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“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.” As suggested in this line from his famous play, Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare argues that a name is a convention used to distinguish people or objects that would otherwise have no other meaning or worth. This holds true for what you are about to discover with some of the names given to the lakes found here on LakeHomes.com.
As we inch closer to Halloween, we’ve compiled a list of lakes with spooky names that will give you goosebumps and have your imagination running wild. Are you ready to be spooked?
Blood Pond, New Hampshire
When the name Blood Pond is spoken, one can’t help but envision a vast pool of red where a beautiful lady emerges from its depths beneath the dark moonlit sky. Those familiar with the tale of Lady Bathory know all too well how the name could evoke such imagery. In fact, the locals have petitioned to have the name changed, fearing that it might negatively impact local tourism. However, Blood Pond has had no history of violence that comes remotely close to that of the tale of 17th-century Hungarian serial killer Countess Elizabeth Bathory.
Blood Pond Facts
Encompassing only 20 acres and with a maximum depth of 20 feet, Blood Pond is the go-to lake for those seeking privacy and seclusion. Not to say that the lake is without visitors; the lake’s size doesn’t accommodate the party atmosphere you would otherwise experience at a large lake. The abundance of fish makes this lake highly appealing for anglers, while its picturesque landscape makes for the perfect getaway for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Attractions Around Blood Pond
The lake is a popular destination for anglers looking for a fresh catch, while campers and glampers flock to the nearby campgrounds to experience nature’s full splendor. Those looking for a glamorous retreat often visit the Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa, nestled amidst the picturesque White Mountains, only a few miles south of Blood Pond. Here, adventure seekers can indulge in many outdoor pursuits, including hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and whitewater rafting. At the same time, those looking for a relaxing escape can take advantage of the resort’s wellness services, such as facials, massages, a fitness center, water aerobics, and yoga classes.
Sleepy Hollow Lake, New York
Not to be confused with Sleepy Hollow, the infamous town that serves as the backdrop for The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Sleepy Hollow Lake is a man-made lake located approximately 100 miles north of the village. Those looking to catch a glimpse of the legendary Headless Horseman in this area will be disappointed.
Sleepy Hollow Lake Facts
This 2.5-mile-long private lake is considered a hidden gem in upstate New York. Nestled along its shores is the lake home community of Sleepy Hollow Lake. Private residents of this community enjoy breathtaking lake views, a marina and boat launch, a community sports complex, and more! The lake is not limited to only the residents of Sleepy Hollow Lake, the majority of the 326-acre lake is open to the public.
Attractions Around Sleepy Hollow Lake
Those visiting the area can enjoy outdoor activities at the Catskills State Park or take a scenic drive on the 52-mile Catskills Mountains Scenic Byway. For visitors looking to experience riverboat cruising, the Hudson River, which runs adjacent to Sleepy Hollow Lake, offers river cruise excursions. This is particularly popular in autumn when leaf-peepers can experience the vibrant colors of the New England area’s fall foliage.
Lodging options in the area are plentiful, varying in price and amenities. But for those interested in a unique lodging experience, A Tiny House Resort, a family-owned, 45-acre, tiny cabin rental community located in the Catskill Mountains, is a great option. With a total of 15 tiny houses to choose from, some home options are waterfront, and some have water views and wooded views; the pet-friendly, camp-style resort features a mile of creek frontage, a waterfall, and an art studio.
Witches Woods Lake, Connecticut
Even though the Salem Witch Trials in 1692 occurred in Massachusetts, the incident nonetheless rocked the entire New England region. A series of events, which include a smallpox outbreak and ongoing threat of attacks by Indigenous tribes, along with a strong belief in the devil and rivalry with nearby Salem Town, laid the groundwork for accusations of the practice of witchcraft among the inhabitants of the small village. A total of 150 men and women were imprisoned, 19 people were hanged, one man was pressed to death, and five people died in prison.
Contrary to what the name suggests, there is no evidence of any connection between the Witches Woods Lake area and the Salem Witch Trials or any witches, for that matter. According to the Witches Woods Tax District website, this is the story of how the lake got its name:
One evening, several handymen working on the construction of a hotel were returning home from picking up provisions from the nearby town of Putnam. While en route, the wagon’s rear wheel fell off. The men unhitched the horses and headed for the hotel for assistance, leaving the wagon behind. When they returned to the site, they discovered that the wagon had been overturned and the supplies thrown into the swamp. The handymen claimed that the “witches did it.” And that is the story.
Witches Woods Lake Facts
Located in Woodstock Valley, CT, this 70.4-acre lake offers water activities such as fishing, waterskiing, tubing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. For a more laid-back lake experience, the lake has two beaches, one on the east and the other on the west side of its shores, where visitors can sunbathe and enjoy family-friendly beach activities.
Attractions Around Witches Woods Lake
If you’re looking to take a break from the lake, Woodstock has many local attractions and hotspots, including Roseland Cottage, a Gothic Revival-style home built in 1846. The house is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors insight into the 19th-century American lifestyle through home tours and cultural events. Other local attractions and recreations include the Taylor Brooke Winery and Brewery, Roseland Park and Golf Course, and numerous hiking trails.
Devil’s Lake, Wisconsin
The devil goes by many names: Satan, Lucifer, or Diablo, just to name a few. Whether you believe in him or not, nevertheless, he remains a familiar figure in both religion and literature as the master evildoer and the father of darkness. Devil’s Lake might conjure visions of his earthly lair hidden deep within its depths, or perhaps it serves as a portal to his underground realm, otherwise known as Hell.
Devil’s Lake was originally named Tee Wakącąk or Te Wakącągara, which means Sacred Lake by the Ho-Chunk People because it was believed to be a place with spiritual significance. However, through misinterpretation and mispronunciation of Te Wakącąk, the lake came to be known as Devil’s Lake.
Devil’s Lake Facts
Nestled in the Baraboo Range, approximately 2 miles south of Baraboo, WI, Devil’s Lake is one of the primary attractions of Devil’s Lake State Park. Not only can visitors enjoy numerous lake activities, including scuba diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing on the 360-acre lake, but the park offers many outdoor activities, such as hiking, rock climbing and bouldering, skiing, sledding, and more.
Attractions Around Devil’s Lake
Known as ‘America’s Dairyland,’ a trip to Wisconsin isn’t complete without a visit to one of the many cheese farms in the state. Carr Valley Cheese has a few locations within close proximity to Devil’s Lake. If wineries and breweries are your style, visit Driftless Glen Distillery and Tumbled Rock Brewery, located just north of Devil’s Lake in Baraboo. A few miles south, you’ll find Wollersheim Winery & Distillery. These places offer tastings and tours and are highly rated!
When you’re ready to check in for the evening, your lodging options include campgrounds, cabins, and hotels. But if you’re looking for mountainside charm with incredible views, a stay at the Inn at Wawanissee Point is a must. And if breakfast is your favorite meal, you’re in for a treat. From homemade pastries to egg frittatas to French toast, the Inn’s gourmet breakfast is made fresh daily with locally-produced eggs and meats and award-winning Wisconsin cheeses.
Halloween — a time when history and stories intertwine with the supernatural, often leading to blurred interpretations between reality and folklore. Now that we’ve demystified the myths and legends behind these spooky lake names, it’s time to book a trip to experience for yourself what these lakes have to offer!