ORANGE — Lake Mattawa has been bestowed a top honor by Insider Inc.

Last month, the online media company published a list of the most beautiful lakes in each state, and for Massachusetts, gave the accolade to the 118-acre body of water located just south of Route 2, saying it “is home to year-round trout fishing as well as stunning New England fall foliage.”

Denise Andrews, of the Lake Mattawa Association, said she was recently taking her morning walk near the lake when Todd Martinelli, a longtime family friend, called out to ask if she had heard the good news.

“It’s nice to have recognition for the absolutely stunning beauty that we have right here in our commonwealth,” Andrews said. “‘Commonwealth’ means all these beautiful assets are for everyone to enjoy. I’ve been blessed to grow up on the lake and learn things like sailing and fishing and swimming, and that has given so much to my life.”

Martinelli, who is not a member of the Lake Mattawa Association, said he has lived near the lake for 53 years and found out on social media about the Insider ranking.

“There’s lots of lakes in the area that are equally deserving of that recognition,” he said. “I’m very pleased. It’s good for the town of Orange.”

Martinelli, who fishes for trout in the lake nearly every day, wonders if four people he recently saw had visited Lake Mattawa after seeing it ranked by Insider.

According to online sources, “Mattawa” means “Meeting of the Waters” in an Indigenous language. The closest boat launch site is at 115 Lake Mattawa Road.

The lake is joined on Insider’s list by Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, Lake Superior in Michigan and Lake George in New York. The list is available at bit.ly/414ftSb.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.

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