USA > New England > Connecticut
With more than 900 acres of boating and fishing waters, bordered by a wide variety of shoreline vistas, in southwestern Connecticut's Lake Zoar is a great outdoor enjoyment resting place. Lake Zoar provides recreation areas with boat ramps, kayaking, swimming, canoeing, wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and picnic areas. The lake is long and narrow, stretching some 10 river-like miles with steep forested banks along most of its length. Rocky Glen is located at the northern end and the Stevenson Dam defines the southern end. The roadbed across the top of the dam was originally used by horse and buggy, Model T's and now by 18 wheelers - a long lasting testament to the construction. In 1919, Lake Zoar was Connecticut's largest lake.
Connecticut Light and Power created Lake Zoar by building the Stevenson Dam to impound the Housatonic River below Shepaug Dam. The resulting reservoir was designed for generation of hydroelectric power and FirstLight Power Resources operates the dam. Construction of the dam and powerhouse was completed in 1919. At that point in time the dam was the epitome of the utility's construction and, even today, it is a Connecticut marvel. The four units produce an output of 28,900 kilowatts for the operator.
Anglers enjoy Lake Zoar's populations of bass (large and smallmouth), black crappie, yellow perch, chain pickerel, sunfish, and large bullhead catfish. Lake Zoar is quite similar to Lake Lillinonah (see Lakelubber's Lake Lillinonah) and has four boat launching sites and a long season. Two parks, Kettletown State Park and Jackson Cove Park, provide camping, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking.
For those more 'into' paddling, kayaking and canoeing are busily popular. The Housatonic Valley River Trail has been established to capitalize on that popularity (see link below). The area has an abundance of birdlife. For the geocachers among us, there are more than 200 caches within reach. Combine your birding, hiking and paddling with your geocaching for a great outing. The picturesque lake environs make for ideal conditions for nature enthusiasts and camera bugs.
For those interested in touring the area in their auto, there is the Valley Heritage Driving Tour (see the link below). With pictures and descriptions of historical landmarks, the Tour makes for a very interesting and educational trip.
Visitors to southwestern Connecticut should make Lake Zoar one of the top places to stop, relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Reference: A Fisheries Guide to Lakes and Ponds of Connecticut, published by the Department of Environmental Protection, Hartford, Connecticut, 2002
Boat Ramp Information (Posted by Ron Gordon [rongordon])
Geocaching information (Posted by Ron Gordon [rongordon])
Housatonic Valley River Trail (Posted by Ron Gordon [rongordon])
Kettletown State Park (Posted by Ron Gordon [rongordon])
Stephenson Dam Story (Posted by Ron Gordon [rongordon])
Valley Heritage Driving Tour (Posted by Ron Gordon [rongordon])
This lake was last edited by Lisa Raub (lisaraub) on 7/15/08.
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