Welcome to Our Lake Saltonstall Recreation Area

Located off Route 1 in Branford, CT. One of Connecticut’s richest wildlife areas, Lake Saltonstall provides a home for many species of birds and forest animals. Here you can hike, jog or bicycle along 9 miles of trails, learn about local plants and animals while walking along our interpretive nature trail or take advantage of some of the finest freshwater fishing in our stocked lake.

Please stay within the boundaries of the recreation area at Lake Saltonstall. 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 Saltonstall

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

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.

Hiking Lot Access Trail

(White Triangle) 0.2 Miles

This trail connects you to the main Nature Trail from the hiking parking lot at the north end of Lake Saltonstall.

Nature Trail

(White Rectangle) 1.4 Miles

This self-guiding trail describes the role woodlands play in protecting our water supply. Here you’ll find 21 stations with interpretive signs where you can learn about plant and animal life, the hydrologic cycle, and how our foresters manage our woodlands.

Ridge Trail

(Red Triangle) 3.0 Miles

This is a dead end trail that runs along the top of Saltonstall Ridge, offering scenic views. You can access the Ridge Trail from the main Nature Trail. Please allow enough time to get to the end and back along the same route.

Vista Trail

(Orange Circle) 0.1 Miles

Only accessible via the Ridge Trail, this trail provides an overlook from Saltonstall Ridge to the west.

Lake Saltonstall Trail

(Green Circle) 4.1 Miles

The lakeside portion of the trail is our most popular at Saltonstall. It is perfect for jogging, hiking, bicycling or cross-country skiing. You will find beautiful views all year long along the lake. You can traverse the trail one way along the lake and back to take advantage of the view, or do the entire loop around. The inland portion of the trail weavers in and out of spruce and pine plantations, native hardwoods, and a power line right-of-way. It’s the best trail here for spring wildflowers, but be aware there may be some wet areas during that time of year.

Glen Grove Trail

(Yellow Circle) 0.1 Miles

This trail is a short extension off the Nature Trail and provides the opportunity for lake views at the northern end of Lake Saltonstall.

Boat Fishing/Rental at Lake Saltonstall

Our fish shack is located just off Hosley Avenue on Fish Dock Road on the Branford/East Haven line. Thirty boats are available on a "first come, first served" basis. Ten boats are equipped with clean, quiet electric trolling motors. In order to protect our water supply, only boats rented from the RWA are allowed on the lake.

Lake Saltonstall is staffed Tuesdays and Fridays from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. from "opening day" through Labor Day weekend. After Labor Day weekend the lake is staffed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends only through the end of September. For more information, please call the Regional Water Authority Recreation Department at 203.401.2654.

Wheelchair Access at Lake Saltonstall

A wheelchair accessible floating pier is located at the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority fisherman access. Fishing by permit and parking for handicapped available on site. Trout, largemouth bass, sunfish, white perch, black crappie.

Link to Connecticut Disabled Persons Fishing Access Areas, a list of other areas/structures in Connecticut which provide fishing access with primary use intended for persons with disabilities.

Interpretive Trails at Lake Saltonstall

Our Lake Saltonstall Recreation Area features Interpretive Trails. For more information, please call the Regional Water Authority Recreation Department at 203.401.2654.

Bicycling at Lake Saltonstall

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