A 630 feet lake, surrounded by lush marshlands with great mountain views, a diverse landscape, and serene surroundings, Hancock Brook Lake is a brilliant spot for outdoor recreation. Located in Plymouth, Connecticut, about 4.5 miles north of Waterbury, the lake's resources are valuable to the densely populated and industrialized region, with thousands of people visiting the lake annually.
Hancock Broom Lake and Dam was built by the Corps of Engineers and forms part of a network of seven reservoirs in the Naugatuck River Basin used for flood control. The dam was completed in September 1966 and was designed to stop excess floodwater to reduce flood damages in the region. A total sum of just under $60 million is said to have been prevented in flood damages since the dam was built.
Visitors to the resort get to enjoy the lake's natural resources. The wide lake area provides the opportunity for a wide range of water sports like fishing, swimming, and boating. Hikers can also explore the region's many hiking trails. The Hancock Brook Trail is the region's most popular trail with Whitestone Cliffs Trail and numerous other scenic trails available to visitors. Visitors also have the chance to explore Plymouth and its many attractions while visiting the lake as the town's beauty and unique appeal contributes to what makes Hancock Brook Lake a good destination for outdoor lovers.
Hancock Brook Lake can be accessed easily by foot or car off Route 262, Plymouth CN. The road takes you to Todd Hollow Rd, with the park entrance located on the right. The roads in and around the resort are mostly paved and dirt roads, with visible signposts directing visitors to the various parts of the resort. The parking space and lake area is a short drive from the entrance and all vehicles are to keep to designated roadways at all times.
Black Rock is a nearby campsite located at Black Rock State Park. The pet-friendly campground offers 78 campsites for tents and RV with a wooded setting and serene environment ideal for family camping. Campsites do not offer water, sewer or electric hookups, but visitors have two well-equipped bathhouses with hot water and flush toilets.
Although pets are allowed at the park, they are to be on a leash at all times. Campgrounds also have fire rigs, picnic tables, public water pumps, and an RV dump station. Several hiking trails run by the campground, with the beach just a short walk away. Reservations can be made up to 11 months prior to arrival.
The vast grasslands, woodland and rich vegetation surrounding the lake support a wide range of wildlife species. Some of these species have resided in the region even before the construction of the dam and visitors can spot them easily around the lake and on the trails.
White-tailed deer, beaver, otter, fox, muskrat, and minks are all native to the region, with raccoons, chipmunks, possums, grey and red fox, and different rabbit species also residing at the resort. Reptiles like rattlesnakes, garter snakes and different turtle species are also native to the lake and its surroundings.
Hancock Brook Lake is a brilliant destination for bird lovers. The lake and its surroundings provide a home to over 150 bird species. Visitors will easily spot these birds on the lake or while hiking the resort's trail system.
The lake has a wide variety of waterfowl species including wood duck, green heron and mallard, and the grasslands are home to a wide variety of upland and non-game birds. Turkey, grouse, and pheasants are popular around the lake, with hawks, sparrows, herons, songbirds, and eagles also common sightings for sharp-eyed visitors.
Hunting of upland game and furbearers is permitted at the lake subject to regulations. Visitors have a chance to hunt for deer, turkey, waterfowl, small mammals, pheasants, and other upland birds with the use of a shotgun.
Hunting at the lake is highly regulated. Visitors should inquire about season dates, bag limits, and other rules and regulations, before starting any hunting activities.
Trail biking is another way of exploring the lake's surroundings and experiencing the region's beauty. Numerous bike-friendly trails run through the area, giving visitors a unique view of the region and its attractions.
The Hancock Brook Trail is a good biking trail, with most of the trail being smooth and easy to navigate on wheels. Whitestone Cliffs Trail is also a brilliant trail for bikers, with the Black Rock Trail at the nearby Black Rock State Park also a good option for bikers.
The lake area at the resort has a rich fish population and offers visitors some fantastic lake and stream fishing opportunities. The Fish and Games Agency of Connecticut stocks the lake with different sport fish species like trout and salmon to complement the native species that inhabit the lake.
Anglers at the dam can fish for native bass, perch, and bluegill which all have an abundant population at the lake. Salmon, trout and other species introduced into the lake also have thriving populations.
The diverse landscape surrounding the lake provides some excellent hiking trails for visitors. Trails range from steep mountain climbs to dirt roads, wooded areas, and grasslands with varying hiking difficulties to suit every outdoor lover.
The 2.8 mile Hancock Brook Trail is the most hiked trail in the region, with a great forest setting and some excellent birding opportunities. Mattatuck Trail runs for a lengthy 15.7 miles and is perhaps the most challenging trail in the region, offering waterfall views and some wildlife viewing opportunities.
