• Jeb Wallace-Brodeur
• Waterbury Reservoir

Waterbury Reservoir — When Lake Champlain inevitably turns blue-green, savvy locals know where to go: Waterbury Reservoir. The state’s ninth-largest body of water is also among its prettiest and most accessible — and, just as importantly, cleanest. Nestled in the foothills of the Green Mountains, Little River and Waterbury Center state parks offer well-maintained swimming beaches and lots of amenities, including boat rentals. Whether you want to lounge in the lake or paddle on it, the reservoir has everything you need to enjoy those endless summer days — which are actually ending in, like, a month.

Other Finalists

• Colchester Pond
• Green River Reservoir
• Malletts Bay
• Oakledge Park