Our Favorite Lakes In The Catskills And Why We Love Them
Tucked into the hills of the Catskills are some of our favorite places to cool off, unwind, and spend a lazy summer afternoon. Whether you’re in the mood for a swim, a peaceful paddle, or just a quiet spot to sit and take it all in, the lakes around here always deliver. We’ve got a few go-tos-CD Lane Park, Colgate Lake, and North-South Lake—each with its own vibe and reasons we keep going back.
Serene nature and late afternoon light at CD Lane Park
1. CD Lane Park: A Local Gem
Just down the road from Hensonville, CD Lane Park is a quiet, lesser-known lake that’s perfect for a spontaneous swim or paddle. With a grassy beach, picnic tables, and a small dock, it's ideal for families or anyone looking to relax without a crowd.
Why we love it:
CD Lane feels like a local secret. It’s rarely busy, the water is cool and clear, and the mountain backdrop makes it feel like your own private slice of nature. It’s also one of the best places to watch the light change in the early evening-peaceful, soft, and completely still.
2. Colgate Lake: Wild, Quiet, and Untouched
Nestled up a winding dirt road, Colgate Lake is raw and rugged in the best way. There's no development here-just a wild lake surrounded by forest and the Catskill High Peaks. It’s great for swimming, fishing, paddling, or walking along the shore.
Why we love it:
Colgate Lake feels like you’ve stumbled into something timeless. There are no lifeguards, snack bars, or souvenir stands-just trees, water, and sky. It’s our go-to spot for peaceful solitude or an early morning canoe ride. If you're lucky, you’ll see fog hanging low over the lake before the sun burns it off.
There’s a rugged quietness to Colgate Lake
3. North-South Lake: Iconic and Expansive
This is the Catskills’ most famous lake-and for good reason. North-South Lake is a state park with campgrounds, hiking trails, boat rentals, and plenty of space for swimming or lounging. It’s surrounded by cliffs and forests and is just a short hike away from legendary views like Artist’s Rock, Sunset Rock, and the former site of the Catskill Mountain House.
Why we love it:
North-South Lake offers that classic Catskills feeling. It’s great for families, history lovers, and hikers alike. Whether you're taking a dip after a long trail or just enjoying a picnic at one of the many scenic spots, it always feels like a big exhale.
Final Thoughts
What we love most about these lakes is that they each offer something different: CD Lane for calm and convenience, Colgate for nature at its most untouched, and North-South for its sweeping grandeur and accessibility. They’re all part of what makes the Catskills so magical-a mix of quiet places and big views, of stillness and adventure.
We hope you find time to visit them, whether for a swim, a paddle, or just a moment of stillness on the shore.