Top 12 Lakes around Redding Center
Best lakes around Redding Center, Connecticut, offer diverse recreational opportunities within a natural landscape. The area features several man-made ponds and reservoirs, providing settings for various outdoor activities. These bodies of water are often integrated into state parks and local facilities, enhancing public access. Redding Center's lakes contribute to the region's appeal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking natural features and tranquil environments.
Best lakes around Redding Center
- The most popular lakes is Parks Pond and Picnic Site, a lake surrounded…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Parks Pond and Picnic Site
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View of Saugatuck Reservoir
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Godfrey Trail and Godfrey Pond
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Bennett's Pond
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Tarrywile Park
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Once an active dairy farm and fruit orchard, the park now hosts 21 miles of hiking trails, 2 ponds, a lake, and several picnic areas (also a mansion and a castle!). Open from sunrise to sunset year round, for FREE. Here is the park website: https://tarrywile.com/the-park/
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Tarrywile Park spans 722 acres, with roughly 21 miles of hiking trails, two ponds, and a lake. Once a dairy farm and fruit orchard, there are several picnic areas and historic landmarks, including the Tarrywile Mansion and Hearthstone Castle. Open year-round during daylight hours, the park is a beautiful spot for a lovely hike and a picnic anywhere on the grounds.
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This pond is part of the headwaters of the Saugatuck River, ultimately providing drinking water to lower Fairfield County. The trail circles the entire pond. We were there in August, and saw some swans! But also lots of mosquitoes. And there wasn't really any good spot to rest for a picnic either. The trail around the pond is very narrow and the vegetation is dense around the trail, at least in the summer.
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The Saugatuck Reservoir, an 827-acre manmade lake in Fairfield County, offers an angler's paradise just off the I-95 corridor. From Newtown Turnpike, you can catch beautiful views through the woods surrounding the reservoir, often with reflections of the sky in the still water.
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Nice pond surrounded by woodlands. You cannot swim in the pond, but there is a picnic area nearby that you can use to take a break and enjoy great views of the water.
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Nice view of Saugatuck Reservior from the road. There is not a designated place to stop and enjoy the view, so make sure that you safely admire the water while on the road with car traffic.
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Devils Den Preserve is the largest contiguous nature preserve in southwestern Connecticut. Woodlands, wetlands, streams, rocky outcrops, rugged north-south ridges. And Godfrey Lake, on whose scenic shore you can take some time for a little rest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for hiking and walking around Redding Center?
The Redding Center area offers several lakes with excellent hiking opportunities. You can explore the extensive multi-use trail system around the ponds in Huntington State Park. Tarrywile Park also features 21 miles of hiking trails around its two ponds and a lake. For easy walks, consider the trails near Godfrey Pond within Devil's Den Nature Preserve. You can find more hiking options in the area by checking out the easy hikes guide for Redding Center.
Which lakes offer scenic views in Redding Center?
For scenic views, the View of Saugatuck Reservoir provides tranquil vistas of the large man-made lake, often with reflections of the sky. Parks Pond and Picnic Site is another spot known for its pleasant views of the water surrounded by woodlands, perfect for a break.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Redding Center area?
Yes, Topstone Park is highly recommended for families, offering a sand beach for swimming, free use of kayaks, paddleboats, and canoes, a playground, and picnic areas. Tarrywile Park and Parks Pond and Picnic Site are also considered family-friendly, providing spaces for picnics and gentle walks.
Can I go swimming or kayaking in the lakes around Redding Center?
Swimming is permitted at Topstone Park, which also offers free use of kayaks, paddleboats, and canoes. In Huntington State Park, canoeing is allowed in its ponds, but swimming is not. The Saugatuck Reservoir and Parks Pond do not permit swimming or boating.
Which lakes are dog-friendly in Redding Center?
Topstone Park is very dog-friendly, featuring a designated "Magee's Swimming Hole" where dogs can swim off-leash. Tarrywile Park also welcomes dogs on its trails.
What kind of wildlife can I observe near the lakes?
Huntington State Park is a great place for wildlife observation, with birds, turtles, ducks, geese, and even beavers frequently seen around its ponds. At Bennett's Pond, swans have been spotted, especially in late summer.
Are there historical sites near the lakes in Redding Center?
Yes, Tarrywile Park, which includes two ponds and a lake, is home to several historic landmarks such as the Tarrywile Mansion and Hearthstone Castle, reflecting its past as a dairy farm and fruit orchard.
What are the best times to visit the lakes in Redding Center?
Many lakes, like those in Huntington State Park and Tarrywile Park, are enjoyable year-round for hiking and nature observation. Topstone Park is particularly popular during the summer for swimming and water activities. Late summer might offer wildlife sightings like swans at Bennett's Pond, though mosquitoes can be more prevalent then.
Can I camp near the lakes in Redding Center?
Overnight camping permits are available on weekends for residents at Topstone Park. For specific details and to check availability, you may want to consult the official park information, such as the Topstone Park Info document.
What other outdoor activities can I do near the lakes?
Beyond hiking, the area around Redding Center's lakes offers cycling and mountain biking. Huntington State Park has trails suitable for cyclists and equestrians. You can find various routes for these activities in the cycling guide and the MTB trails guide for Redding Center.
Where can I find information about parking and access to the lakes?
Parking is generally available at state parks and designated recreational areas like Huntington State Park and Topstone Park. For places like the View of Saugatuck Reservoir from the road, there isn't a dedicated stopping area, so caution is advised. Specific parking details are often available on individual park websites or local government pages.
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