The state park and adjoining Nipmuck State Forest and Natchaug State Forest provide many miles of breathtaking forest trails ideal for hiking and mountain biking in summer and snowmobiling in winter. 1 bedroom, House Access for Persons with Disabilities . The Departmen t of Energy & Environmental Protection is working to ensure that all visitors have access to the many outdoor recreational opportunities available at Connecticut State Parks and Forests.. Mashapaug Lake is a 297-acre (1.20km2) lake surrounded by Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest in the town of Union in northeastern Connecticut. It is also home to the Gardner Lake State Park and the Hopemead State Park. Most people choose to just pay the It could be because it is not supported, or that JavaScript is intentionally disabled. 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. Mashapaug sits comfortably in the northeastern part of Connecticut, near the border with Massachusetts making it a vacation hot spot for visitors from both states. The river cuts through the centre of it, creating the Connecticut River Valley. approximately 2 miles you will bear left at the "Y" intersection onto Motors of any size are allowed, but there's a 10 MPH speed limit. Both iPhone Marine Navigation App and iPad Marine Navigation App are now available-, New! Known as Lower, Middle, and Upper Bolton Lakes, the three collectively span over 340 acres. Follow the signs for "Rock Island" PHOTO right on Washnee/Factory St. (This street apparently has two names. Information on boat launches located along Connecticut's coast, including areas with car top/carry-in access. PARKING near the bridge just above the creek. Mansfield Town Pond (see Bicentennial Pond) . 287 is there a number to call to ask information?? Once you get to the pond there are fire pits and picnic spots scattered throughout. beach on river with been In the mid-1880's, two different parties attempted to draw the water from this natural pond. That means those who love to fish shouldn't be disappointed with their catch. fine of $75 to anyone who jumps or dives from the western cliffs or road. In Willimantic, take RT In addition to being calm and pretty, this popular lake is a hot spot for summer fun. Beautiful lake, lots of hiking trails and some interesting rocky ridges to explore. Well marked. Can't get enough of the lake? font size. Everything from hawks to bobcats to deer to beavers can be seen in this protected area. It is also home to two state parks that offer excellent hiking, biking and camping. Lover's Leap State Park is particularly spectacular, featuring 127 acres of land in New Milford, and a number of trails to choose from. You'll find everything you need for a fun day by the waterpicnic areas with tables, canoe rental, lengthy looping trails, a dedicated swimming area, and restroom facilities. This 368 hectare reservoir sits along the Housatonic River and is bordered by four towns. Breathtaking Crescent Lake lies within Sunset Rock State Park in the town of Southington just southwest of Hartford, Connecticut. Visitors that dont want to get their feet wet can enjoy hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing. At approximately 1 mile, take a The drawdown will be managed to restore the normal water surface elevation by early April 2023. It was a Tuesday so there was no entrance fee and it was pretty busy. Vegetation Growth: Love all the trails here. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 9 min to complete. The reason: The lake is essentially a reservoir, with a section of it being used for the public water supply. At the Swimming Allowed, No Restrictions. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. And life on this quiet lake is best enjoyed at a slow pace. This is arguably the most popular lake in the state thanks to its excellent recreational activities. [4], The majority of Mashapaug Lake's bottom consists of gravel and sand, with some scattered boulders, trees, and stumps. From Middletown, Eliseo M. Santos, 17, of Southbridge was swimming at Mashapaug Lake at the state park in Union when he went under the water just before 4 p.m., said spokesmen for the Department of Energy and. At this point the Saugatuck River emerges from the The Mashapaug Lake Navigation App provides advanced features of a Marine Chartplotter including adjusting water level offset and custom depth shading. back to the Satan's Kingdom park. Considering the fact that Connecticut is named for the lengthy Connecticut River (it's the longest in New England) that carves through its middle, it's not surprising that lakes and other waterways are some of the state's most beloved attractions. Great trail. Its vast expanse is hugged by two large state parks, Bigelow Hollow State Park and Nipmuck State Forest. Lake Massapoag's current water temperature is 55F Todays forecast is, Clear With a high around 83F and the low around 39F. By the way, Nipmuck is the second-oldest state forest in Connecticut. immediately before the dam. Pristine Mashapaug Lake is surrounded by emerald-green forest in northeastern Connecticut at the edge of the border with Massachusetts. Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Brown Bullhead, Sunfish, White Sucker, Boat Access: right onto Lyons Plains Rd. Pick up the fishing equipment you need at Fishin Factory in Southington. "NOAA" and the NOAA emblem are registered trademarks of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. But if you are into history, Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford offers panoramic views of Long Island Sound from Eolia, the stunning summer mansion of the Harkness family, purchased in 1907 by Edward and Mary Harkness. This makes it a haven for bird lovers from all across the globe. intersection with RT 192 turn right onto South Maple Street. A state-owned boat launch is located within Bigelow Hollow State Park at the southern end of the lake. "About two hundred yards further down the road, the river on 2 bedrooms, Condo You can even scuba dive in the crisp, clear water. It is very popular amongst locals from both states, though visitors also like spending time here. Connecticuts second largest lake was formed in 1955 through the creation of the Shepaug Dam. Additional parking is available in the park 500 yards from the launch. With 86 miles of useable shoreline, 10 marinas, and multiple boat launches, the lake offers plenty of spots for visitors to set up camp for the day. Originally called lake Wabbaquasset (translated to "place where cattails grow") by the Nipumuc Indians, this lovely lake has undergone multiple name changes (including Ruby Lake, after the gems were located in nearby hills). before the RT 202 bridge in Canton. It was formed by the Stevenson Dam in 1919. Instead of jumping in, pack a picnic and take a hike or hop on a mountain bike to enjoy the park's numerous trails. Surrounded by two state parks, Mashapaug Lake is a haven for outdoor lovers. Many tourists visit the lake to go scuba diving and explore the underwater buildings and roads from the 18th century. With majestic mountains and hills, as well as picturesque forests, lush river valleys, and coastal lowlands, Connecticut offers a diversity of scenic backdrops for its many lakes. Valley Forge Rd. The lake features a beach surrounded by a mountain like setting, making it a picturesque place to spend a day. The seven miles of trails surrounding the lake allow observation of wildlife such as white-tailed deer, beavers, hawks, and songbirds. Let us know in the comments section below. especially with students from the nearby University of Connecticut. What hotels are near Bigelow Hollow State Park? Located just southeast of the city of New Haven, Lake Saltonstall is a long narrow lake within the Saltonstall Mountain. At the end of the Take RT 2 to exit 16 (North Westchester). feet) varies substantially FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Candlewood Lake offers great fishing for trout, bass, perch, walleye, and other species. Real slippery and hard with a dog on a leash! The West Thompson Dam Disc Golf Course on the eastern shore is renowned for its scenic vistas of the dam and lake. scattered boulders. Some locals refer to this phenomenal beauty as "Mirror Lake." I've been there and seen the street sign and still can't quite figure If you're hoping to boat, you'll find one launch but be warned, the speed limit is eight miles per hour, and waterskiing isn't permitted. Boating Comments: To the You could leave a bicycle or car in Canton and 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.). 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. However you can park on Fees are $15 ($6 after 4pm) on weekends/holidays and $10 on weekdays. Beautiful Swimming and Fishing Spot - Visited Many Times. From the intersection of Routes 6 and 198 in Find vacation rentals near Mansfield Hollow Lake. It is open year round, though it is most popular in the summer months, offering boating, fishing and even scuba diving. unmarked park. Mashapaug Lake, which lies within the Thames River Drainage Basin, is an angler's dream. It has incredibly clear water with lots of shallow water near the shore - ideal for kids - and deeper water for adults. Here are the most noteworthy lakes in the state of Connecticut. Mashapaug Lake is fed by Wells Brook and several intermittent streams. 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. Atwood Lane continue to follow the Mount Riga signs. We were in Mystic on the second weekend of October and after finishing the Aquarium and the Sea Port at Mystic, we decided to head further up north to catch the Fall colors. Class I, II, The staff cares about it so much, the purchase of a meal in the restaurant earns three used books to take home for free, totaling 100,000 books a year. The river runs parallel Just before you enter the State Along the way, you'll pass creeks and waterfalls, and over 170 acres of woodland is on offer to explore. Watch out for the occasional kayakers rowing along. Click to get more information about this lake! Spanning a mere 110 miles from east to west and 70 miles from north to south, Connecticut is far from America's biggest state. 1 PHOTO 2 Lat/Lon Lat: Elizabeth Road or Hickory Lane about 0.2 miles further east off of The trail is a short distance to the river and some smaller falls along the path. The largest natural lake in Connecticut, Bantam is a perfect place to engage in quality family time. Another popular sport at the lake is scuba diving, and you can take lessons and obtain equipment with Northeast Diving Services in New Milford. Some also come to dive into the water off of the 7.6 metres high Chicken Rock. Please enable Javascript in your browser to use all elements of our website. Just past the underpass for RT 8, the right. Water flows over the Bigelow Brook dam at the southern end of Mashapaug Lake at all times of the year. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 45 min to complete. need two cars. Picturesque Places to Visit in Connecticut: Looking for even more beauty than these lakes contain? A popular place to while away a summer's day, this beach can get crowded, so it's best to arrive early. a pool, waterfalls, and rocks to jump from. Great trail, very peaceful and a good workout. This is a really beautiful trail, a bit The island/park is accessible by boat, canoe and kayak, and once there, you can enjoy a quiet picnic. Accessible parking and picnic tables can be found at all park and forest recreation areas. Pack an umbrella and sunscreen, as there's no shade here. Kayaks, Canoes, Sail Boats, Electric Motor Boats, Power Boats, State & Local Rules & Regulations Apply Downstream from the small falls, there is one deep There is a boat ramp that kayaks can enter & you can get into the water in your float. This is one of the most popular places to go fishing in all of Connecticut, particularly for trout. Restaurants near Bigelow Hollow State Park: Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union: Address, Phone Number, Bigelow Hollow State Park Reviews: 4/5. Mashapaug Lake is bigger and holds the record for the largest bass caught in the state. In certain parts of the trail you could easily trip over roots if you werent careful. The lake is very popular with fishermen and boaters from the area, and can also be used for . Public buildings at most state parks are also accessible. wading. Swimming in an unsupervised, bucolic area of a very large, There is room here for several cars. I liked that there was access to swim in the lake from pretty much every picnic spot so people weren't tripping over eachother. Parkway to exit 42. fatalities. Very nice!!! Insider's tip: The lake's recreation area is only open from the weekend before Memorial Day through the weekend following Labor Day, so plan your visit accordingly. No wonder so many people flock here on a warm summer's day. bridge. Two state parks line its shores, making it easy to hike or bike your way to the refreshing water. Bigelow Hollow State Park looking north from the southern shore of Mashapaug Lake at sunset. There are three main trail systems within the area, including the six kilometre Shoreline Trail that loops around the lake. These species include sunfish, yellow perch, chain pickerel, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, brown trout, rainbow trout, and channel catfish. There are numerous private homes and cottages along the lakes shoreline, as well as a store, a public boat launch and a car park. Other recreational activities at the park include disc golf, volleyball, and horseshoes. The fenced Mashapaug. Clearly marked - easy to follow. Mashapaug Lake Surrounded by two state parks, Mashapaug Lake is a haven for outdoor lovers. There are three beautiful lakes to choose from, two available by car and a third that's accessible only via a hike. Atwoodville Lane. Have you ever been swimming at this swimming spot? Take a right onto Howe Ave, this is RT 110 North. sections of the river where you can swim. intersection, bear left to remain on Lyons Plains Rd. take RT 6 east about 30 miles to Willimantic. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. While you're exploring, book a stay in one of these adorably charming top-rated small towns. A moderate hike, Mashapaug View Trail takes you climbing up and away from the water, deeper into the woods and its gorgeous habitats. river. Winds are out of the NNW at 4mph, with wind gusts of 9mph. Photo Credit: jstudts. Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, Pumpout Facilities and Clean Boating Information, Site Sketch of the Mashapaug Lake Boat Launch. [5], Sparse residential housing can be found along the shores of Mashapaug Lake, and also on two of the islands. While waterparks are sure hits, they can get expensive. Gardner Lake State Park is where you'll find the well-loved Gardner Lake. an excellent place to stop in at the end of the day for a refreshing The lake is very popular with fishermen and boaters from the area, and can also be used for swimming. miles to what appears to be the end at "T" intersection. swimming". A visitor writes manufacturing company owned by Augustus Hazard, this area is known The 4,200 hectare lake is also a great place to go kayaking, canoeing and sailing. Others who'd prefer to admire the scenic water views from dry land can enjoy the numerous hiking trails that weave their way along the shore. The bottom of the lake consists of sand, gravel, rubble, boulders and ledge in shallow areas; organic muck in deeper areas. Is there a weekday entrance fee, parking fee?? It's a 297-acre water playground featuring beaches, boat ramps, and beautiful fall foliage. another area, upstream of Diana's Pool that may be called England's the police will occasionally patrol this swimming hole and may issue You can't miss it. Once it's full, the park closes for the day. Logging created an essential dam in the area but also left a hazard of tree stumps that lie just below the water's surface. Lots of steep hills covered in snow and ice. Also, the rope swing has an In times of moderate flow, you can ride the We visited in Autumn and it was absolutely lovely. Park here and follow the obvious train along the Lake Lillinonahs 72 kilometre shoreline is a beautiful wooded area, making it a very tranquil lake. The best time to visit is during the fall, when the multicolored foliage is on full display. The most popular activities include, sailing, swimming, kayaking, fishing, and canoeing. A large body of water created by the Stevenson Dam, Lake Zoar borders the towns of Monroe, Newtown, Oxford, and Southbury. Fast running PHOTO The lake is best known for Sandy Beach, which is a popular summer destination. At 1.5 miles, cross a small bridge into the We visited Veterans' Day weekend. The lake sits along the Housatonic River near the confluence of the Shepaug River, and is surrounded by six towns. There is a public boat launch near the entrance of the state park that is open from 8am to sunset. Lake Mashapaug: TYPE: Lake: DESCRIPTION: Swimming in an unsupervised, bucolic area of a very large, clearwater lake. Several outstanding state parks in Connecticut are worth visiting. Lots of drinkng and trash. beaches and low angle sloping rock outcrops along the perimeter of the 3 that is perfect for those who are more comfortable with House 8 guests 3 bedrooms. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Union CT Insider's tip: You'll have more luck if you head out early or stay late; the lake is a popular place to visit for boating and waterskiing. take RT 34 west to toward Shelton. On Routes 171 & 197 at the road sign entrance to Bigelow Hollow State Park in Union CT. Trip date is June 2012. Chaplin, follow Route 198 north for 0.5 miles. No Jet-ski's allowed. There are signs Walking sticks helped in the water crossings. There's islands with picnic tables that make great destinations for lunch. You Visitors can access the Mashapaug Lake through Bigelow Hollow State Park at its southern end. Follow River Road about 1 1/2 1 which is great for sun bathing and taking in the view of the 35 guests Despite the murky waters, many explorers try to find the lost city of Jerusalem, which was flooded to create the lake. All in all, it is a great place to go swimming on a very 96% of travelers recommend this experience. The lake has a maximum depth of 39.5 feet, and an average depth of 15 feet. 13 guests Book a stay at one of numerous cozy Connecticut vacation rentals to enjoy convenient access to activities such as swimming, sunbathing, water sports, boating, fishing, and more. The state park offers the only public access to the lake. it was a Sunday in June so lots of people swimming/picnicking. The lake is stocked with brook, brown and rainbow trout, making it a popular fishing destination. Similar to someone else's review we missed the split and ended up on the logging road which cut about 1-1.5 miles off the overall hike. Enjoy hiking and cycling along the trails in the park and on top of Mansfield Hollow Dam. Ill stick to Breakneck Ridge and a Pond. If the kids still need more entertaining, head to the sprinkler park or grab a bite at the snack bar. This Picnic tables scattered throughout the wooded area and along the water line. The State of Connecticut DEP Bigelow Hollow State Park (Union) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Sprawling over 246 acres near the town of the same name, Winchester Lake is highly visited by anglers hoping to reel in a good catch. You will tube through some calm, wide Macbook ChartPlotter, and Windows Marine Navigation Appnow available-. Want to report conditions for this trail? The creek is very near private property and the large stones, which may have been the old bridge abutment. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in droves with its innate beauty. Although technically a massive pond, this expansive waterway measures over 85 acres. They built the hydroelectric Rocky River Dam to increase the amount of electricity they could produce by pumping water from the Housatonic River into Candlewood Lake. Topping the list of Connecticut's most beautiful lakes to visit is Candlewood Lake. Be super careful! Seems like a cool place to camp by the water! It is in an Boaters need to take care when navigating, especially when they're getting close to shore. Thank you! We spent a long day here as a big family group, ages 13-73. The portion of Bigelow Hollow State Park on the Located near the town of Waterbury in southwestern Connecticut, Hop Brook Lake is in the midst of a beautiful day park featuring a sandy beach thats perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water fun. Written by Shandley McMurray Updated Jan 31, 2022. Popular winter activities at the lake include ice skating, ice fishing, ice boating, and cross-country skiing. Created when the Army Corps of Engineers dammed the Natchaug River, the faultless view can instill calm in even the most stressed of travelers. This is a popular trail for birding, cross-country skiing, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The lake is also located in the western half of Connecticut between the towns of Morris and Litchfield. water. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties! If you need to rent a mountain bike, look to Pedal Power in Vernon. Motorboats aren't permitted on the lake, so you won't be able to water ski, but there's so much to enjoy you won't feel you're missing out. Burn some calories while exploring the water's wildlife, such as the eastern newt, the green frog, or the hairy woodpecker. Swim near Northampton, Massachusetts Leominster State Forest Princeton, Massachusetts 38.0 miles N There are over 135 acres of surface water at five ponds, with official swimming in 1 pond (with lifeguards), hiking, biking and rock climbing (by permit). - Check the depth of the pool before you jump uses the rope swing. Stretching across three communities, Hop Brook Lake is a recreational lake complete with a beach. It is a stunning area located in Burr Pond State Park in Torrington and a popular place to cool down on a warm summer's day. Park, see a sign on the left for the trail to the falls, and a parking The business Minnie Island State Park lies within the lake's dark blue expanse. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 6 min to complete. West Thompson Lake lies in the northeastern edge of Connecticut near the borders of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The rest of the shoreline is made up entirely of residential properties. Swimming prohibited. Click here for a Connecticut Fishing License. who will require you to wear a life jacket. The State Park beach on the river is just a bit further on Plus, it offers easy access to enjoy water sports such as sailing, kayaking, fishing, and canoeing. Located in Bigelow Hollow State Park, Mashapaug Lake covers a massive 287 acres. Popular tubing run large parking lot on the right. Find vacation rentals near Candlewood Lake. can park on the right just after the bridge. [3], Mashapaug Lake is natural in origin, but the construction of two dams has raised its water level. Its normal surface elevation is 706 feet. During the summer months, camping, boating, fishing, and swimming rank among the top things to do at Lake Waramaug. Average Depth: The swimming hole is upstream of the bend in the river. www.swimmingholes.org. entire lake. Address: 36 Hayestown Rd. Old Sturbridge Inn & Reeder Family Lodges, Comfort Inn & Suites Sturbridge - Brimfield, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sturbridge, an IHG Hotel, View all hotels near Bigelow Hollow State Park on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Bigelow Hollow State Park on Tripadvisor, 2 Days Desert Safari Trip to Fayoum Oasis from Cairo, Ferrari and Lamborghini Driving Experience in Las Vegas, One Day Tour to Chacchoben Mayan City and Bacalar Lagoon with a Certified Guide, Best ATV Tour, Ziplines and Cenote Swim with Lunch and Transport Included, From Jackson Hole: Yellowstone Old Faithful, Waterfalls and Wildlife Day Tour, A Shepherd's Christmas Carol Dinner Show in Branson. These lakes contain 9 min to complete walleye, and rocks to jump from restaurants and attractions balancing... Rope swing the creek is very popular amongst locals from both states, though it is supported. Lake complete with a section of it being used for the largest natural Lake in:. 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