12 Hidden New York Lakes Only Locals Know How To Find

New York is famous for its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, but beyond the concrete jungle lie secret water havens that most tourists never discover.

Tucked away in forests, mountains, and countryside, these hidden lakes offer peaceful escapes where you can swim, fish, and reconnect with nature. Only those who know the backroads and whispered directions from locals can find these magical spots.

1. Moss Lake (Eagle Bay)

Nestled deep in the Adirondack wilderness, Moss Lake rewards adventurous souls willing to navigate winding backroads most GPS systems have never heard of. The crystal-clear water reflects towering pines like a natural mirror, creating photo opportunities that will make your friends incredibly jealous.

Local fishermen guard this spot like a state secret because brook trout practically jump into your boat here. Bring a canoe or kayak since motorboats aren’t allowed, making the lake whisper-quiet except for loon calls echoing across the water. Pack a lunch and claim a sunny rock along the shore for an afternoon you’ll never forget.

2. Limekiln Lake (Inlet)

This gem hides in plain sight near the tiny hamlet of Inlet, where locals have been camping along its shores for generations. Limekiln Lake offers rustic campsites that feel like stepping back to simpler times, complete with fire pits and stars so bright they look fake.

The lake stretches over four hundred acres, providing plenty of room to explore without bumping into crowds. Paddle to the far end where beaver lodges dot the marshy areas, or cast a line for smallmouth bass that put up a serious fight. Getting here requires following unmarked roads that twist through forest so thick you’ll question your navigation skills.

3. Hemlock Lake (Hemlock)

Want to visit a lake so protected that swimming, boating, and even wading are completely forbidden? Hemlock Lake serves as Rochester’s drinking water, making it one of the cleanest and most untouched bodies of water in the entire state.

You can hike or bike the surrounding trails that offer stunning views of this pristine water, but don’t even think about dipping a toe in unless you enjoy hefty fines. The lack of human activity means wildlife thrives here—expect to spot bald eagles, deer, and maybe even a black bear if you’re lucky. Finding the access points requires local knowledge since signs are deliberately minimal to discourage crowds.

4. Canadice Lake (Springwater)

As the smallest and shallowest Finger Lake, Canadice gets overlooked by tourists racing toward its famous siblings like Seneca and Cayuga. Big mistake on their part because this quiet beauty offers solitude that’s nearly impossible to find elsewhere in the region.

No public boat launch exists here, and the entire western shore remains undeveloped watershed land, creating an almost eerie sense of wilderness just miles from civilization. Locals access secret fishing spots along the eastern shore where panfish and bass make every cast worthwhile. The surrounding hills blaze with color each autumn, turning the lake into a painting that belongs in a museum rather than real life.

5. Green Lake (Fayetteville)

This lake earned its name honestly—the water glows an otherworldly turquoise shade thanks to dissolved limestone and unique chemical properties found nowhere else in New York. Scientists call it a meromictic lake, meaning the water layers never mix, creating a biological time capsule in the depths below.

Swimming is prohibited to protect this natural wonder, but trails circle the shoreline offering constant views of water so vibrant it looks Photoshopped. Locals know the best times to visit are early mornings when mist rises off the surface like something from a fairy tale. The neighboring Round Lake provides a bonus destination, making this hidden gem actually a two-for-one deal.

6. Lake Skannatati (Southfields)

Tucked inside sprawling Harriman State Park, Lake Skannatati remains surprisingly unknown despite sitting just an hour from New York City. The name comes from a Native American word meaning beautiful or peaceful, and one look at these waters proves the name fits perfectly.

Rocky outcrops jut into the lake creating natural diving platforms that local teenagers have claimed as their summer headquarters for decades. The Appalachian Trail crosses nearby, but most through-hikers march past without realizing this swimming paradise exists just off the path. Park at the small lot off Seven Lakes Drive and follow the short trail that winds through mountain laurel to reach the shore where you’ll understand why locals keep this spot quiet.

7. Mongaup Pond (Livingston Manor)

Despite being called a pond, Mongaup stretches over a hundred acres and offers some of the best wilderness camping in the Catskills. Getting here means navigating a maze of gravel roads that seem to lead nowhere until suddenly you’re staring at pristine water ringed by mountains.

The campground fills quickly on summer weekends with families who’ve been returning to the same sites for generations, passing down fishing secrets like family heirlooms. Rent a rowboat from the small beach area or bring your own non-motorized craft to explore hidden coves where herons hunt in the shallows. Cell service is nonexistent here, which locals consider a feature rather than a bug.

8. Stillwater Reservoir (Stillwater)

This massive reservoir sprawls across over six thousand acres of some of the most remote country in New York, accessible only by logging roads that would challenge most SUVs. The journey to reach it separates casual visitors from serious adventurers who appreciate true wilderness.

Once you arrive, the lack of development becomes immediately apparent—no marinas, no restaurants, no gift shops selling overpriced souvenirs. Just endless water dotted with islands begging to be explored and fish populations that thrive without constant pressure. Locals launch boats at the primitive ramp and disappear for days, camping on islands and living like explorers from another century. Bring everything you need because the nearest store sits about an hour away down roads that barely qualify as roads.

9. Loon Lake (Chestertown)

Named for the haunting bird calls that echo across the water at dawn and dusk, Loon Lake offers a slice of Adirondack paradise without the crowds that plague more famous destinations. The crystal-clear water stays cold even in August, fed by mountain streams that taste like bottled water but better.

A small public beach exists for those in the know, but most of the shoreline remains privately owned by families who’ve summered here since before smartphones existed. Kayakers find endless entertainment exploring the irregular coastline with its hidden inlets and rocky points. The fishing is legendary among locals who pull trophy-sized lake trout from the depths using techniques their grandparents taught them decades ago.

10. Echo Lake (Woodstock/Phoenicia)

This tiny mountain lake sits high in the Catskills, accessible only by a steep trail that discourages anyone not serious about their nature fix. The hike takes about an hour of steady climbing, but reaching the top feels like discovering a secret the mountains have been keeping for centuries.

Surrounded by cliffs and dense forest, Echo Lake lives up to its name—shout across the water and hear your voice bounce back with startling clarity. Swimming here requires bravery since the water stays icy cold year-round, fed by underground springs that never warm up. Local hikers often have the place entirely to themselves on weekdays, making it perfect for those who prefer solitude over social media opportunities.

11. Pharaoh Lake (Schroon Lake)

Hidden deep in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area, this destination demands commitment from anyone hoping to reach its shores. The shortest trail requires hiking over five miles through rugged Adirondack terrain that separates tourists from true outdoor enthusiasts.

Primitive campsites dot the shoreline, each offering front-row seats to sunsets that paint the water orange and pink in ways that defy description. The lake supports healthy populations of brook trout and lake trout, rewarding patient anglers who make the trek with gear on their backs. No motors are allowed, so the only sounds come from wind in the pines, waves lapping the shore, and maybe your own heartbeat after climbing the final hill to the water’s edge.

12. Hinckley Reservoir (Hinckley/Remsen)

Created nearly a century ago by damming the West Canada Creek, Hinckley Reservoir remains surprisingly unknown despite offering over three thousand acres of water to explore. The irregular shoreline creates countless bays and coves where you can spend entire days without seeing another soul.

Ice fishing enthusiasts consider this their winter headquarters, drilling holes through two feet of ice to catch walleye and northern pike that grow to impressive sizes. Summer brings boaters who cruise the open water while keeping an eye out for the resident bald eagles that nest along the northern shore. Finding the best access points requires either a good map or a friendly conversation with locals at the nearby general store who might share their secrets if you ask nicely.