Located off Highway 24, the Lafayette Reservoir is an all-year day-use area ideal for hiking, jogging, fishing, boating, and picnicking. The recreation area is perfect for an inexpensive day out enjoying the great outdoors, spending time with friends and family, or getting some exercise. Enjoy scenic lakeside hiking as well as more challenging upper-level hill trails with amazing views. Most of the picnic areas are first-come, first-served with 125 picnic tables (44 with barbecues) and two large group areas. There is also lots of lawn space, a large play structure for kids, and a number of piers for fishing around the 2.7-mile lower trail.

When you arrive, stop by the Visitor Center for a variety of information and supplies, such as fishing tackle, bait, permits, or boat rentals. The Lafayette Reservoir is open daily from sunrise to sunset and parking costs $7 with metered parking also available for $1.50 per hour. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and bicycles and roller blades are okay on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sunday mornings.

Public Domain/Photo by Jake Givens on Unsplash