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This 219-acre reservoir on the Martins Fork River is located in Harlan County, Kentucky, near the state's border with Virginia. Boating at a reduced speed is permitted, but Cranks Creek is most popular for fishing in the calm waters, where you'll find everything from rainbow trout to bluegill and largemouth bass.

There are plenty of reasons to visit Olympic National Park: the Hoh rain forest, a stretch of craggy Pacific coastline, and peaceful Lake Crescent. The entire lake is located inside the national park, and it's known for its exceptionally turquoise, translucent water. There are a handful of family-friendly trails around the lake such as The Spruce Railroad Trail and Pyramid Mountain Trail. If you visit during the summer months, make sure to visit Marymere Falls or jump in Devils Punch Bowl.

Imagine a scene from Jurassic Park: a jade green oasis with waterfalls built into a steep canyon. That's exactly what Hanging Lake looks like. To access the magical lake, visitors must walk the three-mile loop from Glenwood Springs into Glenwood Canyon, but the trek is well worth the effort for a refreshing dip in the end. While you're there, you can swim around and even walk behind Spouting Rock Falls. And for more glorious cascades, check out the 15 Waterfalls So Magical You Won't Believe They're in the U.S.

A gem of New Hampshire's Lake Region, Lake Sunapee offers something for every type of traveler. Kayaking and watersports reign supreme, but adventurers can also hike the nearby Upper Valley of the Appalachian Trail. Meanwhile, culture vultures will love poking around the quaint town of Hanover—home to Dartmouth College—browsing for arts and antiques, and exploring the many surrounding apple orchards and cideries.

Minnesota may be the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but Kekekabic Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is an exceptional one. Though Canada is currently closed to American travelers, you can still paddle or hike around the 150 miles of water along the international border. With thousands of campsites, this remote and underdeveloped Northern Minnesota locale is an ideal spot for a rustic trip. And for more remote getaways, check out the 50 Beautiful Off-the-Grid Places in the U.S. You Should Visit.

Maine has no shortage of beautiful coastal beaches and woodsy swimming holes. Moosehead Lake, the largest in the state, is the source of the Kennebec River and is surrounded by lush forests in the Maine Highlands. Known for whitewater rafting, fishing, and moose-watching, it's the perfect place for camping and eco-tourism.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore makes up 35 miles of windswept coastline along Lake Michigan and features 450-foot bluffs that you can scale, if you're careful. Many travelers visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes will choose to make Traverse City their home base. With its cherry orchards, wineries, and renowned food scene, it's an ideal vacation town to explore this portion of the Lower Peninsula. And for more waterfront escapes within your reach, check out the 17 Stunning Islands That Americans Are Allowed to Visit Now.

The Blue Lakes, with their wildflower-covered meadows, teal blue water, and snow-kissed mountains, are reminiscent of Glacier National Park or the Maroon Bells. There is the Upper Blue Lake and Lower Blue Lake, and to access either requires a strenuous hike through the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness Area. For adventurous travelers though, it's hard to beat the view, especially during the fall months when the fields of Aspen trees shimmer in shades of gold.

To access Lake Jocassee, you'll have to start at Devils Fork State Park in Salem. Whether you're into camping, glamping, or luxury lodging, the park offers plenty of places to make your homebase. While Lake Jocassee is massive (7,500 acres, to be exact), much of its shoreline is underdeveloped. Its crisp and clean water is fed by cascading rivers from the Appalachian Mountains.

Sure, you've probably heard of—or even visited—America's most popular lakes, such as Lake Michigan or Lake Tahoe. But this big and beautiful country contains so many underrated gems worth exploring. From a jade green lagoon in Colorado's alpine forests to a tranquil fishing spot in Kentucky, here are the most jaw-dropping lakes hidden in your own backyard. And for more tranquil oases, check out the 21 Swimming Holes So Magical You Won't Believe They're in the U.S.