Map(s)
 Road map (837x827). 234K size.
Scenery 
The houses along the west shore are stunning! (Surprise, surprise, this is Princeton.) The houses are in the area highlighted in green on the map.
Stay away from the dam in the north! The drop down into the Millstone river is deadly. You know that you are approaching the dam when you see a concrete structure on west side of the lake, and a thin white rope (wire?) stretched across the lake. I do not know how strong the current is going over the dam, and do not want to know.
The eastern shore is the tow path for the Delaware-Raritan Canal. Slightly north of the Harrison Street bridge is a small island, south of where the Millstone River bears to the east. 4 bridges cross the lake, from north to south:
- Harrison Street
- Washington Road
- Princeton to Princeton Junction train
- Alexander Road
When crossing under the Washington Road bridge, stay away from the eastern section; there are logs just below the surface. There are high-rise apartments (Princeton University student housing) on the western shore, south of the boat house, which is south of the Washington Road bridge. Along with the water fowl, there are turtles galore. Everywhere you look, there's a turtle sunning itself on a log.
The southern section is Stony Brook. In short order, the lake becomes a stream. Stay in the center south of the boat house. IMMEDIATELY south of the Alexander Road bridge, there is a take out on the left. Be careful, since the mud is slick. At the top of the hill is a park, with picnic benches to eat lunch. There is even a water fountain.
South of the Alexander Road bridge, is a fallen tree. Stay to the right (when coming from the lake), to avoid it.
Fees
None.
Hours of Operation
24x7.
Directions
Take route 1 to College Road West. At the 2nd traffic light, go right onto Seminary Drive. Take Seminary Drive to the light, and make a right onto Mapleton Road. Take Mapleton to the end, where there is a traffic light. (The Kingston Post Office is on the other side of the road.) Make a left onto route 27. Take route 27 past River Road on the right, to the 2nd parking area on the left. If you miss the first entrance, there is a 2nd. This stretch of route 27 is bracketted by Shadybrook & Dodds Lanes.
Park in gravel, next to route 27.
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Parking
It has degraded: All of the parking spots, facing route 27, are gone. This lot is dirt and some gravel, so take it easy on your car. The best spot is the area near the south entrance; that puts you closest to the boat ramp.
There is a small park, north of the Washington Road - Falculty Road intersection. It appears that a kayak can be launched from this location, but it may be rough on gelcoats.
Distance to the Launch Area
Drive your car down the boat ramp & unload near the water's edge.
Restrooms
There WAS a port-a-john at the far end of the parking lot, in spring 2005. But in August 2005, it was gone. This has to do with the boat races, because I saw two of them in April 2007. There was not even any good trees to hide behind, so consider going to the park on Alexander Road, where there are port-a-johns.
Status of Launch Area
Fine gravel at the boat launch; two foot high lake bank in all other areas. A little rough on gelcoats, but there are worse. If you like launching from docks, there is a nice one just south of the boat ramp.
Wind Conditions
The reputation is there, but I have not seen it yet. It can be one of the windier medium-size lakes.
Powerboats
Coaches for the crew team use them, but technically they are NOT allowed. (Electric & people-powered boats ONLY.)
Foliage
Gorgous!!! Vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows ... typical of driving through the nice areas of Princeton. In 2007, these colors did not materialize until the first weekend of November; late for this area.
Rolling Practice?
Avoid it; too murky and it has a high heavy metal content.
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Road map (837x827). 234K size.