The Incredible Road Trip Through Connecticut That Leads You To 6 Stunning Lakes
By Lisa Sammons|Published March 27, 2024
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Lisa Sammons
Author
Lisa loves animals and has dogs, rats, cats, guinea pigs, and snakes. She is passionate about animal rescue and live music - traveling across the country to see a favorite band is a pretty regular occurrence! Being out hiking in the woods enjoying the scenery with her beloved dogs is another favorite hobby, and also checking out the Pokemon Go scene in whatever city she happens to be in at any given time (coffee and dog leash in hand). You can reach Lisa at lsammons@onlyinyourstate.com
One of my favorite things about Connecticut is how much natural beauty is in the state! For such a small land mass, we have an incredible number of state parks, forests, gardens, and beaches to check out. If you’re looking for the ultimate relaxing getaway into nature, though, few things can compare to the peaceful serenity of a lake. Whether it’s a sprawling natural body of water or a man-made reservoir, there’s something so calming about spending time by the water! If you’re looking to explore some of the best lakes in Connecticut, you won’t want to miss this epic road trip that will take you to six of the very best spots to enjoy time on the water in the Nutmeg State:
In all, the road trip requires about two hours of driving time. You can add or subtract stops as needed, and, of course, you'll want to budget in plenty of time to enjoy the lakes themselves!
Our first stop is the lovely Bantam Lake, the largest natural lake in Connecticut. It spans nearly 950 acres through Litchfield County. There are quite a few protected areas along the shore, and you can also enjoy great beaches like Sandy Beach in Morris, CT.
Next up comes the lovely Hop Brook Lake in New Haven County. This sprawling man-made lake has a wonderful swimming area and is one of our favorite summer destinations in Connecticut thanks to the myriad recreational opportunities available here.
Lake Zoar is a reservoir along the Housatonic River that's another great spot for recreation. From boating to fishing and hiking, there's a lot to enjoy in this area. It's also one of the state's best kayaking lakes.
Lake Lillinonah is a stunning spot that belongs on any list of best lakes in Connecticut. It's a massive man-made reservoir in the western part of the state and it's perfect for swimming or simply enjoying the scenery.
Our next stop is the big daddy of them all: Candlewood Lake. As the largest lake in Connecticut, it's a must-visit for anyone who loves spending time on the water. It's 8.4 square miles and touches both Fairfield and Litchfield Counties, tucked away at the base of the region's mountains.
We'll finish up this lake road trip in Connecticut with a visit to Squantz Pond, antoher perfect spot for enjoying kayaking. The 172-acre lake is the centerpiece of Squantz Pond State Park and offers up beautiful scenery at any time of year.
What a great lake road trip in Connecticut! Whether you’re heading out for a few hours or overnight, it’s important to stay comfortable when in the car for a long time. Make sure to pack along some great road trip snacks when heading out on the highway!
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