Lake Hennessey
Tranquil reservoir offering serene kayaking, fishing, and hiking with beautiful Napa Valley views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Lake Hennessey
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tranquil reservoir offering serene kayaking, fishing, and hiking with beautiful Napa Valley views.
"A cool little reservoir with a nice, relaxing vibe, perfect for trolling or exploring by kayak. 
๐ Limited Parking Alert
Parking can be scarce; arrive early or consider parking along the road if needed.
โฐ Check Gate Hours
Parking lot hours vary seasonally; confirm closing times to avoid getting locked in.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 ยท 57 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tranquil Shoreline Trails
Lake Hennessey Shoreline
Wander peaceful trails with stunning lake views, spotting wildflowers and potential historical sites.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Lake Hennessey waters
Glide across calm waters, perfect for a relaxing day of exploration without the noise of motorboats.
Bank Fishing Opportunities
Lake Hennessey banks
Cast a line and enjoy good fishing from the shore, with opportunities to catch various species.
Wildlife Spotting
Lake Hennessey surroundings
Keep an eye out for native wildlife like river otters and hawks in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Calm: Motor Restrictions
Fishing & Hiking Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
๐ Limited Parking Alert
Parking can be scarce; arrive early or consider parking along the road if needed.
โฐ Check Gate Hours
Parking lot hours vary seasonally; confirm closing times to avoid getting locked in.
๐ฃ Fishing Fees
A small fee applies per person for fishing; plan your budget accordingly.
๐ซ No Swimming Allowed
Enjoy other water activities, but swimming is prohibited in the reservoir.
Tips
from all over the internet
๐ Limited Parking Alert
Parking can be scarce; arrive early or consider parking along the road if needed.
โฐ Check Gate Hours
Parking lot hours vary seasonally; confirm closing times to avoid getting locked in.
๐ฃ Fishing Fees
A small fee applies per person for fishing; plan your budget accordingly.
๐ซ No Swimming Allowed
Enjoy other water activities, but swimming is prohibited in the reservoir.
๐ถ Boat Launch Fee
A fee is required to launch boats, canoes, and kayaks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Lake Hennessey for its beautiful, tranquil atmosphere, largely due to the restriction on high-horsepower boats. It's a great spot for bank fishing, kayaking, and peaceful hikes. Some find parking limited and note the seasonal variation in gate hours.
"This lake is beautiful. No boats are allowed over 10 horsepower, which makes for a calm and peaceful atmosphere. I bank fishing is really good. There's a $4 fee to launch a boat, canoes, kayaks etc. The fee for fishing is $1 per person. The parking area closes at 8:00 p.m. when you can park in different areas along the side of the road and go down and fish on the bank through late night. There's also good hiking areas."
Lamont
"This beautiful site has something very special that has gone unnoticed by many.I took a walk along the shoreline trail at Lake Hennessey. It was my first time visiting the trails; and I can't wait to go back. I stopped just past the spanish moss baby oak trees near the end to take in a breeze...peacefully watching the wind twirl on the lake from the hill .I looked down the trail to see if I wanted to go further...I noticed some yellow flowers up ahead and decided to move on. As I got closer, there was another view to gaze at...
I stood there for a bit and noticed some old homes in the distant hills with patches of vineyards. I looked down and that is when it struck me....without a doubt what I saw made sense. Now, a lot of settlers came through here in the 1840's ...and it wouldn't surprise me if I was right. So without a doubt, what I was looking at was a rock grave.. Notice the multiplication of daffodils over the years. Napa foothills once were considered to have the finest soil in the country. So, self pollination with the breeze allows the daffodils to reproduce. Combined with the gold rush days and traveling settlers, something, someone was buried here."
Lynn as fav sc we s. Cze Eidson
"Lake Hennessey is a nice lake with a few hiking trails near the lake. There is no swimming allowed in the lake, but you are able to go kayaking or paddle boarding. I saw a river otter ๐ฆฆ in the lake when I visited, and it was grabbing food from the lake bottom and returning not the surface to eat it, a rare sight to see. Overall the lake is a great place to pitstop if driving by the area, or want to go on a short hike with some peaceful scenery."
Brendan Kiely
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
๐ ๐บ๏ธ Getting There
Lake Hennessey is located east of St. Helena in Napa County. From Napa, take Highway 29 North and then transition to Highway 128 East. The lake will be accessible from Highway 128.
Public transportation options directly to Lake Hennessey are limited. It is best accessed by car. Consider ride-sharing services if you are in the nearby Napa Valley area.
Parking is available at the lake, but it can be limited, especially during peak times. Some visitors opt to park along the side of the road and walk down to the banks.
During heavy rainfall or wildfire events, access to Lake Hennessey may be restricted for safety reasons. Always check local advisories before your visit.
Lake Hennessey is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from San Francisco, depending on traffic conditions.
๐ซ ๐ซ Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a general entrance fee for the park, there is a $4 fee to launch a boat, canoe, or kayak. Bank fishing has a separate fee of $1 per person.
The parking lot at Lake Hennessey has variable hours that change seasonally. It's crucial to check these hours before your visit to ensure you don't get locked in.
Yes, bank fishing is reported to be very good at Lake Hennessey. There is a small fee of $1 per person for fishing.
You will need to pay a boat launch fee of $4 to use your kayak or paddleboard on Lake Hennessey.
Yes, motors over 10 horsepower are not allowed on Lake Hennessey, contributing to its peaceful atmosphere.
๐ซ ๐๏ธ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy bank fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking along the shoreline trails. The calm waters are perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
No, swimming is not permitted in Lake Hennessey. Visitors can enjoy other water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.
Yes, there are hiking trails around Lake Hennessey, offering scenic views of the water and surrounding hills. Some trails are described as mild and scenic.
Visitors have reported seeing river otters and North American river otters, as well as hawks in the area.
Yes, Lake Hennessey is considered a scenic and mild hiking spot, making it a potential location for a proposal.
๐ฝ๏ธ ๐ฝ๏ธ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Lake Hennessey. Visitors typically bring their own food and drinks for picnics.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. However, there are only a few picnic tables available, so bringing a blanket is recommended.
The nearest dining options are in the towns of St. Helena and Napa, which offer a variety of restaurants, cafes, and wineries.
Bait and tackle are not available for purchase at Lake Hennessey. It's advisable to purchase bait from a local bait shop before your visit.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check local park regulations regarding alcohol consumption in public areas.
๐ธ ๐ธ Photography
The shoreline trails offer beautiful vantage points for capturing the lake's serene beauty. The late afternoon light can create stunning photographic opportunities.
Lake Hennessey is picturesque year-round. Spring brings wildflowers, summer offers lush greenery, and fall provides beautiful foliage.
Landscape photography, wildlife photography (especially of otters and birds), and serene nature shots are popular.
Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's recommended to check with the Napa County Parks and Recreation Department for current drone policies.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit