Harwood Lake Multiple Use Area is a splendid natural habitat that has tons of activities for nature lovers. There is something uncommonly peaceful about this area. It is something that needs to be experienced to understand. When we discovered this place, we were just driving aimlessly around through the state forest in the area.
Lake Facts
Elevation: 1,800 feet
Area: 34 acres
Shoreline Length: 1.1 miles
Max Depth: 14 feet
Mean Depth: 8 feet
Harwood Lake is a man-made lake and was created in 1965 by both the State and Federal government soil conservation services. This lake is part of the Ischua Creek Small Watershed Protection Plan.
Wildlife
Visitors to the Harwood Lake Multiple Use Area are likely to see a variety of birds and wildlife. Mammals that are frequently spotted at Harwood Lake are white-tail deer. raccoons, minks, muskrats, and beavers. Birdwatching is a popular activity here as well. The lake is home to mallards, Canadian geese, wood ducks, black ducks, woodcocks, herons, bitterns, ruffed grouse, and songbirds. If you print the list below, you can check off all the animals you see on your visit.
Paddling
Although this lake isn’t very big, it is ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Launching a small rowboat, canoe or kayak here is very easy. Boats with motors are not allowed on the lake. Swimming is not permitted in the lake. This is a DEC regulated lake, so make sure that you have a floatation device or you will definitely get a ticket.
Fishing
Harwood Lake is great for trout fishing. The lake is stocked annually with brook trout and brown trout. Largemouth bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead, bluegill, and pumpkinseed can also be found in this lake. This is a nice spot to teach young children to fish, where they will have more success catching fish from the shore. Ice fishing is permitted here in the winter. Anyone 16 and older is required to have a fishing license.
Getting There
Via Interstate 86: Take Exit 27 and head north on Route 16 for fifteen miles to the intersection with Route 98. Head east on Route 98 for about 3.5 miles until reaching Harwood Lake.
