Top 6 Lakes around Southold

Southold offers a variety of lakes, including deep kettle hole lakes like Laurel Lake, larger fishing lakes such as Great Pond, and ponds within natural preserves like Arshamomaque Pond and Dam Pond. These provide diverse settings for outdoor activities.

Yes, Southold's lakes offer excellent fishing. Laurel Lake is known for trout, largemouth bass, and perch, with ice fishing possible in winter. Great Pond is a prime spot for anglers targeting largemouth bass, bluegill, and yellow perch. A New York State Fishing License is required for fishing in state lands, and a Town of Southold parking permit may be needed for access to some areas like Great Pond.

Mashomack Preserve is a 2,039-acre natural wonderland with diverse ecosystems from woodlands to tidal creeks, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge is excellent for bird watching, especially for waterfowl in winter and songbirds in spring. Laurel Lake is also notable for its clear water and unique freshwater jellyfish.

Yes, several lakes and preserves offer hiking trails. The Laurel Lake Preserve features a 2.1-mile nature trail. Arshamomaque Preserve, which includes Arshamomaque Pond, has trails winding through woodlands and wetlands. For more hiking options, you can explore the Hiking around Southold guide, which includes routes like the Mashomack Red, Yellow, Green and Jone C. Coles Loop.

Yes, Inlet Pond County Park is a delight for families, featuring a dedicated butterfly garden. Laurel Lake Park, adjacent to Laurel Lake, offers an information center, baseball fields, and a playground. Many preserves also provide easy trails suitable for families.

Parking availability varies by location. For Great Pond, a Town of Southold parking permit is required for access. Laurel Lake Park offers parking for those visiting the adjacent state land. Public access to Laurel Lake itself is limited to a 200-yard wood chip path, and fishing from a boat is recommended.

While the lakes themselves are primarily natural features, Laurel Lake holds a historical connection as Walt Whitman famously called it 'the prettiest lake in: either America or Europe' during his time in Laurel Springs. For more general points of interest in the town, you can visit the Southold Town website.

Beyond hiking and fishing, the Southold area offers various outdoor activities. You can find running routes in the Running Trails around Southold guide, including loops from the Village of Greenport. For cycling enthusiasts, the Road Cycling Routes around Southold guide features options like the Shelter Island Heights loop.

While specific dog policies vary by preserve and lake, Inlet Pond County Park is listed as dog-friendly. However, some natural refuges, like the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge, do not allow pets to protect endangered species.

Nicoll's Creen is a marshy bay that is part of the larger Mashomack Preserve. It's an excellent spot for birdwatching and offers a scenic break for visitors exploring the preserve's diverse ecosystems.

A kettle hole lake is a depression formed by a melted chunk of glacial ice. Southold is known for these unique geological features, with Laurel Lake being a prominent example. It's one of the deepest on Long Island and is characterized by its exceptionally clear water.