Top 5 Lakes around North Bay Shore

The area around North Bay Shore features a variety of lakes, including spring-fed lakes like those in the Village of Brightwaters and Belmont Lake, as well as the large glacial Lake Ronkonkoma. These offer diverse environments from tranquil settings to larger bodies of water suitable for boating and fishing.

Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. The Brightwaters Lakes are perfect for leisurely strolls, cycling, and feeding ducks. Belmont Lake State Park, home to Belmont Lake, offers playgrounds, picnicking areas, and boat rentals. Southards Pond also features a flat, well-marked trail suitable for family walks, and dogs on a leash are welcome.

You'll find excellent options for hiking and walking. Belmont Lake State Park offers 7.6 miles of multi-use trails, and the 0.8-mile loop around Argyle Lake provides a tranquil escape. Southards Pond has a mostly flat, well-marked trail offering beautiful views of the pond and wildlife. For more hiking options, explore the hiking routes around North Bay Shore.

Anglers have several great choices. Lower Cascade Lake in Brightwaters is a popular spot for perch, largemouth, and smallmouth bass (with a permit). Belmont Lake is renowned for its large carp and productive largemouth bass fishing, and it's stocked with trout in the spring. Lake Ronkonkoma, the largest freshwater lake on Long Island, offers excellent shore fishing from its accessible pier and is popular for boating with electric trolling motors.

Yes, the paved roads around the Brightwaters Lakes are ideal for biking. Belmont Lake State Park also features multi-use trails suitable for cycling. For more cycling routes, check out the road cycling routes around North Bay Shore.

Yes, boating is available. At Belmont Lake State Park, you can rent pedal boats, rowboats, kayaks, and canoes to explore Belmont Lake. Lake Ronkonkoma has a concrete boat ramp, allowing access for boats with electric trolling motors (gas motors are prohibited).

The lakes and surrounding areas are rich in nature. At Belmont Lake State Park, you might spot osprey and other waterfowl. Connetquot River State Park Preserve, near some of the lakes, is a 3,500-acre refuge with over 200 bird species and 300 plant species. Southards Pond also offers opportunities to observe wildlife.

Yes, the area offers historical interest. The Main House at Connetquot River State Park Preserve is a significant historical site within a vast natural refuge. Additionally, Blydenburgh County Park, which features a lake, includes a historic mill district with structures like the 1798 'New Mill'.

The lakes are enjoyable throughout the year, but specific activities might be seasonal. For walking and lush foliage, April through September is ideal for places like Southards Pond. In winter, when frozen, the Brightwaters Lakes become popular for ice skating. Spring is excellent for trout fishing at Belmont Lake.

Absolutely. The View of the waterfall at the Belmont Lake outlet offers a picturesque perspective of the water flowing into the Carlls River. Southards Pond provides beautiful views of the pond, streams, and wildlife, while Argyle Lake offers wooded landscapes and occasional open vistas.

Yes, dogs are welcome at some locations, such as Southards Pond, provided they are kept on a leash. Always check specific park regulations before visiting with your pet.

For mountain biking enthusiasts, Blydenburgh County Park offers over 8 miles of multi-use trails, including scenic paths around Stump Pond and a dedicated BMX track. You can find more options by exploring the MTB trails around North Bay Shore.