Black Rock Lake, next to Black Rock State Park in Connecticut is a 21-acre lake full of hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities. The dam, which created the lake, was completed by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1971 and is what lies between Black Rock Lake and Branch Brook. The dam also provides a scenic viewpoint for visitors of the tree-lined lake.
The area takes it name from history when, in 1657, early settlers to the Naugatuck Valley were given rights to mine graphite lead by the resident Indians. The darker rocks that were mined explain the description given to the lake, which has persisted over the years.
Black Rock Lake in Litchfield County is a popular COE park for hiking due to its proximity to the Mattatuck Blue Trail System. In fact, a portion of this 35-mile trail crosses right through the reservoir. This trail can take you all the way into the Mattatuck State Forest. Non-motorized water sports and fishing can be enjoyed here too. In total there are 319 acres of land at the Black Rock Lake Corps of Engineers park for you and your family to explore.
There are no US Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds at Black Rock Lake but there are camping options at Black Rock State Park.
To get to Black Rock Lake in Watertown CT, take Route 8 to exit 38. Then, follow US Route 6 W to Route 109 N. The dam and reservoir area is one mile from the intersection of route 6 and 109. Roads to the lake are paved and easy to navigate with larger rigs.
An important note is that the lake is only open seasonally. Black Rock State Park opens its gates on weekends only for day use from mid April to Memorial Day. The gates are open for day use every day from Memorial Day until October 1st. Day use is considered to be from 8am to sunset.
Parking is available for all types of vehicles very close to Black Rock Lake.
There are no camping options available within Black Rock Lake Army Corps of Engineers park. Close by you'll find Black Rock State Park which can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 30 feet in length. It has both drive in and pull through sites but no hookups are available. There are 73 sites in total with some only that only allow tents. Reservations can be made online.
The campsites have both picnic tables and fire rings. There are restrooms and water is available. Enjoy the adjacent recreation field and fishing opportunities right onsite.
Camping here means easy access to hiking trails within the 444-acre park. Try out the Mattatuck Trail which connects Black Rock State Park to the woodland sections of the Mattatuck State Forest. You can also take the short trip Black Rock which offers views of the surrounding towns.
With all the outdoor activities available at Black Rock Lake, everyone will need a little time rest and relax. Bring a packed lunch and set up a picnic pretty much anywhere at the COE lake. You can head to the shores of Black Rock Pond for a pretty view while you eat. Make sure you have your own blanket since picnic tables in the area are few and far between.
There is a picnic shelter at Black Rock State Park that can be reserved online in advance.
Black Rock Pond is a reprieve from the hot New England summer once you wade into the cool, clean water. Grab your towel and head to the sandy beach and set up for the day. The ground is soft and lifeguards are on duty seasonally so keep an eye out for their green flags and obey all posted signs.
The setting for your day at this little beach couldn't be better. The water is clear and calm and the pond is surrounded by mature trees.
Black Rock Lake is open seasonally for non-motorized boating. Grab your canoe or kayak and head out onto the pristine, clear water. Navigate along the shoreline while enjoying views of the mature trees.
If you feel the urge, you can always bring your fishing gear with you and try your luck from your boat.
However you choose to boat on the lake, be aware that coastguard-approved life jackets are required.
Visiting the Black Rock Lake COE park without taking the opportunity to experience a classic New England town would be a shame. Head into the town of Waterbury, less than ten miles away.
This town is knows as the "Brass City" features the Mattatuck Museum and Arts Center. There are rotating exhibits and collection of over 10,000 buttons.
Walking around this charming town, you'll marvel at the buildings from the late 19th to early 20th centuries in the Downtown Historic District. If you're visiting in the fall, you'll be treated to the different colors of leaves throughout the town and surrounding area.
Both Black Rock Lake and Branch Brook are stocked by the State of Connecticut with trout. You can expect to find brown, brook, and rainbow trout on your hook. The lake also has pickerel, perch, bullhead, and bluegill. It's also possible to catch largemouth and smallmouth bass with a little luck.
Try fishing at Black Rock Pond after you've tried the lake. The setting is beautiful here with the steep shores covered in pine, oak, and hemlock. The pond contains catfish, perch, and trout.
There is an excellent range of hiking trails at Black Rock Lake and the adjoining Black Rock State Park. Hikes can last from as little as 30 minutes to all day. Try out the Mattatuck Trail from the Grey Stone section of Waterbury to the Wigwam Reservoir in Morris. Hiking this trail gives you a view of the majestic Naugatuck Valley and of course, the black rock.
If that's too much for you, you can explore any of the smaller trails around Black Rock Pond or the lake. The pretty water, meadows, and mature forests are the perfect recipe for an enjoyable hike.
