Brooklyn, one of the most densely populated boroughs of New York City, is surrounded by a vast network of waterways. From the East River to Coney Island Creek, water is an integral part of Brooklyn’s landscape. Additionally, Brooklyn’s drinking water supply is part of New York City’s water system, sourced from various reservoirs upstate. These bodies of water are essential not only for the residents but also for diverse wildlife, serving as habitats, breeding grounds, and food sources. Their preservation and cleanliness are crucial for ecological balance. Here are five of the best lakes near Brooklyn that provide both recreation and nature appreciation. More on brooklyn-name.com.
Watchung Lake
Watchung Lake is a favorite spot for sports enthusiasts, joggers, and nature lovers. The area around the lake is dotted with park benches, offering visitors the chance to sit and enjoy the serene surroundings. People come here for birdwatching, fishing, playing with children, walking dogs, or simply relaxing with a book.
Twenty years ago, this area housed a swimming club with a small artificial beach on the Sterling Road side and a wooden pier in the lake’s center. Nearby, there was a large parking lot, which has since been covered with grass and trees as part of a restoration effort. Today, the beach and pier are gone, but the lake now features three illuminated fountains that create a stunning nighttime display.
On the Mobus Field side, visitors will find a parking lot, a large gazebo available for reservations, and picnic spots often used for birthday parties and family gatherings. The area also includes a baseball field and recently renovated tennis courts, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities.
Green Pond
Despite its name, Green Pond is actually a vast and stunning lake, surrounded by several beaches, wooden docks for boating, rocky shores, and lush forests. The area is also home to a yacht club and multi-million-dollar mansions, giving it an upscale appeal.
To access the lake and its beaches, visitors must obtain a beach badge, which requires homeownership or membership in the local community.
The lake itself is deep, ranging from 8 to 12 feet in most areas. Fishing enthusiasts frequently visit to cast their lines from dusk until sunset, with many practicing catch-and-release. Whether fishing or simply enjoying the natural beauty, Green Pond is a perfect retreat. The lake is particularly breathtaking in the evening, with spectacular views as the sun sets over the water.
Hempstead Lake State Park
Hempstead Lake State Park is a multi-functional recreational area offering a variety of activities for all ages. The park features 18 tennis courts, six pickleball courts, children’s playgrounds, basketball courts, a softball field, and trails for horseback riding, cycling, and hiking. It also boasts shaded picnic areas, a scenic overlook of Hempstead Lake, and a historic hand-carved wooden carousel.
The park contains three freshwater bodies:
- Hempstead Lake
- McDonald Pond
- South Pond
All three lakes are stocked with trout, making them a year-round fishing paradise. In addition to trout, the lakes harbor largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, carp, and sunfish.
Hempstead Lake, the largest lake in Nassau County, allows the use of kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and inflatable boats certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Whether fishing, boating, or simply enjoying nature, this park offers one of the most scenic getaways near Brooklyn.
Tarrytown Lakes Park
Located on the northeastern edge of Tarrytown, this 72-acre park is a haven for hikers, cyclists, kayakers, and birdwatchers. Fishing is also a popular activity among locals.
The park contains two man-made lakes—Lower Lake and Upper Lake. Originally constructed as drinking water reservoirs in 1897, they supplied the village until 1993 when they were decommissioned due to increasing water demands. Now, the lakes and their surrounding 60 acres have been transformed into Tarrytown Lakes Park, covering nearly 5% of the village’s land area.
An old pump station from 1897 still stands on the eastern edge of the village, serving as a historical reminder of the area’s past.
The village was once intersected by a railway line with multiple stops, including Tarrytown Heights and East View. The original railway route passed over a precarious 80-foot trestle bridge in East View, which was so unnerving to passengers that the railway was rerouted in 1881. The trestle was demolished in 1883, and the valley it once spanned became the Tarrytown Reservoir.
Twin Lakes Preserve
Twin Lakes Preserve is a small nature reserve featuring five freshwater ponds, surrounded by scenic walking trails just north of Sunrise Highway. Managed by the town of Hempstead, the preserve includes extensive freshwater wetlands and transitional forests.
Despite its proximity to urban areas, this hidden oasis is a haven for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk along the lakeshore, encountering a variety of wildlife. Shy turtles can be spotted retreating into their shells at the slightest disturbance, while graceful swans, snowy egrets, and mallards glide across the water. With some patience and luck, birdwatchers may also spot northern sandpipers, green-winged teals, or even a great blue heron. The presence of diverse bird species makes the preserve an ideal location for birdwatching.
As for plant life, the area is home to a variety of trees, including dogwood, red maple, and sassafras. The lakes, however, are not as rich in fish populations, with mostly perch, bluegill, and gobies found in the waters.
Twin Lakes Preserve is dedicated to fostering understanding, conservation, and appreciation of Long Island’s natural environment.