Indian Well State Park
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Indian Well State Park is a Connecticut State park in Shelton, Connecticut, USA which offers facilities for swimming in Lake Housatonic, picnicking, hiking, boating, and fishing. Indian Well was so named because of the Romeo and Juliet-like Native American legend surrounding the Park's scenic waterfalls and the splash pool at the bottom of the falls. Local Native Americans never actually used the area as a well. Although the falls are lovely, the Park's primary attraction is its location on the western bank of the Housatonic River. The shaded picnic grove at the water's edge is a nice spot to spend a lazy summer day.[1]
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[edit] Recreation
[edit] Swimming
A small swim area is provided at the beach. Lifeguards are typically on duty from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day between the hours of 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Although the body of water is designated a lake, it is still a part of the Housatonic River and there is a slight current. Swimmers should use caution and be familiar with the Park's Beach Regulations and Swimming Safety Information. The swim area may not be available from after Labor Day to Memorial Day Weekend. If the swim area buoys are not in the water, swimming is prohibited.
[edit] Picnicking
Much of the main recreation area along the shore Lake Housatonic is picnic area. There are a large number of tables and grills throughout the park. If you plan to visit the park on a summer weekend, you may want to pack your own table and grill because the park can get very busy and they go quick.
There is also a picnic shelter (pavilion) available for rent at the park. Check the DEP's website for rental information. Reservations are handled by Reserve America.
[edit] Hiking
Indian Well State Park provides access to the Paugussett Trail, a Connecticut Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail. The trail starts at Indian Well and travels north along the Housatonic River to the Stevenson Dam then continues through Webb Mountain Park in Monroe, Connecticut and northwest up Boys Halfway River valley to East Village. The trail can be accessed at two locations in the park. The first is near the waterfall trail by the Maples Picnic Area. The trail starts on the left immediately after crossing the stone wall bridge on Indian Well Road. The second way to the Paugussett Trail is via the white trail which starts in the off-season parking area just past the gate to the park on the left-hand side of the road.[2]
[edit] Boating
The park provides the only public boat launch to Lake Housatonic. The boat launch is only available during normal park hours (8:00 AM to sunset). DEP Boat Launch Information - Lake Housatonic, Indian Well. There is a 45 mph speed limit during the daytime and 25 mph limit from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise. Minimum steerage speed within 25 ft of shore or docks and keep 100 ft out from the swim area.
[edit] Fishing
The entire stretch of Indian Well's shoreline is open to fishing except for the swim area. Busy weekends are not always the best time for fishing due to heavy boat traffic. Be familiar with state fishing regulations and special regulations for Lake Housatonic. Lake Housatonic is a Bass Management Lake and Walleye Lake. Species of fish in Lake Housatonic include Smallmouth bass, Largemouth bass, White catfish, White perch, Yellow perch, American Eel, Sunfish, Carp, and Walleye.[3]
[edit] Park Hours
Connecticut State Parks are open from 8:00 AM to Sunset. Vessels launched from the Indian Well boat launch should be pulled out of the water early to ensure you have ample time to exit the park by sunset.
[edit] Location and Contact Information
Indian Well State Park is located along Route 110 in Shelton, CT approximately 2 miles north of downtown on the right.
Indian Well State Park
c/o Osbornedale State Park
555 Roosevelt Dr. Derby, CT 06418
(203) 735-4311
[edit] Directions
From Route 8 north: take Exit 14. At the end of the exit ramp take a left, and then take the next left onto Howe Avenue. Go north for approximately 2½ miles. Indian Well State Park will be on the right.
From Route 8 south: take Exit 14. Take a right and drive approximately 2½ miles. Indian Well State Park will be on the right.
[edit] Fees
Parking fees are charged from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day. The day-use fee is only good for one parking space. If you leave the park, your space is forfeited and you will be charged for another one.
- Weekday Fees:
- Resident: $5.00
- Non-resident: $7.00
- After 4pm: $4.00
- Weekend/Holiday Fees:
- Resident: $7.00
- Non-resident: $10.00
- After 4pm: $4.00
- Other Fees:
- Resident Season Pass: $50.00
- Non-resident Season Pass: $75.00
- In-State Bus: $75.00
- Out of state Bus: $100.00
- In-State Minibus: $25.00
- Out of state Minibus: $40.00
[4]
Bus = 30+ passenger capacity
Minibus = 13 - 29 passenger capacity (includes 15 passenger vans)[5]
[edit] Pets & Alcohol
- Pets are not permitted in the main recreation area from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.[1]
- Pets are permitted in the Maples Picnic Area and on the hiking trails.[1]
- Alcohol in containers smaller than one (1) liter is permitted.[6]
- Alcohol is not permitted on the beach, it must remain in the picnic area.[6]
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- ^ a b c CT DEP: Indian Well State Park
- ^ Connecticut Walk Book, West, 19th Edition, Connecticut Forest & Park Association, 2006, Meriden, CT
- ^ CT Angler's Guide, 2007, p.20, CT DEP
- ^ CT DEP: Parking Fees
- ^ CT DEP: State Park Regulations, Fees
- ^ a b CT State Park & Forest Recreation Area Regulations
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