Top 6 Lakes in Ringwood State Park

Shepherd Lake, a 74-acre spring-fed lake, is the centerpiece for recreation in Ringwood State Park. You can enjoy swimming from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day (with lifeguards), boating (electric motors only), and fishing. The lake is stocked with trout in spring, and you can also catch largemouth bass, sunfish, pickerel, and catfish year-round. Ice fishing is permitted in winter. There are also hiking and mountain biking trails, including a 1.9-mile Shepherd Lake Loop, and facilities for picnicking and a playground. For more details on this highlight, visit Shepherd Lake.

Yes, Ringwood State Park offers several family-friendly options around its lakes. Shepherd Lake has a beach for swimming, a playground, and picnic areas. Easy hiking trails like the Shepherd Lake Loop are suitable for families. The park also features historic sites and gardens that can be explored by all ages.

Swimming is permitted at Shepherd Lake from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with lifeguards on duty. It's known for its cool and invigorating spring-fed waters.

Fishing is a popular activity, especially at Shepherd Lake. The lake is stocked with trout in the spring, and you can also find largemouth bass, sunfish, pickerel, and catfish. Ice fishing is allowed during the winter months.

Yes, there are numerous hiking trails. Around Shepherd Lake, you'll find a popular 1.9-mile loop trail. The park also features the 'Five Ponds Loop,' a five-mile trail connecting Glasmere Ponds, Gatum Pond, Brushwood Pond, Weyble Pond, and Swan Pond, which is suitable for beginner and intermediate hikers. For more hiking options, explore the Hiking in Ringwood State Park guide.

The 'Five Ponds Loop' is a five-mile-long hiking trail in Ringwood State Park that connects Glasmere Ponds, Gatum Pond, Brushwood Pond, Weyble Pond, and Swan Pond. It's popular for beginner and intermediate hikers, offering mostly flat terrain with some rocky sections and tranquil wooded settings. Glasmere Ponds, in particular, provide spectacular views along this route. You can find this and other easy hikes in the Easy hikes in Ringwood State Park guide.

Yes, the historic Ringwood Manor section of the park is home to Sally's Pond, which is picturesque and offers scenic views. The Church of St. Luke, built in 1895, also overlooks Shepherd Lake, adding to its charm. Ringwood State Park itself encompasses historic manors and offers tours of Ringwood Manor from April to October.

At Shepherd Lake, you'll find parking, bathhouses, and a concession stand that offers refreshments and beach supplies. Rowboats, canoes, and small sailboats are available for rent, though only electric motors are permitted on the lake.

The lakes are enjoyable year-round. Summer is ideal for swimming and boating at Shepherd Lake. Spring offers trout fishing and blooming nature, while fall provides beautiful foliage for hiking. Winter allows for ice fishing and serene winter hikes.

Yes, there are mountain biking trails around Shepherd Lake, including a 7.5-mile mountain bike loop. The park's trail systems are generally suitable for biking throughout the year. For more cycling routes, check out the Cycling in Ringwood State Park guide.

Glasmere Ponds are known for their peaceful setting within a wooded area and offer spectacular views. They serve as a tranquil rest point along hiking trails, particularly the 'Five Ponds Loop,' providing an opportunity to experience nature's serenity.

The lakes and surrounding wooded areas are home to diverse wildlife. Sally's Pond, for example, is noted for providing scenic views involving nature and wildlife. You can expect to see various birds, small mammals, and aquatic life in and around the water bodies.