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).
A permit can be acquired through the RWA recreation website.
The RWA offers an accessible floating pier, as well as rental boats.
Review the RWA Rules and Regulations for the complete list of park rules.
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.
A permit is required before using trails. Please read the detailed trail post for more information.
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