Lake Chaffee, Ashford, Connecticut

Lake Chaffee is often called “the best kept secret in Connecticut.” This private lake community sits 856 feet above sea level, offering a peaceful retreat about 2 miles northwest of Westford hamlet in Ashford, Connecticut. You’ll find 54 acres of pristine water surrounded by 8,400 feet of beautiful shoreline to explore and enjoy.

The lake is relatively shallow with a mean depth of about 10 feet, making it perfect for swimming and non-motorized water activities. Motors aren’t allowed on Lake Chaffee (carry-in watercraft only), which helps maintain its tranquil atmosphere. When you visit, you’ll appreciate its convenient location – just a 12-minute drive to Ashford with reasonable proximity to Harrington Healthcare System and Bradley International Airport.

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Lake Chaffee

Lake Chaffee is a charming body of water located in Ashford, Connecticut. This peaceful lake offers visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You’ll find it’s a perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

When you visit Lake Chaffee, you can enjoy various recreational activities depending on the season. During warmer months, swimming, fishing, and boating are popular choices. The lake’s clean waters make it inviting for a refreshing dip on hot summer days.

The surrounding area provides beautiful scenery with lush trees and wildlife. You might spot various bird species or other small animals that call this ecosystem home. The natural beauty changes with the seasons, offering different but equally stunning views year-round.

Lake Chaffee is also beloved by local residents who appreciate its quiet charm. The community around the lake takes pride in maintaining this natural resource. You’ll feel welcome whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another peaceful day by the water.

Rating: 4.4 (7 reviews)
Location: Ashford, CT 06278

History of Lake Chaffee

Lake Chaffee has a rich history spanning from its natural beginnings to its development as a residential community. The lake has transformed significantly over the decades while maintaining its charm as a peaceful Connecticut retreat.

Origins and Early Settlers

Lake Chaffee wasn’t always the serene body of water you see today. It began as a small pond surrounded by swampland in Ashford, Connecticut. The transformation started when an earthen dam was installed sometime before 1934, creating the lake from the existing wetlands.

Historical maps from as far back as 1833 show the Windham and New London Counties area before Lake Chaffee took its current form. If you look at these vintage maps, you can spot the area beneath the “W” where the lake would eventually be created.

Before becoming a lake community, the surrounding land was likely used by early settlers for farming and timber. The natural watershed of the area made it perfect for eventual development into a recreational water body.

Development Over the Years

The Lake Chaffee you might visit today really took shape in the mid-20th century. A major milestone came in 1957 when the Connecticut State Legislature officially created the Lake Chaffee Improvement Association (LCIA) as a special taxing district.

This association has been vital in maintaining and improving the lake for residents and visitors. Since its formation, the LCIA has overseen the growth of Lake Chaffee from a simple damned area to the 52-acre residential community it is now.

Through the decades, Lake Chaffee has maintained its peaceful character. Motors aren’t allowed on the lake (it’s carry-in only), keeping it quiet and clean. The lake reaches depths of about 10 feet (3 meters) and has become a cherished spot for those seeking tranquility.

Connecticut Route 89 now runs near the lake, making this hidden gem more accessible while still preserving its small community feel.

Ecology and Wildlife

Lake Chaffee‘s ecosystem supports a variety of native plants and animals. The lake’s relatively shallow depth (average 6 feet) creates ideal conditions for aquatic life to thrive in this 54-acre body of water.

Flora and Fauna

The lake is home to an impressive 12 native plant species. Eelgrass (Vallisneria americana) dominates the underwater landscape, creating essential habitat for fish and other aquatic creatures. Western waterweed (Elodea nuttallii) also thrives here, helping to maintain water clarity and providing oxygen.

These plants create perfect hiding spots for the lake’s fish population. You’ll likely spot various sunfish, bass, and possibly pike while exploring the waters. Turtles sun themselves on logs, while frogs call from the shallows.

Birdwatchers will delight in sightings of great blue herons stalking the shoreline. Look for kingfishers diving for small fish and various songbirds in the surrounding trees. In spring and fall, migratory waterfowl often stop at Lake Chaffee.

Conservation Efforts

The Lake Chaffee Improvement Association works diligently to protect this special ecosystem. They’ve implemented measures to prevent eutrophication – a process where excess nutrients cause harmful algal blooms that deplete oxygen levels.

Boat restrictions (motors aren’t allowed – carry-in only) help reduce pollution and shoreline erosion. This policy maintains water quality and protects the lake’s fragile ecosystem.

Watershed management is another priority, as the 284-acre watershed directly impacts lake health. It takes nearly six months for water to cycle through Lake Chaffee, making pollution prevention crucial.

Volunteer monitoring programs track water quality and invasive species. These community efforts ensure Lake Chaffee remains healthy for future generations to enjoy.