Laurel Lake

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Laurel Lake

Town(s): Lenox MA, Lee MA
County: Berkshire

Size: 170 acres
Average Depth: 20 feet
Maximum Depth: 53 feet

Boating Allowed: Kayaks, Canoes, Sail Boats, Electric Motor Boats, Power Boats, Jet-skis
Boating Comments: See comments
Swimming: Swimming Allowed, No Restrictions



Laurel Lake (technically a great pond rather than a lake) lies at the western end of the Jacob’s Ladder Trail, and offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including a boat launch. The lake is regularly stocked with trout and is one of only a few lakes in the region that is stocked with broodstock salmon. In the winter, it’s a popular location for ice-fishing and offers a scenic, ungroomed ice-skating experience. Edith Wharton’s historic estate, The Mount, with its restored formal gardens, is on Laurel Lake’s western shore.

Laurel Lake, which is fed by Sergeant Brook, straddles the town line between Lenox and Lee.  It’s watershed lies mostly in the two towns. Although the lake is natural in origin, a dam constructed by Schweitzer Paper Company has enhanced its size and depth.  In addition to the dam and spillway, the company controls a 12-inch intake pipe at the outlet allowing the company to adjust the water level of the lake.  The lake’s outlet stream flows south to the Housatonic River. The lake is accessible on the eastern shore from a boat ramp as well as from the 16-acre Edith Wharton Park owned jointly by Lee and Lenox. 

The Public Access Board owns a paved ramp and large parking lot located on the southern tip of the lake. The ramp is suitable for small trailer boats, car top boats and canoes, and there is no fee to launch.

Sandy Beach on Laurel Lake is the public swimming area for the town of Lee. See https://www.lee.ma.us/land-use/pages/sandy-beach.

This lake is known to contain Zebra Mussels.  Follow state law regarding cleaning of boats.

Water Quality: Town/State Monitoring
Vegetation Growth: Minimal
Non-native Species: Unknown

Fishing Comments: Laurel lake is also stocked each spring and fall with rainbow trout, brown trout, tiger trout, and landlocked salmon by the Massachusetts Department of Fisheries & Wildlife.
Fish Species: Bullheads, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Black Crappie, Carp, Yellow Perch, White Perch, Golden Shiner

Boat Access: Access for Power and Non-power Boats
Ramp Comments: See comments
Parking Spaces: 11-20

Shoreline Development: 50-75%