Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area

About

Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area spans 536 acres across the towns of Middlebury, Naugatuck, and Waterbury in Connecticut, offering an accessible escape from the surrounding suburban areas. The park is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and centers around a scenic 21-acre lake. Visitors can swim at the designated beach area, paddle by canoe, kayak, or rowboat (gas-powered motors prohibited, electric trolling motors allowed), and fish for state-stocked brown, brook, and rainbow trout as well as largemouth bass, perch, and panfish. The recreation area features five reservable group picnic shelters with electrical outlets, picnic tables, and charcoal grills accommodating groups of various sizes. A ball field is also available for reservation. Over 7 miles of trails wind through diverse forest of maple, oak, hickory, ash, birch, white pine, and hemlock, popular for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Wildlife viewing opportunities include hawks, owls, osprey, wild turkeys, waterfowl, occasional bald eagles, white-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, foxes, and bobcats. Important: This is strictly a day-use facility with no overnight camping permitted. User fees are no longer charged for park entry. Pets are prohibited on the beach but allowed elsewhere on a leash.

Directions

From Bridgeport, take Route 8 N 23.5 miles to Exit 26/CT-63 S in Naugatuck. Head southeast on Main Street and turn onto CT-63 N. Travel approximately 3 miles. The park entrance is on the right at the intersection of CT-63 and CT-188. From Hartford, take I-84 W 31 miles to Exit 17 (Watertown/Middlebury, Rte. 63). Go straight to the intersection of CT-64 and CT-63, turn left on CT-63, and travel 1.5 miles. The park entrance is on the left at CT-63 and CT-188.