Lake Bethany is a Regional Water Authority (RWA) reservoir and Recreation Area. There are four miles of scenic trails that follow the lake shore and a scenic ravine carved out by the West River. Hiking on the trails requires a permit from RWA. Additional Information about trails, parking, and permits for accessing the hiking trails can be obtained by visiting the RWA website: https://www.rwater.com/about-us/in-the-community/recreation/
Trails:
The trails at Lake Bethany are located both north and south of Hatfield Hill Road.
- The Lake Trail (easy; 2.2 miles) on the east side of the lake crosses an old field that once grew hay for the water company’s draft horses. Recent timber harvesting has occurred. The west side of the Lake Trail is a bird watcher’s delight with habitat that includes maturing and medium-sized maple and birch, alternating with tall pines and clearings dominated by blackberries, goldenrod, and meadowsweet.
- The Tamarack Trail (easy; 0.29 miles) is a loop off the Lake Trail. The trees along the Tamarack Trail are actually European Larch, a close relative of the tamarack tree, one of two native conifers that drop all their needles every fall. Goshawks, large forest hawks, have been observed nesting here and are known to be aggressive defending their territory against intruders, including humans.
- The West River Trail (moderate; 0.65 miles) follows moderate grades and offers a delightful view through the trees of the West River.
- The River’s Edge Spur Trail (difficult; 0.06 miles) drops steeply to the river, providing a short, but challenging hike down to the water’s edge.
- The Hemlock Trail (moderate; 0.56 miles) connects the parking area with the West River Trail.
Area: 513 acres
Address: Hatfield Hill Road, Bethany CT
Parking: The Lake Bethany gated entrance and parking area is located along Hatfield Hill Road adjacent to the overhead power lines.
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