Lake McDonough, Barkhamsted

Meet at 10:00 a.m. to launch by 10:30 a.m. from the boat launch, 60 East Hartland Rd. (Rt. 219), Barkhamsted. GPS may not recognize this address. Those who arrive early will wait in line until the gate opens at 10:00 a.m. The attendant may ask where you have recently paddled and if you cleaned your boat prior to arriving at Lake McDonough.
The MDC charges a fee of $10 per boat for residents of its member towns, non-member towns, and watershed towns. The fee is $20 per boat for residents of other towns. Payment at the lake must be by credit or debit card. The lake does not allow standup paddle boards. The website shows the list of towns: https://themdc.org/lake-mcdonough/
Save time at the lake entrance by completing the Lake McDonough boating form in advance and printing it out and bringing it with you: https://themdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Lake-McDonough-Boating-Form-FINAL-2026.pdf
Peaceful 4-hour moderate-paced 8.5 mile paddle around quiet 391-acre lake surrounded by wooded hills. The lake has several coves to explore, plus views of two dams, which make for an interesting paddle. The only powerboats are typically half a dozen fishing boats moving at a slow speed.
Paddlers must provide their own kayak/canoe and other equipment. Per club policy, a life jacket must be worn for the trip duration. Bring lunch, snacks, and water.
Rain cancels. If the weather is uncertain, contact the leader by 7 a.m. the morning of the trip to determine if he plans to paddle.
GPS track: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/6369065
Bathymetry map: https://cteco.uconn.edu/maps/lake/bathymetry/Bathymetry_McDonough_Lake.pdf
Directions: For Google Maps, use this code: W23V+RC Barkhamsted, Connecticut or put “Lake McDonough Boat Launch” into your phone.
Rt. 8 North to Rt. 44 East for 3.2 miles. Left on Ripley Hill Rd. for 1.5 miles. Straight on Rt. 318 East for 1.5 miles. Right on Rt. 219 South for 0.5 miles. Right into parking lot.
From central Conn., take Rt. 44 West for 4.5 miles past the split with Rt. 202. Right on Rt. 219 North for 3.5 miles. The parking lot is on the left.