The Lake Mohegan Walk
Lake Mohegan and its surrounding open space comprise 170 acres which were once forest. Subsequently, it had been cleared for farmland and gravel mining, but the Town acquired the land between 1967 and 1985 and its natural features have been restored since. The Conservation Commission oversees the open space and the swimming area is managed by the Parks and Recreation Commission. During the summer months, the manmade freshwater lake is open in a designated area supervised by lifeguards. Parking for swimming and hiking is free but a fee is charged at the gate to enter the swimming area from Memorial Day Saturday to Labor Day.
As Albert Einstein once said, “Look deep into nature, and you will understand everything better.” The trails around Lake Mohegan are opportunities to do just that.
Starting Point: Lake Mohegan is in Northern Fairfield, not far from Exit 44 on the Merritt Parkway.
Address: 960 Morehouse Hwy, Fairfield, CT 06825
Distance: 1.6 to 2.5 miles based on route
Surface: Asphalt, sandy beaches, hard packed dirt, rocks
Elevation Gain: 103 to 285 ft, depending on trail selected
Download Trail Map Here
Points of Interest:
Overview
Lake mohegan
The trails meander through the open space and are shielded from surrounding neighborhoods by rock outcroppings and trees. You are under a tree canopy much of the time. Trails are sometimes uneven. You are frequently stepping on or over rocks and fallen logs on the yellow trail. However, you won’t have to crawl or climb on all fours on any trail. You will think you are much deeper in rural Connecticut when you are on the East and North ends of the property.
The Open Space is home to a variety of wildlife including deer, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, fox, muskrats, ducks, egrets, herons, hawks, owls, woodpeckers, songbirds, amphibians and reptiles. Fish includes large-and small-mouth bass, trout, sunfish, yellow perch, chain pickerel, brown bullhead, white sucker, and American eel.
Lake Mohegan is a good introduction to hiking in the woods for children. Explain the importance of being mindful of each step as you walk and to listen to what you hear in the woods. Count the number of chipmunks you see or the number of different birds you hear. If the children are older, bring a compass and ask them to guess the trail’s direction when the sun is hidden by trees.
Dogs are permitted but must be on a leash from the parking area until you reach the “100-foot” sign posted on the trail where you may release your dog to run freely but under voice control. Remember to clean up after your dog.
The picnic area is a good place for lunch if you can carry your food and beverage in a backpack.
Trail Options
Trails
The trail with yellow dots, 2.5 miles with an elevation gain of 285 ft, starts at the Southern end of the parking lot. You have an opportunity to shorten the trip at several points by taking the black, blue or red trails back to the parking area. The Mill River Bridge is on the yellow trail.
The trail with red dots, 1.6 miles with an elevation gain of 103 ft, starts at the Northeast corner of the parking lot. This trail is wider and easier to follow than the yellow trail. Take time to enjoy the Cascades at the North end of the red trail.
Suggestions For Your Hike
Our suggestions
- Wear sneakers or walking shoes
- Bring the Lake Mohegan trail map on your hike
- A mobile phone with a map app (good reception through most of the open space), will help you stay on your trail when you can’t find a trail marker on a tree
- Trails are not wheelchair or stroller friendly
- Apply bug repellent before your walk