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Lake Saltonstall

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Lake Saltonstall hosts multiple trails that together provide views of the lake, trails through forests, and views from the ridgeline. Permit required.
Trail Activity
Hiking Bicycling Cross-country skiing Paddling
Length
11.4 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Towns
Branford, East Haven
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt, Lake/Pond
Pets
Not Permitted
Fees
Yes

Description

In order to hike the Lake Saltonstall trails, a permit from the Regional Water Authority (RWA) is required.

Lake Saltonstall provides a home for many species of birds and forest animals. Lake Saltonstall has about nine miles of including a 1.4 mile interpretive nature trail. This trail also offers freshwater fishing in the stocked lake (CT fishing license required). A wheelchair-accessible floating pier is located on-site.

The Lake Saltonstall Trail is the site’s most popular trail and is perfect for jogging, hiking, bicycling, or cross-country skiing. It provides beautiful views of the lake all year long. The inland portion of the trail weaves in and out of spruce and pine plantations, native hardwoods, and a powerline right of-way. It’s the best trail for spring wildflowers, but includes some wet areas.

The Ridge Trail is a dead-end trail that has scenic views and runs along the top of the Saltonstall Ridge. Access to the Ridge Trail is from the main Nature Trail. Once on the Ridge Trail, there is also the short Vista Trail that provides an overlook from Saltonstall Ridge to the west.

Read more at the South Central Regional Council of Governments (SCRCOG) website (Branford).  

Other Information

Attention: Permit required for accessing the property - no personal boats/ canoes etc.

A permit can be acquired through the RWA recreation website

The RWA offers an accessible floating pier, as well as rental boats. 

Rules:

  • This site requires a Regional Water Authority Permit and is for passive use only.
  • No mechanized vehicles, hiking and bicycling only.
  • Bicycling is permitted from April 15th to December 31st.
  • Bikers can ride on designated trails only and must yield to all hikers.
  • Shore and Lake fishing is permitted - CT fishing license required.
  • Wading and swimming are prohibited.
  • Dogs are not permitted.
  • IMPORTANT: personal boats/canoes/kayaks/paddle boards etc. are not allowed to be brought in. The RWA offers rental boats and kayaks for fishing on a seasonal basis.

Review the RWA Rules and Regulations for the complete list of park rules.

Trail Manager

South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority
90 Sargent Drive
New Haven, CT 06511
203-401-2654
https://www.rwater.com/in-the-community/recreation

Trail Tips

Dispose of Waste Properly
Keep Connecticut green and clean! Pick up trash, even if it's not yours. Leave soon-to-be trash like excess packaging, stickers, and twist ties at home.

Trailhead Information

Via I-95:

Take exit 52 to Route 1 (Saltonstall Parkway/West Main Street). Lake Saltonstall has two gated entrances that are located off Hosley Avenue; the central gate is closest to fishing access and the northern gate is for hiking. Parking is available behind locked gates at each location shown on the map.

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