Located less than 30 miles from Hartford, 446-acre Lake McDonough is one of Connecticut's gems. A scenic, unspoiled public recreation area offering numerous ways to enjoy the beauty of New England - every season of the year. With wheelchair accessibility to beaches, bathhouses, the boathouse and picnic areas - as well as a fully accessible nature trail for the disabled and the blind - Lake McDonough is truly for everyone.

Public safety is a high priority at Lake McDonough. Lifeguards are Red Cross trained; first aid is available at the office adjacent to the boathouse, and the area is patrolled by uniformed MDC police. To have a safe and enjoyable time please abide by the Rules and Regulations.

The Braille Trail, a fully accessible, self-guided nature trail, complete with Braille signage and a system of ramps and railings for the blind and physically impaired, is located on the west side of Lake McDonough just a few hundred yards from Goose Green Beach. The blacktop trail, which is more than a quarter-mile long and in full compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations, features more than 30 natural landmarks where visitors can read about - and touch - many of the trees and rocks that are indigenous to Southern New England. It's educational and fun! Parking and admission are free, however reservations are required.  For information call (860) 379-3036 or (860) 379-0938.

Cross-country skiing is allowed on the roadways near West Beach and Goose Green Beach.

Swimming is allowed daily at East Beach and on weekends and holidays at Goose Green Beach and West Beach from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.  Beaches are open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Fishing by boat and from the shore is allowed from the third Saturday in April through Labor Day weekend. Fishing from shore is permitted through November 30. Each spring the MDC and Connecticut DEP stock Lake McDonough with brown trout, rainbows and brook trout. For some added excitement, extra-large breeders are stocked each year. A wheelchair accessible fishing pier is located at the south end of Lake McDonough on Route 219, approximately two miles from the intersection of Route 44 in New Hartford Center.

MDC row boats are available for rent at the Lake McDonough boathouse. Private boat launching is also allowed for a small fee. Motor boat speed is limited to 10 miles per hour.

Picnic sites, with wheelchair accessible picnic tables and on-site fireplaces, are open from the third Saturday in April through September. Group reservations are available for East Beach on weekdays only and must be made at least 3 weeks in advance. For group reservation information call (860) 313-0031 ext 3814.

The Lake McDonough recreation area is located on the west side of Route 219 in Barkhamsted, Connecticut, just over three miles northeast of the Route 44 intersection in New Hartford Center.