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00:00 For this list, we're looking at lakes across America that are ideal for a dip, among other
00:28 activities.
00:33 In addition to its 76-mile shoreline, this lake is distinguished by the surrounding mountain
00:37 ranges.
00:38 The Great Smoky Mountains reign up north, the Unicoin Mountains lie down west, and the
00:42 Chio Mountains rest to the east.
00:44 Heading about a mile away from the town of Lake Santilla, you'll find Chio Point Recreation
00:49 Area.
00:50 Under the US Forest Service's protection, this little piece of paradise has been carved
00:54 out for camping, fishing, and of course, swimming.
00:57 The soothing blue waters paired with the tranquil green backdrops make for one of the most relaxing
01:01 swims in North Carolina.
01:03 After drying off, why not follow up your swim with an atmospheric hike through the Joyce
01:07 Kilmer Memorial Forest?
01:12 One of Idaho's most charming tourist attractions, Priest Lake stretches 90 miles long and more
01:17 than 300 miles deep.
01:18 300 miles from the US-Canadian border is Priest Lake State Park.
01:23 Located on the eastern coast, this park was made for swimming and much more.
01:27 The lake also calls out to motorboats, kayaks and paddleboards, guaranteeing a fun day on
01:31 the water.
01:32 The neighbouring Selkirk Mountains will only amplify your thirst to hit the lake.
01:37 After a stimulating water expedition, nothing is more satisfying than plopping down on the
01:41 sandy shore and napping until the sun goes down.
01:44 If you're up for a challenge, 54-year-old Ned Hastings swam from Upper Priest Lake's
01:49 navigational campground to the Coolum Beach in 14 hours.
01:53 Can you top that?
01:55 The Ozarks have no shortage of alluring lakes, although few are as unique as Table Rock.
02:02 This artificial lake derived from the Table Rock Dam, which was constructed in the 1950s
02:07 to manage floods on the White River.
02:09 Covering 43,100 acres, Table Rock Lake extends into northwestern Arkansas, but it primarily
02:15 attracts swimmers and campers from Branson, Missouri.
02:19 For many Branson locals, the lake is only several minutes away.
02:22 Who needs a pool when you have a lake practically in your backyard, right?
02:26 While visitors are treated to vibrant views above the surface, there's much to see below
02:30 the water as well.
02:32 Duck Island and Zebulon Pike are among the most fascinating scuba diving locations with
02:36 sea life and sunken boats waiting to be discovered.
02:40 Lake Martin, Alabama.
02:42 Lake Martin also formed thanks to a dam's construction.
02:45 When it came into being during the 1920s, Martin was the largest artificial lake on
02:50 the planet.
02:51 Although that record has since been surpassed, it's still the biggest lake of its kind
02:55 in Alabama, covering more than 40,000 acres.
02:59 As such, there's plenty of water for swimming, boating and paddling.
03:03 The lake encompasses several islands tailor-made for adventure.
03:06 Acapulco Rock Island by Tallapoosa River Gorge may be the most thrilling spot with cliff
03:10 divers plunging into the waters below.
03:13 While Lake Martin has a wide variety of sea life, it's most notably home to several
03:17 eagle nests.
03:18 It doesn't get more majestic than seeing an eagle land by the dock as you float in
03:22 the water.
03:23 Flathead Lake, Montana.
03:25 You won't find a larger natural lake in northwest Montana than Flathead.
03:29 In terms of surface area, it's also the biggest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi
03:34 River.
03:35 Flathead's legacy is tied to Lake Missoula, a prehistoric body of water formed towards
03:39 the end of the Ice Age.
03:41 A product of this pro-glacial lake, we wouldn't advise swimming in Flathead during the winter.
03:46 In June and August, though, there isn't a better place for locals and tourists to
03:49 cool off.
03:51 Wild Horse Island is not only a splendid spot for swimming, but also for observing wildlife
03:55 like birds, bighorn sheep and more eagles.
03:58 Speaking of wildlife, legend claims that a monster lurks in Flathead Lake.
04:03 For venturesome swimmers, though, that should only heighten your curiosity.
04:07 Lake George, New York.
04:08 When people think about bodies of water in New York, the Hudson River usually comes to
04:12 mind.
04:13 If Flathead is great for observation, we'd suggest visiting Lake George to get your laps
04:17 in.
04:18 Lake George possesses an old-fashioned sentiment that'll take you back to a simpler time,
04:22 whether you're lying on your back in the water or looking out from aboard a steamboat.
04:27 There are several sandy locales where the whole family can frolic, including Shepherds
04:31 Park Beach, Dog Beach and Million Dollar Beach.
04:34 Don't worry, that last one won't cost you a fortune, although the scenery is priceless.
04:39 Of course, if you do have some cash to burn, the Sagamore Resort provides one of the most
04:43 polished waterside views in the Northeast.
04:46 Lake Erie, Ohio.
04:48 The first of the North American Great Lakes to appear on this list, Erie also touches
04:53 upon Michigan, Pennsylvania and New York, not to mention Ontario.
04:57 As far as swimming goes, however, we'd argue that Ohio captures Lake Erie at its most nuanced.
05:02 There's a section of the lake that can appeal to everyone.
05:05 Kelly's Island will bring out your inner explorer, while also providing a laid-back
05:09 ambience.
05:10 Fort Clinton has been called the "Walleye Capital" of the world, in case you want
05:14 to get some fishing in with your swim.
05:16 The Battle of Lake Erie took place near Put-in-Bay, a nostalgic village that treats tourists like
05:21 family.
05:22 The highlight is arguably the mile-long White Sand Beach, alongside Cedar Point Amusement
05:26 Park.
05:28 Lake Powell, Arizona.
05:29 Living in Arizona, you need a refreshing spot to escape the heat.
05:33 While the extreme weather can be more than some can handle, it does have its advantages.
05:38 We don't know about you, but few things are more unnerving than jumping into a freezing
05:42 lake.
05:43 You are unlikely to have this problem, however, with Lake Powell.
05:45 The water is at its warmest during July, with an average temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
05:50 This is when swimmers venture to the Chains at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
05:56 The temperature is complemented by the natural scenery, which possesses the splendour of
05:59 a perpetual sunset.
06:01 When temperatures drop to 41 degrees Fahrenheit in January, trade in your kayak for hiking
06:06 boots and see the other wonders Lake Powell has to offer.
06:09 Lake Michigan, Wisconsin.
06:11 The largest body of water on our list, Lake Michigan has a few states in common, including
06:16 Illinois, Indiana and, well, Michigan.
06:19 While those three also have prime swimming spots, Lake Michigan has perhaps done the
06:23 most for Wisconsin's tourism, particularly Door Country.
06:26 As a matter of fact, one of Door Country's most notable residents was Katherine Whitney
06:30 Curtis, who pioneered synchronised swimming.
06:33 So, clearly something in those Wisconsin waters inspired her.
06:36 Lake Michigan has certainly inspired us with remote areas like Karnat Island, providing
06:41 the perfect backdrop for reflection.
06:43 Lake Michigan has certainly inspired us with remote areas like Karnat Island, providing
06:47 the perfect backdrop for reflection.
06:50 The Green Bay shoreline also offers a wide assortment of peaceful swimming spots, with
06:53 green treetops and crystal waters for miles.
06:56 Just remember to wait an hour before swimming and eating that famous Wisconsin cheese.
07:01 Creta Lake, Oregon.
07:03 Unlike our other entries, there's only one place at Creta Lake where you can legally
07:07 and safely swim; Cleetwood Cove Trail.
07:09 There's also a limited time to visit, as Cleetwood is typically only open from mid-June
07:14 to late October.
07:15 While that's not especially convenient, Creta Lake is like an exclusive five-star
07:20 restaurant.
07:21 Getting a reservation may take some patience and perseverance, but once you sink your teeth
07:25 into the food, it's all worth it.
07:27 Likewise, Creta Lake rewards its visitors with drop-dead gorgeous panoramic views of
07:31 the deep blue water and surrounding hill.
07:33 Sure, you can observe this from a hiking trail, but looking out from water is an experience
07:38 that can't be topped.
07:39 It's the most personal view that Creta Lake has to offer.
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