Top 5 Lakes around Westerly
Best lakes around Westerly offer access to notable freshwater bodies, providing diverse recreational experiences beyond its coastal beauty. The region features significant lakes and expansive natural areas, including the prominent Watchaug Pond. These areas are characterized by forests, wetlands, and diverse wildlife habitats. Visitors can explore a variety of landscapes, from large freshwater lakes to protected wildlife management areas.
Best lakes around Westerly
- The most popular lakes is Watchaug Pond, a lake that is large and open, covering 573 acres. It is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Rhode Island.
- Another must-see spot is Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, an other natural area. This area comprises approximately 1,000 acres of essential wildlife habitat, protected in the state's southeast corner.
- Visitors also love Burlingame Management Area, a forest spanning over 3,000 acres of forest, wetlands, and diverse wildlife. The park features a campground, a picnic area, a boat launch, and a swimming beach.
- Westerly is known for large freshwater lakes, wildlife management areas, and natural corridors. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, suitable for different outdoor activities.
- The lakes around Westerly are appreciated by the komoot community, with 4 upvotes and 3 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Perkins Wildlife Corridor
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Barn Island Wildlife Management Area
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Watchaug Pond
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Quonochontaug Beach
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Burlingame Management Area
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Tips from the Community
Burlingame State Park and Wildlife Management Area spans over 3,000 acres of forest, wetlands, and diverse wildlife. The park features a campground, a picnic area, a boat launch, and a swimming beach.
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The Perkins Wildlife Corridor has an interesting array of trees and ponds that you can see some of from the road or more comprehensively if you step off the bike and take a break.
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This beautiful beach just off the coastal town of Quonochontaug is the start of the 75 mile long-distance North South Trail, which takes you from the Atlantic Ocean to the Rhode Island-Massachusetts border. Quonochontaug itself was an iron mining site in the 1880s. Iron particles were found in the black sand beach and extracted using magnets.
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The Barn Island Wildlife Management Area has approximately 1,000 acres of essential wildlife habitat. It is in the extreme southeast corner of the state that is protected and sheltered by headlands. It is the largest coastal wildlife management area in the state.
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Explore a beautiful 1.5-mile loop trail through forests and wetlands in this area. Marvel at the scenic stream and vibrant wildflowers, creating an excellent environment for birdwatching.
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Watchaug Pond is large and open and covers 573 acres. It is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Rhode Island.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of outdoor experiences can I expect around Westerly's lakes?
The lakes around Westerly, such as Watchaug Pond and the surrounding natural areas like Burlingame Management Area, offer diverse recreational opportunities. You can enjoy activities like hiking, cycling, mountain biking, swimming, picnicking, and wildlife observation. These areas feature forests, wetlands, and expansive freshwater lakes.
Are there good hiking opportunities near the lakes in Westerly?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. For example, the Perkins Wildlife Corridor offers a beautiful 1.5-mile loop trail through forests and wetlands. You can also find various hiking routes in the region, including easy trails like the Barn Island Loop or Watchaug Pond from North Trailhead. For more options, explore the Hiking around Westerly guide.
Which lakes are best for family activities like swimming?
Watchaug Pond, located within the Burlingame Management Area, is an excellent choice for families. The Burlingame State Park features a designated swimming beach, picnic areas, and a campground, making it ideal for a family day out, especially during warm weather.
Can I go boating or kayaking on the lakes near Westerly?
Yes, Watchaug Pond is suitable for boating and kayaking. It is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Rhode Island, covering 573 acres, and the Burlingame Management Area provides a boat launch for public use.
Where can I observe wildlife around Westerly's lakes?
The Barn Island Wildlife Management Area is an excellent spot for wildlife observation, comprising approximately 1,000 acres of essential wildlife habitat. Additionally, the Perkins Wildlife Corridor offers opportunities for birdwatching amidst scenic streams and wildflowers.
What is special about Watchaug Pond?
Watchaug Pond is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Rhode Island, spanning 573 acres. It is a central feature of the Burlingame State Park and Wildlife Management Area, offering extensive amenities like a swimming beach, boat launch, and camping facilities.
Are there trails suitable for easy walks or birdwatching?
Absolutely. The Perkins Wildlife Corridor features an easy 1.5-mile loop trail perfect for leisurely walks and birdwatching, with diverse trees, ponds, and wildflowers. The Barn Island Wildlife Management Area also provides trails through its protected habitats, ideal for observing local fauna.
What is the Burlingame Management Area known for?
The Burlingame Management Area is a vast natural space spanning over 3,000 acres of forest, wetlands, and diverse wildlife. It is home to Watchaug Pond and offers a campground, picnic area, boat launch, and a swimming beach, making it a comprehensive recreational destination.
When is the best time to visit the lakes near Westerly?
The lakes near Westerly are enjoyable throughout the warmer months, especially for swimming and water activities. The Burlingame State Park's swimming beach is perfect for warm weather. Spring and fall also offer pleasant conditions for hiking and wildlife observation, with fewer crowds and vibrant natural scenery.
Are there cycling or mountain biking routes near Westerly's lakes?
Yes, the region offers various cycling and mountain biking routes. You can find touring bicycle routes like the Napatree Point – Maschaug Pond loop, and mountain biking trails such as the Woody Hill Management Area – Easy Loop. For detailed routes, refer to the Cycling around Westerly and MTB Trails around Westerly guides.
What kind of natural landscapes can I explore around Westerly's lakes?
Beyond the lakes themselves, you can explore diverse natural landscapes including extensive forests, wetlands, and coastal areas. The Burlingame Management Area and Barn Island Wildlife Management Area showcase these varied ecosystems, providing habitats for diverse wildlife and scenic beauty.
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