Waterford Township – Oakland County
Mohawk Lake is a small but charming inland lake in Waterford Township, known for its peaceful setting, clear water, and quiet, tight-knit lake community. While much smaller than the larger all-sports lakes in Waterford, Mohawk Lake offers a calm and relaxing waterfront atmosphere perfect for paddleboarding, fishing, and low-key lake living. Its excellent location near larger lake chains and the M-59 corridor makes it an attractive option for buyers seeking lake access without the noise and traffic.
Mohawk Lake at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Waterford Township – Oakland County, Michigan |
| Size | ~23 acres |
| Maximum Depth | ~33 feet |
| Lake Type | No-wake / non-motorized emphasis |
| Public Access | None (private lake) |
| Connected Lakes | Wormer and Lake Angelus |
| Watershed | Clinton River Watershed |
| Bottom & Water Clarity | Sandy and marl bottom; generally clear |
| Nearby Communities | Waterford, Clarkston, Pontiac |
Lake Lifestyle
Mohawk Lake is quiet, peaceful, and ideal for residents who want to enjoy the water without the noise and congestion of all-sports boating. Because the lake is small, shallow in areas, and lacks a public launch, it attracts those who want recreation at a more relaxed pace.
Common activities include:
- Paddleboarding (SUP)
- Kayaking & canoeing
- Shoreline swimming
- Small fishing boats
- Catch-and-release fishing
- Dockside relaxing
- Wildlife viewing (ducks, herons, turtles)
Mohawk Lake is a favorite for people who want a peaceful lake environment rather than a high-activity boating scene.
Real Estate Around Mohawk Lake
The Mohawk Lake area features:
- Modest mid-century cottages
- Updated full-time homes
- Homes with private docks
- Quiet cul-de-sac streets
- Mature trees and natural shoreline views
Buyers are drawn to Mohawk Lake because:
- It offers lakefront living at a more affordable price point
- It’s quiet, private, and community-oriented
- Water quality and clarity remain good due to low boat traffic
- Its location near M-59 provides quick access to amenities
→ Browse current homes for sale on or near Mohawk Lake: [HERE]
Schools Serving Mohawk Lake
Mohawk Lake falls within Waterford School District
(https://www.niche.com/k12/d/waterford-school-district-mi/)
Families may also explore nearby charter and private options in the Waterford/Clarkston area.
Things to Do On & Around Mohawk Lake
On the water:
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking & canoeing
- Swimming
- Quiet shoreline fishing
- Relaxing on docks and small pontoons
Off the water:
- Waterford Oaks County Park
- Dodge State Park (Cass Lake)
- Pontiac Lake Recreation Area
- Clarkston dining and shopping
- M-59 corridor restaurants and retail
- Nature trails and local parks
Mohawk Lake offers easy access to both nature and everyday conveniences.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quiet, peaceful lake with no public access | Too small for all-sports boating |
| Good water clarity | Limited real estate inventory |
| Affordable lakefront options | No connected lakes |
| Great for SUP, kayaking & fishing | Smaller shoreline footprint |
| Convenient location near major amenities | Limited parking/space for larger gatherings |
Final Thoughts
Mohawk Lake is an excellent choice for those seeking a quiet, scenic, and low-key lake lifestyle. With calm water, a friendly community feel, and close proximity to Waterford’s larger lakes and amenities, it’s perfect for relaxed waterfront living. If you’re searching for an approachable lakefront property without the high traffic of bigger lakes, Mohawk Lake should be on your list.
Resources & Helpful Links
- Michigan DNR – Inland Lake Information
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr - Michigan EGLE – Inland Lakes & Water Quality
https://www.michigan.gov/egle - Waterford Township
https://www.waterfordmi.gov - Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner
https://www.oakgov.com
Frequently Asked Questions – Mohawk Lake
Is Mohawk Lake private?
Yes — Mohawk Lake is fully private with no public access.
Is Mohawk Lake an all-sports lake?
No — it is primarily a quiet-use lake suitable for non-motorized activities.
How big is Mohawk Lake?
Roughly 21 acres.
How deep is Mohawk Lake?
Approximately 32 feet at its deepest point.
Is the lake good for paddleboarding?
Yes — it’s one of the best small lakes in Waterford for SUP.
Can you fish on Mohawk Lake?
Yes — anglers often catch bass, bluegill, and panfish.
Are boats allowed?
Small fishing boats, kayaks, and pontoons are common; high-speed boats are not.
Does Mohawk Lake have good water clarity?
Yes — clarity is usually good due to low boat traffic.
Does Mohawk Lake freeze in winter?
Typically yes — making it suitable for light winter activities.
What school district serves Mohawk Lake?
Waterford School District.
Are short-term rentals allowed?
Regulations vary; Waterford Township has local STR rules.
Is Mohawk Lake good for families?
Yes — it’s quiet, safe, and peaceful.
Are there connected lakes?
Yes — Mohawk Lake is connected to Wormer Lake and Lake Angelus.
Is the lake good for swimming?
Yes — sandy-bottom areas offer comfortable swimming.
Are there marinas nearby?
Several Waterford marinas serve the surrounding lake network.
