Top 7 Lakes in Clinton County

Clinton County's lakes offer diverse natural features. For instance, Silver Lake Preserve was formed thousands of years ago by glacial activity. The lakes within Clinton Lakes County Park are surrounded by over 5 miles of hiking trails and a unique native prairie, providing habitat for grassland birds and monarch butterflies. Chazy Lake is nestled between Lyon Mountain and Ellenburg, offering spectacular scenic views.

Several lakes in Clinton County are great for families. Point Au Roche State Park on Lake Champlain features a sandy beach, picnic facilities, and opportunities for boating and fishing. Clinton Lakes County Park offers a beachfront, a gently sloped swim area, and picnic areas. Sleepy Hollow State Park also has a swimming beach and a modern campground, making it ideal for longer family stays.

Yes, Clinton County offers excellent fishing opportunities. Clinton Lakes County Park is known for outstanding shore and paddlecraft fishing, with species like yellow perch, walleye, rainbow trout, crappie, and largemouth bass. Muskrat Lake, Ovid Lake, and Park Lake are also popular for anglers, offering a variety of fish including black crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, and northern pike. Ovid Lake is particularly noted for muskie.

Beyond water sports, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. Sleepy Hollow State Park offers hiking and horseback riding trails, and even snow skiing in winter. Clinton Lakes County Park has over 5 miles of hiking trails. For more structured routes, you can explore easy hikes in Clinton County, including the Lake Champlain Long Point Trail or the Silver Lake Bog Preserve Trail. There are also options for road cycling routes and gravel biking.

Yes, Valcour Island Primitive Area, located in Lake Champlain, is a significant historical site. This almost 1,000-acre island was the site of the Battle of Valcour Island between the British and United States naval forces during the Revolutionary War. It features several miles of hiking trails.

Clinton Lakes County Park is ideal for quiet water recreation. To protect the lakes from invasive species, only carry-in boats are permitted, and no gasoline motors are allowed, ensuring a peaceful experience for paddlecraft. Chazy Lake also offers excellent waters for a variety of year-round watersports, including paddling.

Amenities vary by location. Clinton Lakes County Park provides a beachfront, gently sloped swim area, picnic areas, and vault toilet facilities. Sleepy Hollow State Park offers extensive amenities, including a modern campground with 181 sites, a swimming beach, and boat rentals. Point Au Roche State Park has a sandy beach, picnic facilities, and 60 mooring sites in Deep Bay.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and enjoying the natural scenery, with fall foliage being particularly beautiful around lakes like Chazy Lake. Some parks, like Sleepy Hollow State Park, also offer winter activities such as snow skiing.

Yes, many lakes offer hiking opportunities. Clinton Lakes County Park features over 5 miles of hiking trails. Valcour Island Primitive Area has several miles of hiking trails across the island. For specific routes, you can explore options like the Silver Lake Bog Preserve Trail or the Middle Point Trail.

Chazy Lake is known for its spectacular scenic views, nestled between Lyon Mountain and Ellenburg. Silver Lake Preserve offers picturesque shores and routes. Clinton Lakes County Park provides opportunities for nature watching, especially with its native prairie habitat for grassland birds and monarch butterflies.

Yes, Sleepy Hollow State Park offers a modern campground with 181 sites, providing a convenient option for visitors looking to stay overnight near the lake and its amenities.