ANNOUNCEMENT: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District Recreation Sites Mask Policy
The mask policy at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District recreation sites is based on local and state-specific guidance and requirements. Visitors to our parks and facilities need to ensure they are following the latest applicable local and state guidance.
Recreation Facilities/Activities
There are many things you can do at East Brimfield Lake in every season. Spring brings a renewed interest in fishing for trout stocked here by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Water is stored for a controlled release in April for canoe races on the Quinebaug River.
Summer brings warm weather for swimming and picnicking at Lake Siog Park operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers East Brimfield Dam flood reduction project, Lake Siog Park is located in the Town of Holland, Massachusetts off of Dug Hill Road. Lake Siog Park is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. From June thru August. One can also enjoy boating and water skiing on East Brimfield Lake, located off of Route 20 in Sturbridge and Brimfield, Massachusetts.
In fall the colorful leaves make the rolling hills and the river valley a photographers delight. Scenic views can be enjoyed along a six mile canoe trail with each passing season. This flat water canoe trail twists and turns from Holland Pond to East Brimfield Lake on the Quinebaug River.
Hunting for deer, turkey, and other small game is allowed in the forested wetland and upland areas of the project. Hunting and fishing are permitted in accordance with Massachusetts fish and game laws. Licenses are required and available at the local town halls.
Once winter arrives, snow covers the frozen lake. Northern pike, pickerel, and bass provide for excellent ice fishing.
Recreation Sites around East Brimfield Reservoir:
Long Pond Boat Launch:
Paved boat launching ramp on north side of Rt 20. Parking for vehicles with boat trailers. Open year round. Ice fishing access.
Reservoir Boat Ramp:
Paved boat launch ramp on south side of Rt 20. Parking for vehicles with boat trailers. Closed in winter.
Champeaux Road Fishing Area:
Off Rt 148 at north end of reservoir. Shore fishing area with ADA accessible fishing platforms. Open year round. Ice fishing access.
East Brimfield Damsite:
Riverview Ave off Route 20. Scenic overlook of the reservoir and dam. 1/2 mile interpretive nature trail. Recently completed ½ mile portion of the Grand Trunk multiple use trail from the dam to Holland Road. No motorized vehicles open to XC Skiers and Snow Shoes in Winter also Shore fishing access. Open year round.
Canoe Trail Launch area:
Canoe launch area with parking and information kiosk located on Pond Bridge Road, where the river flows out of Holland Pond at the upstream end of the canoe trail. Parking and launch at downstream end of trail is available at the Reservor Boat Ramp on Rt 20.
About the Quinebaug River Canoe Trail
The Quinebaug River Canoe Trail is a five mile long flatwater canoe route from Holland Pond to East Brimfield Reservoir. It is a designated Watchable Wildlife area, and was the first water trail to be designated as part of the National Trails System by the National Park Service.
Approximate time to paddle from one end to the other is 2 hours, slightly more if paddling upstream. There are 3 rest stops along the river with benches where paddlers can stop and rest and enjoy the scenery. Wildlife frequently seen along the trail include great blue heron, beavers, turtles, hawks, and red wing black birds. In recent years, bald eagles have been seen along the river as well.
Trail is open year round. Best flows for paddling are in spring and early summer.
This trail is the first section of the larger Quinebaug River water trail, a series of designated paddling sections of the Quinebaug and French Rivers along their routes in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Recreation Sites around Holland Pond and the Quinebaug River:
Lake Siog Recreation Area:
Major recreation area off Dug Hill Rd. Swimming beach, picnic tables and grills. 3/4 mile nature trail. Open Friday-Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 10am-6pm. No entrance fee.
Holland Pond Boat Ramp:
Gravel boat launch ramp on Pond Bridge Road. Parking for vehicles with boat trailers. Open year round. Ice fishing access.
Grand Trunk Trail:
Trailhead parking lots on Five Bridge Road and Route 20 in Brimfield. A two-mile long multiple use trail along the former trolley line. No motorized vehicles. Open to snowshoes and cross-country skiing in winter. Extension of trail to Brimfield center currently under construction.
East Brimfield Lake Nature Trail:
The East Brimfield Lake Nature Trail wanders through five acres of open fields and pine-hardwood forest. The land lies within the boundaries of the East Brimfield Lake Flood Control Project.
As you walk our three-quarter mile trail you will notice we have marked several points of interest along the trail with numbered posts; each corresponding to a descriptive section within this brochure. We have done this to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the woodlands and open fields typical of a New England landscape.
Follow the trail, noting the numbered markers beside the trail.Take your time, smell the numerous flowers, look for signs of wildlife, listen to the rustling sound of the fallen leaves beneath your feet,and most importantly learn more about the world around us.The main trail will take forty to fifty minutes to complete, with the “shortcut” reducing that time to twenty or thirty minutes.
Interpretive Programs
Park Rangers are available to present interpretive programs about the project. For more information about interpretive programs or on becoming a volunteer contact the project office at 508-347-3705.
Reservations and Fees
There are no fees charged to enter or use any of the Corps-operated recreation sites at East Brimfield Lake.
For large special events, there is a fee charged to obtain a Special Use Permit. For pricing and information on Special Use Permits, please contact the park manager at (508) 347-3705.
Natural Resources
The natural environment of East Brimfield Lake reflects the diverse nature and beauty of New England. The forested rolling hills frame the river valley and the glacially formed kettle ponds of Lost Lake, Green, and Pork Barrel Ponds. At East Brimfield Lake there are many natural resources available for you to enjoy.
The forests and wetlands are home to deer, turkey, rabbit, fox, beaver, ducks, geese, and many other animals. The Corps and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife work together to monitor the population of Canada geese, to survey bald eagles, to stock trout, northern pike, and ring-necked pheasants.
Our goal is to manage these resources for future generations to enjoy. You can help by being good stewards of our public lands. You can volunteer to assist with recreation and natural resource management.
- Updated: June 1, 2022