The Top 20 Lakes in Maryland
Looking to visit the best lakes in Maryland? After all, there’s nothing better than the serenity of the lakeshore — or a quick dip when the weather’s warm. So, browse our list of Maryland’s top lakes below as recommended by the komoot community, and experience more on your next adventure!
Last updated: November 13, 2025
Little Seneca Lake
Highlight • Lake
Little Seneca Lake is a 505-acre reservoir in Montgomery County, Maryland. Created in 1984 as an emergency water supply for the Washington, D.C. area, it also serves as a popular …
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Lake Needwood Southeast Shore
Highlight • Lake
Lake Needwood is a beautiful 75-acre lake at the start of the Rock Creek Trail. The lake is popular with boaters, swimmers and fishermen. It is a great place for …
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Brighton Dam and Triadelphia Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Built in 1943, Brighton Dam allowed the formation of Triadelphia Reservoir. The lake holds an incredible amount of water – 6.3 billion gallons to be precise!
Around the dam and …
Around the dam and …
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Loch Raven Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Loch Raven is a beautiful reservoir that provides drinking water to Baltimore. Big Gunpowder Falls River feeds into the lake, which was built in 1881. There are lots of hiking trails around the reservoir.
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Just off the trail here, directly off the bridge over the canal(Beige metal building to the left of the ducks), is C&O Bicycles. they're a full service bike shop AND …
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Clopper Lake Shore Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
The Lake Shore Trail offers an easy, scenic route with stunning views of Clopper Lake. As you walk, you'll enjoy panoramic lake vistas, peaceful surroundings, and shaded woodlands along the way.
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Loch Raven Wildlife Area
Highlight • Forest
Loch Raven Wildlife Area is home to many species of birds, insects, amphibians, and mammals. You can explore the edges of Loch Raven Reservoir and its surrounding forests on a …
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Lake Artemesia
Highlight • Lake
Lake Artemesia is a man-made lake, spanning 38 acres and surrounded by Lake Artemesia Park. The lake and the park are named after Artemesia N. Drefs, who in 1972 donated …
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To Lake Bernard Frank
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
A gentle climb from the Rock Creek Trail up to Lake Bernard Frank. Well paved trail suitable for all riders.
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Lake Needwood
Highlight • Lake
This lake was formed in 1965 by damming Rock Creek. The purpose was to control floods and reduce soil erosion. You can rent pedal boats, rowboats, and canoes here. There …
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Lake Elkhorn
Highlight • Lake
At 37 acres in size, Lake Elkhorn is the 3rd largest lake in Columbia and features a number of paths and trails near its banks. The main loop around the …
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