Lake Wyassup, North Stonington, Connecticut

Nestled in North Stonington, Connecticut, Wyassup Lake offers visitors a peaceful retreat into nature. This beautiful 99-acre lake is partially bordered by the Pachaug State Forest, creating a perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures. You’ll find Wyassup Lake to be a moderate challenge with its 2.3-mile trail that typically takes less than an hour to complete.

The lake features impressive depths of up to 28 feet, with an average depth of about 9 feet throughout its waters. You can access this year-round destination via the boat launch at 145 Wyassup Lake Road. Whether you’re looking for a quick nature excursion or a day of fishing, this hidden gem in New London County provides a wonderful escape from busy everyday life.

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Wyassup Lake

Wyassup Lake is a beautiful natural gem tucked away in North Stonington, Connecticut. This serene lake offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You’ll find yourself surrounded by stunning natural beauty as soon as you arrive.

The lake’s crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating during warmer months. Many visitors come to catch bass, pickerel, and other freshwater fish that call these waters home. You can also enjoy kayaking or canoeing along the calm surface while taking in the scenery.

Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse ecosystem around Wyassup Lake. You might spot various bird species, turtles sunning themselves on logs, or even deer coming to drink at the shoreline during quiet moments. The surrounding forest creates a lovely backdrop for photography or simply enjoying nature.

The lake is relatively uncrowded compared to more commercial waterways in Connecticut, giving you a more authentic outdoor experience. You’ll appreciate the tranquility that makes this spot a hidden treasure for those who discover it.

Rating: 4.9 (12 reviews)
Location: North Stonington, CT 06359

History of Lake Wyassup

Lake Wyassup has transformed over the years from a simple pond to a recreational destination. Its story features both natural origins and human changes that shaped its present form.

Origins and Naming

Lake Wyassup began as a natural pond in North Stonington, Connecticut. You might notice the unique name “Wyassup,” which has Native American origins. The area was home to indigenous peoples long before European settlement, and they likely used the pond as a water and food source.

Originally, the lake was smaller and shallower than what you see today. It featured a small island that’s now submerged. The surrounding forests and lands were important to Native American tribes who lived in the region before colonization.

The lake’s location eventually became part of what we now know as New London County, an area with rich cultural heritage dating back centuries.

Development Over Time

In the early 20th century, Lake Wyassup underwent significant changes. The most notable transformation occurred when the water level was raised approximately 17 feet, turning the pond into the lake you can visit today. This change submerged the island that once dotted the landscape.

The western shoreline of Lake Wyassup now borders Pachaug State Forest, which was established in 1928 with an initial 1,011-acre land purchase from the Briggs Manufacturing Company. This connection to Connecticut’s first state forest enhanced the lake’s recreational value.

Today, the 99-acre lake has homes along parts of its shoreline while maintaining its natural beauty. You’ll notice the water level fluctuates considerably due to the dam structure. Despite these human modifications, Lake Wyassup remains a cherished natural resource for visitors and locals alike.

Ecology and Wildlife

Wyassup Lake’s ecosystem supports diverse plant and animal life, making it a fascinating natural area within Connecticut’s warm climate region. The lake’s varying depths create different habitats for numerous species.

Flora and Fauna Highlights

The lake’s shoreline features typical New England lakeside vegetation with various aquatic plants providing habitat for fish and other wildlife. You’ll find native water lilies and cattails around the shallow edges of the lake.

Fish populations include largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and various panfish that thrive in the lake’s 28-foot maximum depth. Birdwatchers can spot great blue herons, kingfishers, and osprey hunting for fish.

During spring and summer, you might see painted turtles sunning themselves on logs. The surrounding Pachaug State Forest adds to the biodiversity with white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and numerous songbirds.

The forest area contains oak, maple, and pine trees that support woodland creatures like squirrels, chipmunks, and various insects.

Conservation Efforts

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection monitors Wyassup Lake’s water quality and ecosystem health. Their oversight helps maintain this 92.7-acre body of water as a natural resource.

Local conservation groups conduct regular shoreline cleanups to preserve the lake’s beauty and ecological functions. You can join these community efforts during scheduled volunteer days.

Recent proposed legislation specifically targeting Wyassup Lake shows the ongoing interest in protecting this unique ecosystem. These conservation measures aim to balance recreational use with environmental protection.

The lake’s designation within Connecticut’s warmest growing region presents both opportunities and challenges for conservation. Longer growing seasons affect the types of plants and animals that thrive here.