Candlewood Lake, Danbury, Connecticut

Nestled in Western Connecticut, Candlewood Lake is a stunning manmade wonder that spans across Fairfield and Litchfield counties. This breathtaking body of water stretches approximately 11 miles long with 60 miles of shoreline, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. You’ll find Candlewood Lake to be one of the best recreational lakes in Connecticut, if not all of New England, offering plenty of space to enjoy water activities with its impressive 5,420 acres.

The lake’s rich history dates back to 1928 when it was created in just seven months, transforming the landscape into the beautiful retreat we know today. Encompassing the towns of Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, and New Milford, Candlewood Lake provides a diverse experience with varying landscapes and amenities around its shores. You’ll appreciate the dedication of the Candlewood Lake Authority, which works tirelessly to promote responsible recreation, conservation, and stewardship of this magnificent resource.

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Candlewood Lake

Candlewood Lake is Connecticut’s largest lake, offering stunning scenic beauty and plenty of recreational opportunities for visitors. This man-made wooded lake features sandy beaches and marinas that make it perfect for a day of relaxation or adventure.

Since 1972, the Candlewood Lake Authority has been dedicated to preserving and protecting this natural treasure. They promote responsible recreation and conservation efforts to ensure the lake remains beautiful for generations to come.

You’ll find plenty to do at Candlewood Lake, from swimming at the sandy beaches to boating across its expansive waters. The wooded surroundings create a peaceful atmosphere that helps you escape from everyday stress and connect with nature.

The lake serves as a hub for local communities, bringing together residents and visitors who share a love for outdoor activities and natural beauty.

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Overview of Candlewood Lake

Candlewood Lake stands as Connecticut’s largest lake, offering stunning views and countless recreational opportunities across its expansive waters. This magnificent body of water serves as both a natural playground and an engineering marvel.

Geographical Features

Candlewood Lake stretches approximately 11 miles in length and reaches about 2 miles at its widest point. With roughly 65 miles of scenic shoreline, the lake covers an impressive 5,420 acres. The lake has a maximum depth of about 85 feet, with an average depth of 29.3 feet.

You’ll find the lake nestled among rolling hills with numerous coves perfect for exploring. Its watershed encompasses about 25,860 acres across several Connecticut towns including Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, and New Milford.

The lake’s considerable size makes it perfect for boating enthusiasts. You can enjoy the full expanse of open water or discover the many hidden coves along its irregular shoreline.

History of Candlewood Lake

Unlike many natural lakes, Candlewood Lake is actually a man-made reservoir with a fascinating origin story. The lake was created as part of a hydroelectric project about 100 years ago.

Engineers designed the lake as a pumped storage facility that draws water from the Housatonic River. Water is pumped up to the lake where it’s stored until needed for power generation.

This impressive engineering feat transformed the landscape and created what would become Connecticut’s largest inland body of water.

Today, you can enjoy the lake Monday through Thursday when it’s less crowded.

The shoreline has developed over the decades into a popular destination for both seasonal visitors and year-round residents who appreciate its natural beauty.

Recreational Activities

Candlewood Lake offers a variety of fun outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. The lake’s expansive waters and surrounding natural areas provide endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

Boating and Water Sports

Candlewood Lake is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts! At 9 miles long and nearly 1.5 miles wide at its widest point, this beautiful lake gives you plenty of space to enjoy your favorite activities.

You can bring your own boat or rent one from local marinas around the lake. The calm waters are perfect for:

Waterskiing
Wakeboarding
Tubing
Jet skiing
Paddleboarding
Kayaking
Canoeing

Weekdays are typically less crowded, making Monday through Thursday the best time to enjoy water activities.

During summer months, the lake comes alive with water sport enthusiasts. Whatever water activity you can imagine, you’ll likely find others enjoying it on Candlewood Lake.

Fishing Opportunities

Fishing at Candlewood Lake is a rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels. The lake is well-known for its excellent bass fishing, with both smallmouth and largemouth bass in abundance.

Other popular fish species you’ll find include:

Trout
Perch
Catfish
Pickerel
Northern Pike

You can fish from the shore, docks, or by boat throughout the year. Many fishing tournaments are held on the lake, especially during spring and summer months.

The lake has a fascinating history that adds to the fishing experience—there’s actually an entire town underneath the waters! This submerged landscape creates interesting underwater structures that attract fish.

Local bait and tackle shops can provide you with tips on the best spots and what’s biting during your visit.

Hiking Trails

When you need a break from water activities, Candlewood Lake’s surrounding area offers beautiful hiking trails with stunning views of the water and landscape.

Nearby trails range from easy walks to more challenging hikes. Along these paths, you’ll discover:

Scenic overlooks of the lake
Diverse wildlife and bird watching opportunities
Lush forests and natural vegetation
Seasonal wildflowers and fall foliage

The Candlewood Lake Authority maintains several trails that are accessible from public areas around the lake. These trails are well-marked and suitable for hikers of all abilities.

For a more challenging adventure, explore the connected trail systems in the nearby state parks and natural areas. Many trails connect to other attractions like Faraway Farm Alpacas and White Silo Farm & Winery, allowing you to combine hiking with other fun activities.