Lake Hayward, East Haddam, Connecticut

Lake Hayward is a beautiful 174-acre spring-fed lake nestled in East Haddam, Connecticut. With crystal clear waters reaching depths of 35 feet, this hidden gem offers the perfect escape for anyone seeking outdoor recreation and natural beauty. You’ll find endless opportunities for swimming, boating, and kayaking in Lake Hayward’s pristine waters, while nearby trails provide ideal settings for hiking, biking, and connecting with nature.

The lake, once known as Long Pond by local Indian tribes and later as Shaw Lake, is approximately 1.5 miles long and half a mile wide. Surrounded by wooded shores and charming seasonal cottages with some year-round homes, Lake Hayward creates a peaceful retreat just north of Devil’s Hopyard State Park. Its natural spring-fed waters and scenic landscape make it one of Connecticut’s most appealing lake destinations that you won’t want to miss.

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Lake Hayward

Lake Hayward is a hidden gem nestled in East Haddam, Connecticut. With crystal-clear waters and stunning natural surroundings, this lake offers a perfect escape from busy life. You’ll find it’s an ideal spot for swimming, fishing, and boating activities.

Visitors often comment on the lake’s peaceful atmosphere. The clean shoreline and well-maintained areas make it appealing for families looking for a day trip or weekend getaway. You can easily spend hours here enjoying the natural beauty and refreshing waters.

Many locals consider Lake Hayward one of Connecticut’s best-kept secrets. The surrounding community adds to its charm, creating a welcoming environment for everyone who visits. You might spot various wildlife around the lake, adding to the natural experience.

The seasonal changes bring different qualities to Lake Hayward. In summer, the swimming areas become popular spots to cool off, while fall brings spectacular foliage reflecting on the water’s surface. You should consider visiting during different seasons to experience all the lake has to offer.

Rating: 4.9 (24 reviews)
Location: East Haddam, CT 06415

Geography and Natural Features

Lake Hayward offers a beautiful natural setting that combines pristine waters with surrounding woodlands. The lake’s geographic features make it ideal for both recreation and wildlife observation throughout the seasons.

Location and Size

Located in East Haddam, Connecticut, Lake Hayward spans approximately 172-174 acres of surface area. The lake stretches about 1.5 miles long and 0.5 miles wide, creating a substantial body of water for various activities.

At an elevation of 348 feet above sea level, this freshwater gem has a maximum depth of 35 feet. This depth allows for diverse aquatic habitats while remaining accessible for swimming and boating.

The lake is completely surrounded by roads and residential development, making it easily accessible for visitors. Despite this development, the lake maintains its natural charm and beauty. You’ll find the shoreline dotted with homes while still offering scenic views and natural areas.

Flora and Fauna

When you visit Lake Hayward, you’ll encounter a variety of plant and animal life that changes with the seasons. The lake supports diverse aquatic vegetation that provides important habitat for fish species.

Fish populations thrive here, making it popular for fishing enthusiasts. You can try your luck at catching various species throughout the year, with trout fishing being particularly notable. During winter months, ice fishing becomes a popular activity.

The surrounding woodland areas support native Connecticut trees and undergrowth. These wooded sections provide habitat for birds and small mammals that you might spot during your visit.

Waterfowl are common sights on the lake, especially during migration seasons. You’ll likely see ducks, geese, and possibly herons enjoying the waters alongside human visitors.

Historical Background

Lake Hayward has a rich past that stretches back to the early 1900s when it transformed from a natural body of water into a vibrant seasonal community. Its growth mirrors the development of resort areas throughout Connecticut during this period.

Early Settlement and Development

Lake Hayward began as a natural lake, though its water level was artificially raised at some point. The lake’s development as a seasonal community started in the early 1900s, coinciding with the growth of other resort areas in East Haddam like Bashan Lake and Moodus Reservoir.

The Jas J. Smith Company played a key role in developing Lake Hayward as a vacation destination. Mr. Bassett, an agent for this company, helped shape the community’s character. By the time the resort business peaked, Lake Hayward had become a significant recreational area spanning 172 acres with impressive depths reaching 37 feet.

Cultural and Community Significance

In 1930, Lake Hayward Days was established by Mr. Bassett, marking the beginning of a beloved community tradition. This celebration helped foster a sense of identity among seasonal residents who flocked to the area during summer months.

For the next fifty years, Lake Hayward enjoyed a booming resort business. The lake community grew alongside residential development that eventually bordered the water on all sides. Today’s Lake Hayward maintains this strong community spirit while providing recreational opportunities on its 189.9-acre surface.

When you visit, you’ll experience both natural beauty and the charm of a community with deep historical roots stretching back generations.