About Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Canoeing
Fishing
Hiking
Kayaking
Mountain Biking
Swimming
Year-round
Fishing
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Spring
Canoeing
Kayaking
Summer
Canoeing
Kayaking
Swimming
Fall
Canoeing
Kayaking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
Water Access
- Beach Access
- Lake Access
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
Report Incorrect Information
Help us improve by reporting any incorrect amenity information for Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area.
Reviews (27)
What Guests Are Saying
Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area is highly praised for its cleanliness, beautiful surroundings, and helpful park rangers. Many visitors enjoyed family gatherings and events at the pavilions, appreciating the spaciousness and amenities available. The area is ideal for outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and picnicking, making it a popular choice for both casual visits and special occasions.
What Guests Are Saying
Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area is highly praised for its cleanliness, beautiful surroundings, and helpful park rangers. Many visitors enjoyed family gatherings and events at the pavilions, appreciating the spaciousness and amenities available. The area is ideal for outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and picnicking, making it a popular choice for both casual visits and special occasions.
Review Summary
J E
May 29, 2023
Super fun place to go for a walk or just to eat with family. It’s very adventurous especially for the hikes but always stays chill at the same time. Wonderful times of the year to visit is definitely spring, summer, and fall. Fishing is available for those that want to and it’s an excellent spot for photographers.
Marisol P
June 28, 2023
Nice place
Tyeler B
September 9, 2023
Great site. A little hard for guests to find, but it’s nice an secluded. We had roughly 30 people an could definitely fit more! Park rangers were extremely nice!
LIris
October 25, 2024
Great place for a nice evening walk, the park is always clean and feels safe. Beautiful foliage!
Lina R
June 22, 2025
My church rented out this area. It was such a find time. We were greeted with a clean space, 2 very large grills and a large area to have the kids play. We also met one of the rangers. Very nice and knowledgeable. We had a wonderful time. We have rented it again for August and we can’t wait to return. The nature walks and the river were an added bonus. We would highly recommend this park for a function. Thank you for having us!
Monica Q
July 5, 2025
The park was amazing and clean. Great place to have a party and will rent the pavilion again!
Jessica G
July 12, 2025
My family and I had the absolute best experience. We rented the Meadows site. It was clean, spacious, Perfect for our gathering. Mike was so helpful and kind. We are actually thinking of renting the space annually to get our family together.
Lou J
August 9, 2025
Great space, clean, helpful and friendly rangers and volunteers made our rental of the ball field an amazing experience.
Carrie H
October 21, 2025
The occasion we booked for was a family get-together/remembrance for our loved ones. This location is ideal. We brought food,drinks, etc and the Pavillion was the perfect place, (due to that it did rain a little but there was plenty of room for everyone under the Pavillion until the rain passed.) The younger generations, had so much space to run and play games, such as corn hole, horse shoes, bocci and so much more. We set up one of the tables for coloring and crafts for the young ones. The rest room was not too far from the site. And our goal was achieved. We got to spend a wonderful day with our loved ones from all over including out of state. And the park itself with the surrounding trees is a beautiful setting for enjoying the warmer summer/ almost fall weather.
The park help checked in with us and were super friendly and helpful.
We will be doing this every year at this very convenient, wonderful location.
Keith V
May 25, 2026
Easy, clean, zero complaints! Rangers were very nice as well.
Location Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area
Address:
Hop Brook Lake
Middlebury, CT, 06762
United States
From Bridgeport, take Route 8 N 23.5 miles to Exit 26/CT-63 S in Naugatuck. Head southeast on Main Street and turn onto CT-63 N. Travel approx. 3 miles. The park entrance is on the right side of the road at the intersection of CT-63 and CT-188.
From Hartford, take I-84 W 31 miles to the CT-64 exit, Exit 17 (Watertown/Middlebury, Rte. 63). Go straight until you come to the intersection of CT-64 and CT-63. Turn left on CT-63. Travel approx. 1.5 miles. The park entrance is on the left side of the road at the intersection of CT-63 and CT-188.
From Danbury, take I-84 E to the CT-63 exit, Exit 17 (Naugatuck/Watertown, Rte. 63). Take a right off the exit ramp. Travel approx. 1.5 miles. The park entrance is on the left side of the road at the intersection of CT-63 and CT-188.
The Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area is accessible via Route 8 and CT-63. It is approximately 1.5 miles from I-84, which provides access from Hartford and Danbury.
Elevation: 111 feet
3.7 mi drive to downtown Middlebury (about 6 min)
Policies & Rules
General
- This is a day-use area; no overnight camping allowed.
- Vehicles are prohibited from driving through interior gates or on access roads (including at all shelters). This includes catered events.
- ATVs, Dirt Bikes and OHVs are prohibited.
- Pets are not allowed on beach and must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Motor boats (gas powered) are prohibited. Electric trolling motors are allowed.
- Generators are prohibited.
- America the Beautiful pass holders receive half off the day-use fee.
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
- User Fee's are no longer charged to enter the park.
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems are prohibited.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: August 24, 2026
