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
chad nimons
August 5, 2021
For a local everyday walk the dog or have some fun type place it is great. Just make sure to bring your trash bags so you don't have to keep walking to the dumpsters. I like the hiking areas. They are well marked and easy enough traverse. Then you can just take your 4 legged friends to the lake or brook to cool off after. They also offer volleyball , horseshoes ( byo-shoes), a few disk golf pins, swimming and picnic areas.
Veronica H
June 12, 2021
Such a lovely and clean place. First time ever hosting an event plans for another in the near future. Thank you
Valdemir D
January 19, 2020
Very nice experience
I recommend
casey z
January 15, 2020
The pavillion was perfect for our party of about 45- 50 people! Super clean and had everything we needed; tables, grills, plenty of parking, garbage cans and nearby bathrooms! The rangers stopped by occasionally to make sure we were doing ok and if we needed anything! Definitely recommend!
Michael C
January 15, 2020
Well marked walking trails, easy hikes and a great place to walk the dog or take younger kids. Picnics in the summer, with ample BBQ settings, pavilions, and a lake are great for a small family venture or a large reunion.
Maureen G
January 14, 2020
Very clean and well kept. Very personable rangers. Thank you.
Avijit Dey
August 18, 2019
Lake beach swimming place . Good for kids . Sand beach . Picnic area , shower and restroom available.
Recreation area is 1 mile far from office location. It's visible from road .
You can bring food for picnic. Park ranger available for security which is good for safety.
Once you enter park you may find parking but don't park there . Go inside straight.
Ample BBQ spot are available . Bring your own charcoal and enjoy . Restroom is small but okay for the purpose.
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
