Top 5 Lakes around Brooklyn
Best lakes around Brooklyn offer diverse natural attractions within an urban environment. Brooklyn features a prominent freshwater lake and a significant salt marsh ecosystem, providing distinct opportunities for outdoor activities. Prospect Park Lake is the borough's sole freshwater lake, while Marine Park encompasses an extensive salt marsh with Gerritsen Creek. These areas provide natural escapes and support varied wildlife.
Best lakes around Brooklyn
- The most popular lakes is Edgewater Beach, a beach that offers swimming in Lake Erie and…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Edgewater Beach
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Lake Isaac
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Coe Lake and Fountain
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Lake to Lake Trail
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Edgewater Park Fishing Platform
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Tips from the Community
This 147-acre packs a lot of fun and beauty, given its size: It has about 9,000 feet of shoreline, dog beaches, swimming beaches, a fishing pier, picnic facilities and a boat launch.
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A must-see part of Cleveland Metro Parks. The bike trail moves you through the edge of woods following the road. This section can be busy with folks waking, especially on nice weekend days. Slowly is best to enjoy all you can see on this ride.
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Great summer location to go swimming in Lake Erie and enjoy the sunshine with the family. The beach has restrooms and changing rooms. Dogs are allowed on certain sections of the coast.
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Explore a fantastic stretch of the Lakes to Lakes trail, offering a serene birdwatching spot overlooking Abram's Lake marsh and a charming wooded area frequented by deer and other land animals.
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This is beautiful lake and park area. There is so much great stuff tucked away here. It is a good sized lake that has easy access for kayaks, plenty of room for fishing, a kids water park and gorgeous views. You also have access to Great Valley Parkway which is nearby.
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Another small beautiful lake that is so common around this area. A nice walk from here is to Lake Isaac on the Lake-to-Lake Trail, which is 2.4 miles away.
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This is a small, beautiful lake and more of a starting point for the Lake- to-Lake trail than anything else. You can start from here and walk or bike to Lake Abrams which is just 2.4 miles from here. It is a stunning route in all seasons.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary aquatic environments to explore in Brooklyn?
Brooklyn features Prospect Park Lake, its sole freshwater lake, and the extensive Marine Park Salt Marsh, which includes Gerritsen Creek. These offer distinct natural experiences within the urban landscape.
What activities can I enjoy at Prospect Park Lake?
At Prospect Park Lake, you can enjoy catch-and-release fishing, with free clinics often available for kids. Boating, including kayaking and paddle boats, is popular near the LeFrak Center at Lakeside. The lake is also surrounded by scenic landscapes perfect for walks and wildlife observation.
What makes the Marine Park Salt Marsh unique?
The Marine Park Salt Marsh is Brooklyn's largest park and a protected 'Forever Wild' preserve. It's a sanctuary for rich biodiversity, including approximately 325 species of birds, 50 species of butterflies, and various other wildlife. It offers nature trails, educational programs, and opportunities for kayaking and canoeing in Gerritsen Inlet.
Are there family-friendly lake options around Brooklyn?
Yes, several spots are great for families. Edgewater Beach offers swimming in Lake Erie and has restrooms. Coe Lake and Fountain features a kids water park, easy kayak access, and fishing. Prospect Park Lake also offers family-friendly activities like fishing clinics and boating.
Can I bring my dog to any of the lake areas?
Yes, Edgewater Beach permits dogs on specific sections of its coast. Additionally, Edgewater Park Fishing Platform also features designated dog beaches.
Are there trails for walking or biking near these lakes?
Absolutely. Lake Isaac serves as a starting point for the scenic Lake to Lake Trail, which allows you to walk or bike to Lake Abrams. The Marine Park Salt Marsh also has two sets of walking trails through its wetlands and grasslands. For more options, you can explore easy hikes around Brooklyn.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
The Marine Park Salt Marsh is particularly rich in wildlife, hosting approximately 325 species of birds, 50 species of butterflies, and various fish, crabs, and muskrats. Prospect Park Lake also supports diverse aquatic critters and birds within its ecosystem.
What are some popular activities for visitors near the lakes?
Visitors enjoy swimming at Edgewater Beach, fishing at Edgewater Park Fishing Platform, and kayaking at Coe Lake and Fountain. The Lake to Lake Trail is popular for walking and biking, offering serene birdwatching opportunities.
How accessible are Brooklyn's main lake areas by public transport?
Prospect Park, home to Prospect Park Lake, is easily accessible via numerous subway lines and bus routes. Marine Park is also reachable by public transportation, though it may require a bus connection from subway stations.
Are there opportunities for cycling near Brooklyn's lakes?
Yes, the Lake Isaac area is a starting point for the Lake to Lake Trail, which is suitable for biking. You can find more cycling routes and guides for the area, including options near the lakes, by exploring cycling around Brooklyn.
What is the best time of year to visit Brooklyn's lake areas?
Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for exploring trails and observing wildlife, especially birdwatching in the Marine Park Salt Marsh. Summer is ideal for water activities like swimming at Edgewater Beach and boating on Prospect Park Lake. Even winter can be scenic, with opportunities for quiet walks.
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