Wyassup Lake, North Stonington, Connecticut

Nestled in North Stonington, Connecticut, Wyassup Lake offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This beautiful 99-acre lake sits alongside Pachaug State Forest, creating a perfect setting for various recreational activities. You can explore the moderately challenging 2.3-mile trail that takes you around parts of the lake, providing stunning views and opportunities to connect with nature.

Wyassup Lake is accessible year-round and features a boat launch at 145 Wyassup Lake Road, making it easy for you to enjoy time on the water. With an average depth of 8.9 feet and a maximum depth of 28 feet, the lake provides excellent conditions for fishing and boating. The surrounding area’s natural beauty makes this North Stonington gem worth adding to your Connecticut adventure list.

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Wyassup Lake

Wyassup Lake is a hidden gem located in North Stonington, Connecticut. This pristine body of water offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You’ll find yourself enchanted by its natural beauty and serene atmosphere.

The lake provides wonderful recreational opportunities for visitors throughout the year. You can enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming during warmer months. Many locals consider this spot one of Connecticut’s best-kept secrets for catching bass and other freshwater fish.

When you visit Wyassup Lake, you’ll notice the surrounding forest creates a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities. The wooded shoreline offers quiet spots for picnicking or simply relaxing by the water. Wildlife spotting is common here, with various bird species making their home around the lake.

The water quality at Wyassup Lake is excellent, making it ideal for a refreshing swim on hot summer days. You’ll appreciate the clean, clear water that reflects the sky and surrounding greenery. The lake remains relatively uncrowded compared to more popular Connecticut destinations.

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

Exploring Wyassup Lake

Wyassup Lake offers visitors a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and peaceful natural surroundings. This 99-acre gem in North Stonington is surrounded by Pachaug State Forest on its western edge, creating an ideal setting for various activities.

Recreational Activities

You’ll find plenty to do at Wyassup Lake throughout the year. The public boat launch makes it easy to get out on the water with your canoe, kayak, or small motorboat. Fishing is especially popular here, with opportunities to catch various species.

The moderately challenging 2.3-mile trail near the lake takes about 56 minutes to complete on average. It’s perfect for a morning hike before cooling off with a swim in the lake’s refreshing waters.

During winter months, the lake transforms into a cold-weather playground. Ice fishing draws enthusiasts when conditions are safe, and the surrounding trails offer beautiful snowshoeing opportunities.

Remember to check local regulations before fishing, as permits may be required.

Wildlife and Natural Beauty

The lake’s location bordering Pachaug State Forest creates a thriving ecosystem teeming with wildlife. Early mornings are perfect for spotting deer coming to drink at the shoreline or watching great blue herons fishing in the shallows.

Bird watchers will appreciate the variety of species that call this area home or pass through during migration seasons. Bring your binoculars for the best viewing experience!

The landscape around Wyassup Lake changes dramatically with the seasons. Spring brings wildflowers and new growth, while summer offers lush green forests and sparkling waters. Fall transforms the area with spectacular foliage colors reflected in the lake’s surface.

The western shoreline features interesting rock formations and small coves worth exploring by boat or along the shoreline.

History of Wyassup Lake

Wyassup Lake has a fascinating history that spans both natural formations and human interventions. The lake’s story includes geological changes and cultural connections to the surrounding North Stonington area.

Formation and Geology

Wyassup Lake is natural in origin, though humans have modified it over time. Originally, it was a smaller pond that featured an island. The water level was later raised by approximately 17 feet through the construction of a small dam. This significant change transformed the pond into the larger lake we see today.

The lake experiences considerable water level fluctuations due to its natural characteristics. These fluctuations are part of the lake’s ecological rhythm and affect the shoreline throughout different seasons.

The surrounding area features typical New England geology, with rocky terrain and numerous stone walls crossing the landscape. These stone walls are remnants of the region’s agricultural history when farmers cleared fields for cultivation.

Cultural Significance

Wyassup Lake is closely connected to Pachaug State Forest, which was established in 1928 with a 1,011-acre land purchase from the Briggs Manufacturing Company in nearby Voluntown. The forest expanded in 1933, growing to include areas around the lake.

The west side of Wyassup Lake directly borders Pachaug State Forest, creating a natural boundary that has shaped development patterns. The eastern shore has seen more human settlement with homes and recreational facilities.

North Stonington, the town where Wyassup Lake is located, was incorporated in 1807. The lake has been part of the town’s rural character, which is defined by active farms, historic properties, and miles of stonewalls that crisscross the landscape.