Top 13 Lakes around South Burlington
Best lakes around South Burlington provide access to diverse aquatic environments. South Burlington, Vermont, offers proximity to Lake Champlain, a large freshwater lake, alongside smaller bodies of water like Lake Iroquois and Shelburne Pond. These lakes are situated between the Green Mountains of Vermont and the Adirondack Mountains of New York, offering varied natural landscapes. The region provides opportunities for water sports, hiking, and wildlife observation.
Best lakes around South Burlington
- The most popular spot is Lake Champlain bike ferry crossing, a facility that helps connect the interrupted track across the lake. This spot is a useful crossing point for cyclists during summer.
- Another must-see spot is Waterfront Park, a viewpoint on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. This public park offers views of the lake and the Adirondack Mountains.
- Visitors also love Delta Park, a park right on the water. It is accessible via the Island Line Trail and provides picnic areas.
- South Burlington is known for large freshwater lakes, smaller recreational lakes, and undeveloped ponds. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from vast Lake Champlain to the more secluded Shelburne Pond.
- The lakes around South Burlington are appreciated by the komoot community, with 19 upvotes and 5 photos shared.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
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Lake Champlain bike ferry crossing
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Delta Park
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Burlington Greenway
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Tips from the Community
Waterfront Park in Burlington, Vermont, is a scenic public park on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. Known for its breathtaking views of the lake and the Adirondack Mountains, the park offers open green spaces, walking paths, and access to the Burlington Bike Path, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities like cycling, walking, and picnicking. The park also hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival and the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival.
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Delta Park is a pretty, unique park that is right on the water and accessible via the Island Line Trail (Burlington Bike Path), a popular multi-use trail. There are picnic tables where you can relax and explore the entire peninsula and delta.
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The Burlington Greenway Path has undergone a stunning transformation, and these Barre granite steps are a beautiful addition to the rehabilitation of the city's trail system. These steps not only provide easy access to the water, but also serve as a popular spot to take a break and enjoy the breathtaking scenery up close.
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Here you can really relax and unwind. Relaxed walking and also easily accessible for wheelchair users.
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Good atmosphere. In summer you can relax on the lawn.
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Waterfront Park in Burlington, Vermont, sits on the shores of Lake Champlain with a happy, friendly atmosphere and pleasant views of Lake Champlain and the surrounding area.
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The Burlington Greenway is a scenic recreational path in Vermont, USA, spanning 7.6 miles along Lake Champlain. It offers stunning views, walking, biking, and outdoor activities for residents and visitors.
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This is a wonderful spot to visit, however it is possible that the ferry is not operating as it was the case for me in july 2023. If you are planning to cross on the other side during your tour, you will need to loop around the bay (through Niquette Bay and Coalchester) , which represents an extra 15km approximately
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I explore near South Burlington?
Near South Burlington, you can explore a variety of lakes, from the vast freshwater expanse of Lake Champlain to the family-friendly Lake Iroquois, and the pristine, undeveloped Shelburne Pond. Each offers distinct natural landscapes and recreational opportunities.
What are the best lakes for water sports near South Burlington?
Lake Champlain is ideal for diverse water sports, including swimming, fishing, paddling (kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding), and various forms of boating. Lake Iroquois also offers popular options for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and waterskiing.
Are there any family-friendly lakes around South Burlington?
Yes, Lake Iroquois is particularly family-friendly, featuring a public beach with swimming, picnicking, and playground equipment. Along Lake Champlain, Blanchard Beach near Oakledge Park is a stunning sandy beach with amenities like restrooms and picnic pavilions, perfect for families.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around South Burlington?
The lakes are popular year-round. Summer is ideal for swimming, boating, and hiking. In winter, when the lakes freeze, activities like ice fishing, skating, and cross-country skiing become popular, especially at Lake Iroquois.
Can I find quiet, natural areas around the lakes near South Burlington?
Shelburne Pond is known for its pristine natural environment. It is the largest undeveloped body of water in the Champlain Valley, surrounded by swamps, marshes, and rich woods, making it excellent for tranquil paddling, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Are there good places for hiking and walking along the lakes?
Yes, the Burlington Greenway (Bike Path) offers a scenic route along Lake Champlain for walking and biking. Red Rocks Park provides trails with views of Lake Champlain. Lake Iroquois has walking trails in a 380-acre forested parcel, and Shelburne Pond features trails through forests and along the shoreline.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?
Shelburne Pond is particularly rich in wildlife, supporting unusual plants, ephemeral spring wildflowers, and various bird species due to its undeveloped character. Lake Champlain also hosts diverse birdlife and is known for its fishing, indicating a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
Are there any specific viewpoints or parks to enjoy the lake scenery?
Absolutely. Waterfront Park on Lake Champlain offers breathtaking views of the lake and the Adirondack Mountains. Red Rocks Park in South Burlington also provides scenic views of Lake Champlain. Delta Park, accessible via the Island Line Trail, is another unique spot right on the water.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes besides water sports?
Beyond water sports, you can enjoy extensive cycling along the Burlington Greenway, with routes like the easy "Colchester/Burlington bridge – Burlington Greenway loop" available. There are also numerous running trails, such as the "Red Rocks Park loop," and mountain biking opportunities, including routes in the "MTB Trails around South Burlington" guide. You can find more details on these activities in the respective guides: Cycling around South Burlington, Running Trails around South Burlington, and MTB Trails around South Burlington.
Are there any accessible paths or facilities around the lakes?
The Burlington Greenway (Bike Path) along Lake Champlain is a paved path offering easy access to various points along the lake. Parks like Waterfront Park and Delta Park often feature open green spaces and walking paths suitable for many visitors. The Granite Steps on the Burlington Greenway also provide easy access to the water.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes near South Burlington?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning scenery, especially the spectacular sunsets over Lake Champlain against the Adirondacks. The diverse recreational opportunities, from active water sports to tranquil nature walks, and the family-friendly amenities at places like Lake Iroquois and Blanchard Beach, are also highly appreciated.
Can I go fishing in the lakes around South Burlington?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Lake Champlain is renowned for its fishing, with species like smallmouth bass, brown trout, lake trout, northern pike, and yellow perch. Lake Iroquois and Shelburne Pond also offer good fishing opportunities, with anglers finding various species.
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