Top 7 Lakes around Stonefort

The lakes near Stonefort offer a variety of activities. You can enjoy fishing for species like bass, crappie, and catfish at lakes such as Glen O. Jones Lake, Sahara Woods Lake, and Dutchman Lake. Boating, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular, often with 10 horsepower motor limits. Many areas also feature hiking trails, picnicking spots, and opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. Lake Glendale Recreation Area is known for swimming at its clear-water beach.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Glen O. Jones Lake offers a children's play area, picnicking, and easy access for fishing and non-motorized boating. Lake Glendale Recreation Area is ideal for swimming with its clear water and beach. Additionally, highlights like View of Lough Erne from Cliffs of Magho and Boa Island Road are noted as family-friendly viewpoints with scenic lake vistas.

Many lakes offer hiking opportunities. Glen O. Jones Lake has approximately 9 miles of hiking trails. Dutchman Lake, located within the Shawnee National Forest, provides peaceful walks. For more extensive hiking, you can explore routes like the easy 'Rossergole Point Walk' or the moderate 'Meenameen Lough – Old Man's Head loop from Braade'. You can find more hiking options in the Hiking around Stonefort guide.

Excellent fishing opportunities abound. Glen O. Jones Lake is popular for largemouth bass, black crappie, channel catfish, bluegill, and redear sunfish. Sahara Woods Lake also offers great fishing for bass, crappie, bluegill, redear, and channel catfish. Dutchman Lake is known for bass, catfish, and panfish. For private fishing, Little Lusk Campground boasts four well-stocked lakes with bass and catfish for its guests.

Yes, several lakes accommodate boating. Glen O. Jones Lake, Sahara Woods Lake, and Dutchman Lake all permit boating with a 10 horsepower motor limit, making them suitable for smaller boats, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. Sahara Woods Lake also has a handicap-accessible boat ramp. Lake Glendale Recreation Area is also a good spot for kayaking.

Camping options are available. Glen O. Jones Lake offers primitive camping. Dutchman Lake, within the Shawnee National Forest, allows for dispersed camping. Lake Glendale Recreation Area features good campgrounds. Additionally, Little Lusk Campground in Stonefort provides RV hookups and other amenities for campers, with private lakes on-site.

The region's lakes offer diverse natural features. Sahara Woods State Park is a notable example of successful land reclamation, transforming former coal mine land into a natural paradise. Glen O. Jones Lake is surrounded by tree-lined areas and features a life-size bronze statue of Shawnee Chief Tecumseh. Dutchman Lake is nestled within the forested terrain of the Shawnee National Forest, providing tranquil lake views. The Meenameen Lough sits within the peaceful Lough Navar Forest.

While specific seasonal recommendations vary by activity, the fall is particularly beautiful around Glen O. Jones Lake, offering a peaceful retreat amidst colorful foliage. Generally, spring and fall provide pleasant weather for hiking, fishing, and exploring, while summer is ideal for swimming and water sports at places like Lake Glendale.

Yes, the area around Stonefort offers cycling opportunities. You can find routes such as the 'Boa Island loop from Belleek' or the 'Boa Island Road loop from Kesh'. These routes provide scenic views, often including lake vistas. More cycling options are available in the Cycling around Stonefort guide.

Visitors appreciate the diverse outdoor activities, from serene fishing and boating to hiking and wildlife spotting. The scenic beauty, especially in areas like Glen O. Jones Lake and Lake Glendale, is highly valued. The komoot community has shared 11 photos and given 7 upvotes, highlighting the picturesque views and peaceful atmosphere of the lakes and viewpoints like View from the Cliffs of Magho.

Sahara Woods Lake in Sahara Woods State Park features a handicap-accessible boat ramp, making it easier for visitors with mobility challenges to enjoy boating and fishing. While specific details for all lakes are not available, this provides an accessible option for water activities.

Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. Glen O. Jones Lake offers designated picnicking areas with tables and fireplaces. The shores of many lakes, including Carrick Lough, also make for wonderful picnic spots, especially during a bike trip or a leisurely day out.