is the best boating location in the Adirondacks? Tough to say with over 3,000 lakes throughout the Park, but we rounded up the best lakes in the Adirondacks for boating or kayaking, according to our Facebook fans . (We also included a few ponds...)

• 4th Lake - "Great for motor boats but not so good sometimes for kayaks!"
• 6th Lake - Great for canoes, kayaks, and sailboats
• 7th Lake  - Great for canoes, kayaks, and sailboats
• Black Pond - Recommended for canoeing
• Blue Mountain Lake  - "Blue Mountain Lake is a nice paddle"
• Cranberry Lake  - "Cranberry Lake to the Oswegatchie River"
• Great Sacandaga Lake  - "The best place in the world!"
• Hinckley Lake (Reservoir) - Great for motorboats and fishing
• Lake Champlain  - "Tops them all!"
• Lake George  - "North end of LG" "In the Narrows"

• Loon Lake - "Loon Lake in Chestertown is nice"
• Lower St. Regis Lake  - "Hands down, St. Regis Canoe Area"
• Meacham Lake  - "I like Meacham. Not busy at all. Very shallow launch though."
• Moose Pond - "Moose Pond! Remote, beautiful, and no motor craft allowed."
• Nicks Lake - "Nicks Lake, Old Forge. The Best!" "My favorite lake...no motors in it"
• Paradox Lake  - "No motors!"
• Saranac Lake (Upper and Lower) - "It also connects to Fish Creek and many other quiet bodies of water nearby."

Check out our slideshow of some of the most popular boating locations in the Adirondacks! Below the slideshow, we've included even more lakes and ponds that were recommended.

Schroon Lake

Photo by: Mark Piper, Schroon Lake B&B

Lake George

Lake Placid

Lake Champlain

Great Sacandaga Lake

Raquette Lake

Upper / Lower Saranac Lake

Fourth Lake

Seventh Lake

Blue Mountain Lake

Cranberry Lake

Limekiln Lake

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Speed Boating Lakes in PA

Forget smooth rides and tranquil waters: some travelers have the need for speed — and rapids! Don’t get us wrong, we love a good picnic and can’t resist the chance to cast a fishing line, but adrenaline wins every so often. This summer, practice your water skiing, hold onto your inner tube, and kick it up a notch at some of the best boating lakes in PA just made for powerboating.

Don’t forget to have your boat registered with the PA Fish & Boat Commission . Out-of-state friends need not worry, it is legal to operate a boat registered in another state on Pennsylvania waters.

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1. SHENANGO RIVER LAKE

Maximum Lake Speed: unlimited in portions

Shenango River Lake , one of the best boating lakes near Cleveland, has six boat launch ramps located around the reservoir — an 11-mile-long stretch of water that accommodates powerboats of unlimited horsepower. Feed your need for an adrenaline rush when you try your hand at wakeboarding, water skiing, knee boarding, tubing, wake surfing, air chair, or wakeskating!

2. CURWENSVILLE LAKE

Maximum Lake Speed: no horsepower limitations

You’ll find Curwensville Lake in the Pennsylvania Wilds, but you won’t find any limits on horsepower. At the 790-acre lake, children 12 years of age or younger are required to wear a life jacket when underway on a boat that is 20' or less. Watercraft operators, passengers, sailboarders, water skiers or anyone being towed behind a boat must also wear a life jacket.

3. LAKE AUGUSTA

Located at the confluence of the west and north branches of the Susquehanna River, the 3,060-acre Lake Augusta is formed by the world’s largest inflatable dam. When the dam is raised in the summer, the real fun begins! The dam raises the water level at least eight feet and creates four miles of unhindered boating.

4. LAKE WALLENPAUPACK

Maximum Lake Speed: 45 miles per hour | no horsepower limitations

Speed and size — Lake Wallenpaupack in the Pocono Mountains is a massive 5,700 acres, 13 miles long, with 52 miles of shoreline, and 60 feet deep at its maximum depth. Jet skiing, wakeboarding, and water skiing are all up for grabs on these waters, so hold on tight!

5. RAYSTOWN LAKE

Maximum Lake Speed: no speed or horsepower limitations

Forget about the rules, because there are no horsepower or size restrictions for boats on Raystown Lake in The Alleghenies. This motor boating lake near Penn State features 110 miles of underdeveloped shoreline as most summer homes weren’t built on the water. The shore is lined with trees, making for a unique scene while you cruise by on one of the most boat friendly lakes PA has to offer. Operated by the Army Corp of Engineers, Raystown is up to 200 feet deep.

6. BELTZVILLE LAKE

Maximum Lake Speed: 45 miles per hour

With a 19.8-mile shoreline and nearly 1,000 acres of open water, Beltzville Lake in the Pocono Mountains is the centerpiece of the state park and a hotbed of H2O happiness. Along the northern shore of the lake, visitors can use the three-lane boat launching ramp and dock. Boats are permitted to ride up to 45 miles per hour, so hold on tight — you’ll have plenty of room for waterskiing or tubing!

To learn more about lake vacations, check out the VISIT PA website . Follow us on Facebook , X , Pinterest , YouTube , TikTok , and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter so you never miss an update!

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