Lake Mohegan Open Space
Or call (203) 256-3191 or email recsupport@fairfieldct.org for more information.
Reviews
Visitors rave about the scenic hiking trails, clean swimming areas, and off-leash dog-friendly environment at Lake Mohegan Open Space. Some caution that the water quality may pose risks, and a few owners report issues with dog waste not being properly cleaned up.
AI-generated from the text of reviews
- MaggieMay 12, 2023Easy hike even for senior dogs
I love coming here with my 12 year old Maltipoo, he doesn’t swim but loves to hang out with others. it’s fun to watch and meet all different breeds!
- PeachySep 5, 2022Great place!
have been going here with my babies and always had a great walk/hike. beautiful place indeed
- LisaAug 31, 2021Great location but beware of Giardia
This is a great location for hiking with your pup off leash. There is also a small area that dogs congregate at to swim in the lake. Because off leash dogs are allowed it is very popular with dogs. As others have mentioned there are always those that don't pick up after their dogs. Unfortunately as a result this location has a reputation for spreading Giardia and my dog got it. Luckily it was caught early, but it has soured my attitude toward returning here which is unfortunate because my pup loved swimming in the lake.
- SusanAug 16, 2021Ob-sessed!
I love this place, but more importantly my pup loves it even more. So happy to find a place where having off leash hikes for your pup is pretty much encouraged! We parked in the main beach parking lot and hiked in about less than half a mile to find a little area for the dogs to be in the water. My dog swam for the first time here and it made me so proud of her. Don't forget to go along the trails and see The Cascades: cascading mini falls where i saw people swimming (though signs say "no swimming"), BBQ'ing and hanging out with dogs. It was a paradise. The ONLY bad thing about this place is that humans aren't picking up their dogs poop!!! Poop piles everwhere, on & off the trails. My PSA: If we (dog owners) continue to NOT pick up the poop, not only will it spread disease, but parks like this will not allow dogs anymore. Do everyone a favor and pick up the poop. Ok rant over :) I love Lake Mohegan!!!!
- CherylJul 24, 2021So Fun!
Just to clarify a previous post - Dogs aren't allowed on the beach at Lake Mohegan, but they ARE allowed on the trails around the lake. (And you don't need to be a resident to walk on the trails.) There is a nice clearing about 1/4 mile in where the dogs congregate to go swimming. My dog had a blast. If you don't frequent dog parks, here are some things to keep in mind: there were about a dozen dogs in the swimming area off leash (your dog needs to be friendly), a bulldog peed on our beach bag (so watch out), another dog jumped on me and put a dirty paw print on my shorts (so be careful what you wear), and you might consider bringing extra tennis balls if your dog likes to play fetch because the dogs don't really understand which ball is theirs and may run off with at least one of your balls. Such is the nature of dogs. We were thrilled to find a place our dog could swim off leash in the summer. We'll be back!
- RachelJul 4, 2020Awesome location, must be a resident.
Great place . Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to enter ...as we are not residents. The employee did not specify if one must be a resident of the town or state. We came from NYC
- AprilNov 18, 2019Wow!!!
Great place to hike with your dog. Dogs are allowed off leash on all trails. There’s a 1 mile path around the lake And a 2 1/2 mile loop. And it is just beautiful!
- PeterMay 16, 2019Not a "park": an "open space area"
Please, be aware that Lake Mohegan/Cascades is a public "open space area," not a park, and not a dog park. Dogs are allowed pursuant to certain and specific rules only.
- KellyMar 24, 2019Great Place
Very dog friendly. Lots of friendly dogs and owners! Great trail around lake
- AlexaSep 4, 2018Five Bones!
This place was full of happy dogs running along the trails and in and out of the lake and Creek. It was so nice to be able to be off leash since our pup does better being able to choose where he walks and when. It was clean and used thoughtfully. Trash and recycling bins along the way and benches for the humans.
- LaneFeb 12, 2018GREAT park. Occasional uptight owners.
GREAT dog park. Chester loves running up and down the trails and socializing. Had a few experiences with uptight owners who come to a dog park but don’t want their dog to interact (poor dog), but there’s always a few folks who should’ve gone with a cat.
- CHAI LATTEMore than a year agoOne of the greatest place for dog
I believe it's the best place having fun with your dog(s). Since it take more than an hour from where I live, I only visit Lake Mohegan 2 or 3 times a year, but I miss this place all year round. Clean water that dogs can swim, nice trail with shade and picnic areas.
- KatieMore than a year agoPerfect
We go to Lake mohegan everyday (lucky dog!) And have never ran into a problem. Everyone is friendly. Weekends are very busy. Early morning is your best bet if you want a relaxing hike with your pooch. Lots of trails to explore!
- RyanMore than a year agoabsolutely awesome
Great off-leash park. Plenty of trail for everyone with great swimming spots along the way. I make the trip a few times a month from Long Island just to give the pup an energy outlet!! Highly recommended
- MikeMore than a year agoGreat spot for a walk
Just went over here for the first time today. The overview is incorrect as off leash is allowed in the park by rule as long as you are 100 feet from any parking area. They even mark the 100 foot point on the trails. This is a great spot for the dogs to swim as well. There are many points to get in and out of the water. There are a lot of dogs so if your dog is not well trained off leash you might wish to keep them on a long one to keep them from running off to greet. The trails aren't super challenging though you can find some steeper climbs in the park back from the lake. All in all a beatiful place to Taje your buddy for a walk through the woods
- JenniferMore than a year agoLove Hiking
It's a lovely place to be with your best friend. My dog loves it!!!
- KobiMore than a year agoGreat Place to Swim
My pup had a great time swimming, water is clean and easy access around the lake. The hike around the lake/river/cascades took about 1,5 hours. Very scenic. Legally off leash, so there are lots of dogs off leash and there is no luck of play mates. All dogs we met were friendly.
- StacyMore than a year agoGreat Swimming
It was such an amazing spot for dog walkers. We brought our shiba inu for her first mini hiking and swim. Recommend for everyone to explore.
- GitteMore than a year agoPerfect Dog Park
Came by on a road trip. Went for a walk around the lake 11/2 h...Our dog did a lot of swimming, cooling down on this hot day. Meet nice dogs and owners. Beautiful surroundings.
- KarenMore than a year agoFar from traffic
My dog listens and returns to me 99% of the time, but those birds...This park has everything the previous reviewers said it does. The people were friendly and easy-going and every dog we ran into (and there were A LOT) was the same. The trails I was on were also well into the woods, so if little Fido takes off after a bird you can at least know he won't dash into traffic.
- JillMore than a year agogreat hike!
Took my 6 year old basset hound here for the first time and it was worth the 90 min drive! We let him off leash and he had a blast, other dogs were very friendly along with their owners and the river and lakes were great for cooking off! Definitely returning!
- KristinMore than a year agoBest place to bring dog off-leash in CT
This is the nicest place we have found in CT to being our dog for off-leash hiking. Beautiful running water for dogs to swim, long trails. We drive an hour to come here.
- JeannetteMore than a year agoCalvin and mom at Cascades at Lake Mohegan
Paradise for dogs! Brought my 11yr old lab there this afternoon... He just loved it was able to swim and walk thru several streams of water! What a gem of a place!
- AndyMore than a year agoAwesome!
Lots of water and logs of Dogs!
The walk around the lake is relatively short (~2miles), but there is much to explore and many dogs to play with.I am definitely going back.
- JimMore than a year agogreat place
This was a great place for your dog to walk and swim!!! It is a leash off place so if your dog doesn't like other dogs or is aggressive, stay away. Dogs come running up to you at all times.
- EmilyMore than a year agoWater quality
Do not let your dog drink the water! My mastiff got very sick a few days after swimming down by the lake and when I told my vet we had been to Lake Mohegan she immediately said the water was the cause. I got very lucky and got medical attention immediately but she has seen some cases where the dog can be sick for several months!
- JuliaMore than a year agoAwesome hike and lakes!
Great place for hiking and for dogs to run around and swim
- CharleneMore than a year agogreat place
this is a great place to bring your dogs. and humans too, bring good walking shoes and be ready to walk, the water is clean and the streams are running. the best 4 seasons to go. our dogs love it.....
- DonnaMore than a year agoAwesome
Best place I have taken my dogs in CT yet! Hiking, swimming, waterfalls, beaches and best part...off leash in the woods for doggie run sessions. They swam in the water with 8 of their new best friends...going back within the week:)!!!
- NCDMore than a year agowater and hike
It's a wonderful little hike with your pup and I love to go the entire way around the lake. Nice little area for the pups to go swimming too!
- AnnMore than a year agooff leash
Lake Mohegan is a great place to take your dog...and unlike the overview, dogs can be off leash as long as you are 100 ft away from the parking and picnic areas.
Location
Traveler Photos
We dug up 7 pictures of dogs at Lake Mohegan Open Space.
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