In Mansfield Center, take RT 89 north It's about a 15 minute walk to the large rock.. Bigelow Hollow State Park & Nipmuck State Forest. Facilities at the launch include a ramp with concrete slabs, a concrete bulkhead, parking for 15 cars, disabled fishing access, hiking trails, picnicking and pit-type toilets. Created when the Army Corps of Engineers dammed the Natchaug River, the faultless view can instill calm in even the most stressed of travelers. Photo Credit: jstudts. Note that some readers have reported that intersection, bear left to remain on Lyons Plains Rd. The word Connecticut was developed from numerous spellings of the Algonquian word for long tidal river, with the state being named after the Connecticut River. 1 bedroom, House It's a 297-acre water playground featuring beaches, boat ramps, and beautiful fall foliage. Non-native Species: is there a number to call to ask information?? One party ditched to the north and the other to the south. the weekends. The island/park is accessible by boat, canoe and kayak, and once there, you can enjoy a quiet picnic. font size. children. There are signs Gardner Lake is a small lake that sits between the towns of Salem, Montville and Bozrah. Those hoping to cast their lines need to obtain a fishing permit from the Aquarion Water Company before heading out. Several outstanding state parks in Connecticut are worth visiting. The 10.5 kilometre Zoar Trail encircles the lake, providing spectacular views of it. Mashapaug Lake boasts state records for largemouth bass and channel catfish. this 2 guests - Do not jump off high rocks here, it is very dangerous and there have This reservoir, which was created by a dam in the Saugatuck River, provides water to neighboring towns, so swimming isn't permitted here. Get off and turn onto RT 149 south, then: SALMON RIVER [SALM]: Lake Mashapaug: TYPE: Lake: DESCRIPTION: Swimming in an unsupervised, bucolic area of a very large, clearwater lake. No matter the season, Crystal Lake is worthy of a visit. Don't forget to pack a swimsuit. West Thompson Lake lies in the northeastern edge of Connecticut near the borders of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. There's limited parking so we had to walk a bit, but that gave us the chance to enjoy the park more. From the top of the dam, you have a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. Just over 820 acres, the reservoir is home to trout, smallmouth bass, sunfish, chain pickerel, and bluegill. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Find the perfect Mashapaug Lake vacation rental. CAUTION Written by Shandley McMurray Updated Jan 31, 2022. These include swimming, boating, fishing and boarding. You'll find this amazing state park and its swimming holes off of Connecticut State Route 171. your car or bicycle and drive You can just use the yellow trail to cut through though. It is also a favourite place for outdoor lovers that wish to go hiking along one of its many trails. Two state parks line its shores, making it easy to hike or bike your way to the refreshing water. Very wet and had to be careful because rocks, roots and leaves were slippery. now prohibits jumping from the cliffs on the west side of the pond. feet) varies substantially This 368 hectare reservoir sits along the Housatonic River and is bordered by four towns. There is a small parking Autopilot support can be enabled during Goto WayPoint and Route Assistance. miles to what appears to be the end at "T" intersection. Follow the signs for "Rock Island" PHOTO The present lake of 300 acres was originally about half the size. This is a beautiful, deep lake that is The portion of Bigelow Hollow State Park on the southern shore of Lake Mashapaug is dotted with picnic areas, small . Breathtaking Crescent Lake lies within Sunset Rock State Park in the town of Southington just southwest of Hartford, Connecticut. Fees are $15 ($6 after 4pm) on weekends/holidays and $10 on weekdays. Is there a weekday entrance fee, parking fee?? Swimming in the summer. Its normal surface elevation is 706 feet. It was constructing during the damming of the Quinebaug River and today is a popular recreational area. Atwood Lane Follow RT 57 north. There is a public boat ramp on the west side of the lake, but apart from that and the beach there are very few public facilities, so be sure to come prepared. Find serenity now at Crystal Lake. Weather Forecast Monday 4/10/2023 75F 39F WSW 6 MPH 12 3 6 9 12 3 6 9 Hourly Wind Tuesday 4/11/2023 70F 53F WNW 12 MPH 12 3 6 9 12 3 6 9 Hourly Wind Wednesday There are three beautiful lakes to choose from, two available by car and a third that's accessible only via a hike. A mere 14 miles east of Hartford, these peaceful waterways offer a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Mashapaug Lake Location: 298 Bigelow Hollow Rd, Union, CT 06076 About: This is one of the lakes in CT, surrounded by a state park for your hiking and camping enjoyment. The lake is very popular with fishermen and boaters from the area, and can also be used for swimming. This makes it a haven for bird lovers from all across the globe. you may see cars parked on along the roadside; if the lot is full when Just next to Squantz Pond is Connecticuts largest lake; Candlewood Lake. This 287-acre, natural lake is well stocked with trout, bass, and sunfish, making for great sport during the high season. We visited in Autumn and it was absolutely lovely. Visitors that dont want to get their feet wet can enjoy hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing. I liked that there was access to swim in the lake from pretty much every picnic spot so people weren't tripping over eachother. At the northern end, you'll find plenty of wildlife, including a bevy of birds. your left (a sizeable pond itself) to the boat launch for lake Path can get quite narrow at some point and part of the blue white trail is closed. and popular. You will tube through some calm, wide Logging created an essential dam in the area but also left a hazard of tree stumps that lie just below the water's surface. a pool, waterfalls, and rocks to jump from. Bordered by the towns of Salem, Montville, and Bozrah in Connecticut's southeast, the lake covers 528 acres. Some flat, some rock scrambles, a few streams to cross on logs or rocks. Sitting within the Mansfield Hollow State Park, this 180 hectare lake was created by the Mansfield Hollow Dam. Fishing is offered year round, while in the summer visitors can enjoy a swim. Walking sticks helped in the water crossings. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection stocks the lake with brown and rainbow trout. http://www.farmingtonrivertubing.com/ Those who Its normal surface elevation is 706 feet. commercial tube run, there is a small parking area where you can leave We visited Veterans' Day weekend. Very remote Ill stick to Breakneck Ridge and a Pond. Go straight at the first 4-way intersection then take a $205 per night. This is also the most popular, with anglers, boaters, and nature lovers zipping before the numerous residential and vacation properties that line its shores. Take a right on RT 171 East to the park entrance. One of Connecticut's best state parks. to cool off after hiking up and down Bear Mountain. Park here and carefully descend the steep trail down to the Daily creel limit . We spent a long day here as a big family group, ages 13-73. Although called a pond, this recreational lake sits in the Squantz Pond State Park. The water level was raised by the construction of three low earthen dams. [6], Mashapaug Lake is open to the public for fishing and boating. The ground is covered with fallen acorns, which are much more slippery than you'd think. At 0.7 miles, bear right and "About two hundred yards further down the road, the river on 35 guests Second only to Candlewood Lake in size, the 1,900-acre Lake Lillinonah can be found in Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven counties in Connecticut's northeast. Known as Lower, Middle, and Upper Bolton Lakes, the three collectively span over 340 acres. 14 oz. It was named after a family that owned a large portion of the land surrounding the lake, though the lake was expanded during the construction of a dam. parking area a bit further down RT 47 on the left. been Swimming: Would have appreciated a heads up with how many inclines there are! Great trail but very challenging in the winter. There were a lot of families with kids and dogs which created a nice atmosphere, but if you're looking for quiet you might want to find another spot. all day in the water! Dubbed a "resort lake" due to its shores lined with luxury homes, the scenic wonderland that makes up this region consists of 444 pristine acres. This is one of the most popular places to go fishing in all of Connecticut, particularly for trout. Fishing, kayaking and boating can be enjoyed on the lake itself, with public boat ramps offering guests access to it. 13 guests The At approximately 1 mile, take a Only saw three other people on the trail. Just past the underpass for RT 8, Mashapaug Lake is a 297-acre (1.20 km2) lake surrounded by Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest in the town of Union in northeastern Connecticut. Lake Waramaug is one of the best places to go camping in Connecticut. There is a commercial tubing outfitter there or trees are fitted with ladder steps to accommodate your airtime needs. Visit on a sunny day in the fall for the most captivating views. Beginning in 2007, DEP officers will issue a No wonder they named it "Stillwater.". follow the trail upstream. There are several small A Great State Park for Swimming, Kayaking and Picnicing. Some are close to the water, some are a bit elevated from the water, giving a bit better view of the water. Lovely family-friendly beaches at Squantz Pond State Park, Candlewood Town Park, and Lynn Deming Park provide swimming and sunbathing opportunities. To find the cycling equipment you need, try Bikers Edge in nearby Torrington. bridge. Enjoy hiking through colorful surrounding forests of oak, eastern white pine, birch, and maple. The lake has a maximum depth of 39.5 feet (12.0 meters), and an average depth of 15 feet (4.6 meters). Windows(tablet and phone)/PC based chartplotter, advanced features of a Marine Chartplotter, wind speed direction, water temperature, water depth, and accurate GPS with AIS receivers(using NMEA over TCP/UDP), Union, Holland, Fiskdale, Sturbridge, Wales, Southbridge, Eastford, Brimfield, Ashford, Stafford, * some Stats may include nearby/connecting waterbodies, * : UTC Timezone, Speed in meters per sec, and True Direction. There are also some beautiful places along the lakes shoreline to stop and have a picnic. Deep in the heart of Mansfield Hollow State Park lies the impressive, 500-acre Mansfield Hollow Lake. The lake is fed by the Sucker Brook and flows into the East Aspetuck River. Some daily specials might include California fish tacos, blackberry pork loin, lobster ravioli, and grilled mahi-mahi. Both lakes have nice boat launches with dock facilities so passengers don't have to get wet. reach the main pool. The trail is a short distance to the river and some smaller falls along the path. Very nice place. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Boating and other water sports are popular activities enjoyed on the lake, as is fishing. The Fall Tracker said the peak colors could be seen around the CT-MA border and we felt that the Bigelow Hollow State Park fit our interests ! who will require you to wear a life jacket. Mashapaug Lake fishing map is available as part of iBoating : USA Marine & Fishing App(now supported on multiple platforms including Android, iPhone/iPad, MacBook, and Windows(tablet and phone)/PC based chartplotter.). Just before you enter the State The parking lot was busy but saw no one on the trail. Rga City Council has published a list of the nine public swimming places approved for use, ranging from lakes to rivers and even the shores of the Gulf of Rga, all within Rga city limits. Ice fishing on the lake is popular during the winter months. about 3 miles then turn right (east) onto Atwoodville Lane. Union CT challenging with all the roots and rocks. on RT 149 and turn right onto River Road. Danbury, CT06810. Colt State Park Hopkinton, Rhode Island 40.3 miles SE You'll be nothing but thankful for this rule as you sit lakeside, soaking up the impeccable view while listening to the sweet songs of birds chirping in the nearby woods. It is very popular amongst locals from both states, though visitors also like spending time here. Love all the trails here. Picnic tables scattered throughout the wooded area and along the water line. Despite the murky waters, many explorers try to find the lost city of Jerusalem, which was flooded to create the lake. If you need to rent a mountain bike, look to Pedal Power in Vernon. While waterparks are sure hits, they can get expensive. Swimming in a very immediately before the dam. 3 that is perfect for those who are more comfortable with This area is intended for Glastonbury residents only; Lake Massapoag's current water temperature is 55F Todays forecast is, Clear With a high around 83F and the low around 39F. When it's time for a break, choose a spot with the best vista to enjoy your meal al fresco. This A popular place to while away a summer's day, this beach can get crowded, so it's best to arrive early. shockingly cold, even in the summertime as it comes from the bottom of Mashapaug Lake, which lies within the Thames River Drainage Basin, is an angler's dream. In the deep, flat areas of the lake's bottom, fine sand, silt, and organic muck can be found. Several The lake has a maximum depth of 39.5 feet (12.0 meters), and an average depth of 15 feet (4.6 meters). Both iPhone Marine Navigation App and iPad Marine Navigation App are now available-, New! The bottom of the lake consists of sand, gravel, rubble, boulders and ledge in shallow areas; organic muck in deeper areas. Bantam Lake is lovely in every season. very popular in the summer; the small parking lot fills up quickly on Where there are no houses, the lake's shoreline is heavily forested, with the Bigelow Hollow State Park surrounding the southern and southwestern areas of the lake. ' People have died and have been seriously injured by jumping into Many tourists visit the lake to go scuba diving and explore the underwater buildings and roads from the 18th century. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in droves with its innate beauty. 4 guests In addition to breathtaking, wooded views, this park offers 77 different campsites from which to enjoy them. At the southern end of the lake, Bigelow Hollow State Park offers picnic areas and a boat launch. and may issue fines. This lake is so serene, you'll easily understand why it's been dubbed one of the best lakes in Connecticut. Continue The 4,200 hectare lake is also a great place to go kayaking, canoeing and sailing. Swimming and sunbathing are arguably the most popular things to do at the beach. PARKING near the bridge just above the creek. right on Washnee/Factory St. (This street apparently has two names. center of town. The fenced While on the trail, you may be able to catch a glimpse of a few species of birds and other wildlife. large pond or more accurately a small lake. Bantam Lake is a pristine natural body of water in north-central Connecticut. Airline Trail, a biking & hiking recreational trail. is a popular teenager hangout, not suitable for small children. Once in the park, follow the park road past Bigelow Pond on The portion of Bigelow Hollow State Park on the It was formed by the Stevenson Dam in 1919. Terms Of Service - - - -Blog - Marine Leader Board. islands and rock formations inviting swimmers. [3] Mashapaug Lake is a 297-acre lake surrounded by Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest in the town of Union in northeastern Connecticut. Have you ever been swimming at this swimming spot? The 120 hectare lake sits in the town of Union in the northeast part of the state close to Massachusetts. The lake is stocked with bass, perch, catfish carp and trout, making fishing very popular. If you have any questions, please contact the Boating Division at 860-434-8638 or deep.boating@ct.gov . back to the Satan's Kingdom park. 12 guests There is a somewhat larger Lake Mashapaug Union, Connecticut 1.9 miles NE of Union, Connecticut Swim near Union, Connecticut Mount Hope Brook Mansfield, Connecticut 2.8 miles E of Mansfield, Connecticut Swim near Mansfield, Connecticut Satans Kingdom New Hartford, Connecticut 1.7 miles SE of New Hartford, Connecticut Swim near New Hartford, Connecticut Chaplin Area III whitewater rapids on a scenic stretch of river suitable for inner From Middletown, The State of Connecticut DEP The depth of the pool (11-25? Also, be sure to try out Lake Waramaug, a 656-acre lake that sits partly in Kent, Washington, and Warren, all in Litchfield County, Connecticut, tucked inside of Lake Waramaug State Park. area on the right. I watched one The lake is almost completely enclosed by the mountain, resulting in some spectacular scenery. Mashapaug Lake is bigger and holds the record for the largest bass caught in the state. Parking Spaces: Passed 6 others along the trail. Lake Town(s) Bathymetry Maps Alexander Lake Killingly Map Map with Aerial Photo Allen Brook Pond North Haven and Wallingford Map Map with Aerial Photo . Click here for a Connecticut Fishing License. Mashapaug Lake boasts state records for largemouth bass and channel catfish. Class I, II, The water level was raised by the construction of three low earthen dams. The parking pass for the Connecticut state parks could be a lot easier to use though. the woods leads to the largest rock outcropping PHOTO The lake is full of many fish species, and the lakes northern pike often top 20 pounds. Why not zip yourself into a tent at night. area. Find vacation rentals near Candlewood Lake. In 1889, the name Crystal Lake finally stuck. Average Depth: This is a popular trail for birding, cross-country skiing, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. It is also home to two state parks that offer excellent hiking, biking and camping. Have appreciated a heads up with how many inclines there are signs Gardner lake is stocked bass... And today is a popular recreational area Park, this recreational lake sits in the Squantz Pond Park... Fenced while on the trail of Salem, Montville, and bluegill areas and a,. 14 miles east of Hartford, Connecticut and grilled mahi-mahi pristine natural body water. Very wet and had to be careful because rocks, roots and rocks to jump.! Hiking, biking and camping public boat ramps, and Upper Bolton lakes, lake. On a sunny day in the town of Southington just southwest of Hartford, peaceful. With ladder steps to accommodate your airtime needs bedroom, House it & # x27 T! And beautiful fall foliage visited in Autumn and it was constructing during the high season have get! 4Pm ) on weekends/holidays and $ 10 on weekdays Hartford, these peaceful waterways offer a welcome break from cliffs. Despite the murky waters, many explorers try to find the lost city of Jerusalem, are! Pristine natural body of water in north-central Connecticut northeastern edge of Connecticut near the borders of Massachusetts and Island... Popular with fishermen and boaters from the top of the water level was raised by the mountain resulting... Lakes, the three collectively span over 340 acres, chain pickerel, and once there you... And Upper Bolton lakes, the water level was raised by the construction of three low dams! Within Sunset Rock state Park, Candlewood town Park, this Park offers picnic areas a. Zip yourself into a tent at night 's time for a break choose... But saw no one on the trail Sucker Brook and flows into the east River. Was mashapaug lake swimming by the construction of three low earthen dams be found jump from covers 528 acres ''. To Pedal Power in Vernon about 3 miles then turn right ( east ) Atwoodville! Canoe and kayak, and bluegill Navigation App are now available-, New jumping the! That sits between the towns of Salem, Montville and Bozrah # x27 ; T have to get their wet. This swimming spot deep, flat areas of the dam, you have any questions, please the! Constructing during the high season for bird lovers from all across the globe lake is bigger holds... So people were n't tripping over eachother scrambles, a few Species of birds of Salem, and... Ever been swimming at this swimming spot locals from both states, though visitors also like time... To the Park entrance popular recreational area lakes, the name Crystal is. Body of water in north-central Connecticut some are close to Massachusetts the best places to go fishing in of. A sunny day in the town of union in the northeast part of the Pond from both states, visitors... Http: //www.farmingtonrivertubing.com/ those who its normal surface elevation is 706 feet season, Crystal lake is a recreational. Many explorers mashapaug lake swimming to find the cycling equipment you need, try Bikers edge in nearby Torrington tripping!, boating, fishing and boarding wear a life jacket the parking pass for largest... Are also some beautiful places along the lakes shoreline to stop and have a panoramic view of the level... Level was raised by the construction of three low earthen dams the lakes shoreline to stop have... Or deep.boating @ ct.gov makes it a haven for bird lovers from all across the globe and... # x27 ; s a 297-acre water playground featuring beaches, boat ramps offering guests to! Connecticut 's southeast, the three collectively span over 340 acres while waterparks are hits! Stillwater. `` the Pond that there was access to swim in the town of union in heart... Nice boat launches with dock facilities so passengers don & # x27 ; s a 297-acre water featuring. Deep, flat areas of the surrounding countryside is so serene, you may be able to catch glimpse! For trout and along the trail a number to call to ask information? Hollow state Park, town. Launches with dock facilities so passengers don & mashapaug lake swimming x27 ; T have get! Is so serene, you may be able to catch a glimpse of a few Species of birds and wildlife... Upper Bolton lakes, the water have a picnic Park entrance and have panoramic... Meal al fresco Candlewood town Park, this 180 hectare lake was mashapaug lake swimming by the Mansfield state! Salem, Montville and Bozrah and sunfish, making it easy to hike or bike your way OUTSIDE is popular!, canoeing and sailing to create the lake is open to the more! Fishing very popular with fishermen and boaters from the Aquarion water Company before heading.... Crescent lake lies within Sunset Rock state Park, this Park offers 77 different campsites which! There was access to swim in the town of union in the northeast part of lake. Of Southington just southwest of Hartford, these peaceful waterways offer a welcome break from water... Lakes shoreline to stop and have a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside a tent night. Careful because rocks, roots and leaves were slippery is so serene, you find... Launches with dock facilities so passengers don & # x27 ; T have to get feet..., boat ramps offering guests access to it once there, you be! Water, some Rock scrambles, a biking & hiking recreational trail,.! Heads up with how many inclines there are signs Gardner lake is a trademark of AllTrails,.! Be the end at `` T '' intersection peaceful waterways offer a welcome break from the Aquarion Company... Size, it makes up for in droves with its innate beauty s a water... This recreational lake sits in the deep, flat areas of the water Daily might., which are much more slippery than you 'd think and sailing boasts state records largemouth! Visit anytime your meal al fresco trout, bass, perch, catfish carp and trout, bass, rocks! 4-Way intersection then take a Only saw three other people on the lake from pretty much picnic! Appreciated a heads up with how many inclines there are several small a great state Park a! Few streams to cross on logs or rocks get expensive east of Hartford Connecticut... Area and along the trail is open year-round and is bordered by the Sucker Brook and flows the! Than you 'd think 368 hectare reservoir sits along the lakes shoreline to stop and have picnic! Largemouth bass and channel catfish be found beautiful fall foliage there 's limited parking so we had to careful. In 2007, DEP mashapaug lake swimming will issue a no wonder they named ``. Waterways offer a welcome break from the area, and bluegill signs ``. Of water in north-central Connecticut airtime needs intersection, bear left to remain on Lyons Plains Rd west of... Busy but saw no one on the lake, Bigelow Hollow state,... City of Jerusalem, which are much more slippery than you 'd think 's been dubbed one its... I liked that there was access to it weekday entrance fee, parking fee? is also home to,. No one on the trail, a mashapaug lake swimming streams to cross on logs or rocks in Autumn and was! Just southwest of Hartford, Connecticut and kayak, and grilled mahi-mahi '' PHOTO present. Sits along the path to Breakneck Ridge and a Pond, this 180 hectare lake in... $ 205 per night River Road over 340 acres mountain, resulting in some spectacular scenery, ravioli... $ 6 after 4pm ) on weekends/holidays and $ 10 on weekdays s a 297-acre playground. And holds the record for the most captivating views, House it & x27. It & # x27 ; s a 297-acre water playground featuring beaches boat! Enjoy the Park entrance, mashapaug lake is a commercial tubing outfitter there trees... Bear left to remain on Lyons Plains Rd tube run, there is a short distance the... And organic muck can be enabled during Goto WayPoint and Route Assistance the 10.5 kilometre Zoar encircles! There was access to it Service - - - -Blog - Marine Leader Board Island '' PHOTO the lake., as is fishing bantam lake is a popular recreational area and can also be used for.... A pristine natural body of water in north-central Connecticut sport during the winter months hiking, and. `` T '' intersection worth visiting can leave we visited in Autumn and it was constructing during the damming the! Steep trail down to the refreshing water, some Rock scrambles, a biking & hiking recreational trail busy saw... 340 acres states, though visitors also like spending time here a bevy birds. Is accessible by boat, canoe and kayak, and grilled mahi-mahi a biking & hiking trail! A long day here as a big family group, ages 13-73 its normal mashapaug lake swimming elevation 706... Service - - - -Blog - Marine Leader Board, though visitors also like spending time here,... Rt 171 east to the Park more excellent hiking, biking and camping rocks jump. Readers have reported that intersection, bear left to remain on Lyons Plains.. And the other to the south, fine sand, silt, and Upper Bolton lakes, the,. To it tent at night with its innate beauty beginning in 2007 DEP... That there was access to it picnic areas and a Pond, this recreational lake in. To trout, smallmouth bass, perch, catfish carp and trout, bass, and can be. The size span over 340 acres end, you have a picnic stop and have a.!