Welcome to Our Lake Chamberlain Recreation Area

The West River and its tributary, the Sargent River, flow through the valley west of West Rock Ridge. Five reservoirs were created between 1889 and 1915 on these rivers to form the West River water supply system. Originally constructed in 1890, Lake Chamberlain was enlarged in 1958 to over five times its original size.
Recreation permit holders can hike along the shores of two of these reservoirs, Lake Bethany and Lake Chamberlain.

Please stay within the boundaries of the recreation area at Lake Chamberlain. Your safety and the safety of our drinking water are our primary concerns. Please abide by our rules and regulations and encourage others to do the same.

A Guide to the Trails at Lake Chamberlain

Here is a brief description of the trails at Lake Chamberlain.

Remember: Permit holders receive easy-to-read trail maps with detailed descriptions. As a permit holder, you can also enjoy the convenience of free parking and a system-wide trail guide as well as invitations to guided nature walks, our annual kids fishing derby and other special events which are only open to our permit holders.

Eric Stone Trail

(White Rectangle) 2.4 Miles

This trail offers some beautiful views of Lake Chamberlain. In the spring and summer look for bluebirds that nest in this area. Bluebirds are making a comeback in Connecticut, thanks to many bluebird houses put up by volunteers. As farmland and hollow fence posts disappear, bluebirds are dependent on these special houses for nesting sites

Sargent River Loop

(Green Circle) 1.2 Miles

This trail is named for the Sargent River that feeds into the Lake Chamberlain reservoir. The trail passes through a wide range of forest types, including a larch plantation, hardwood swamp, and transition hardwoods. Club moss or ground pine, an evergreen plant about six inches tall, is abundant. These small club mosses have been around for 300 million years, but some now extinct species once grew as big as trees

Old Field Trail

(Purple Circle) 0.5 Miles

Small animals like chipmunks and red squirrels make their homes in the stone walls once used in farming along the Old Field Trail. You will also find a good hill for cross-country skiing here.

Cabin Trail

(Red Circle) 0.4 Miles

This short alternate trail offers a nice view of the lake through the trees

Greenway Connection

(Blue Square with Yellow Dot) 1.7 Miles

A link in the chain of trails that form the Woodbridge Greenway, this trail enters Water Authority property on Route 63. The trail eventually heads south where it crosses, and then follows, Sperry Road (which is closed to through traffic each winter). Before climbing southeast to Dillon Road, the trail traverses a small stream on the old Woodbridge Glen Road.

Stony Loam Trail

(Purple Triangle) 0.5 Miles

This trail starts at the west end of the Lake Chamberlain dam and connects Chamberlain’s trail system to the Woodbridge Greenway. It is named for the dominant soil type in the area.

Spur Trails

Orange, Blue, Green and Red Triangles

These short connecting trails connect our trails with public roads.

Lake Fishing at Lake Chamberlain

Lake fishing is available at our Lake Chamberlain Recreation Area. For more information, please call the Regional Water Authority Recreation Department at 203.401.2654.

Horseback Riding at Lake Chamberlain

Horseback riding is available at our Lake Chamberlain Recreation Area. For more information, please call the Regional Water Authority Recreation Department at 203.401.2654.

Wheelchair Access at Lake Chamberlain

Wheelchair Access is available at our Lake Chamberlain Recreation Area. For more information, please call the Regional Water Authority Recreation Department at 203.401.2654.