West Hartford Reservoirs & 6

     Today's hike was a fairly easy one. It was a total of 4 miles around the West Hartford Reservoir #6, including the walk from the car to the path. We decided to try out this trail as we had spent a great deal of time at the other reservoirs last summer, but hadn't ventured the few miles down the road to this trail yet. 

     There are trail maps available to take with you (when they don't run out) at the main gates. All trails are marked in different colors and there are large maps posted before you step foot onto the trails, so you will know which color to follow for what length of trail you would like. If you are a planner, though, it's best you print them before you go. Head to the MDC website for copies of the maps and directions. 

     While it was our first time going around this reservoir, it also lent itself to comparison to the familiar trail at 2-3-5, falling short in most areas. The ground ranged from compacted rock to sand to pavement, with a solid stretch of about a half mile of very loose rock and sand. We even saw a poor couple who appeared ill-equipped to traverse that section; the man carried the child while the woman carried the stroller. 

     There were very few people out today, for a gorgeous April Saturday in the 70s, but I am not sure that that is always the case. This trail does not have many areas that are open to bikers and all peripheral trails were closed. After the ice storm in October of last year, there may still be residual issues with blocked trails that prevent the bike paths from being opened.

     Overall the hills were very small, particularly by comparison to the hills at Reservoir 2-3-5. A good section (essentially the entire east side) of the trail is not protected from the sun. And while the views were very nice at times, it overall was a fairly boring walk. It took us about an hour and 10 minutes to complete it.

The highest elevation (at approx 1.5 mi) was 479 feet, the lowest (at approx 2.7 mi) was 390 feet.
The changes at the end of the walk were due to our taking that little indentation at the bottom of the map to keep along the water. Much more rugged terrain, by comparison to the rest of the walk, but more entertaining as well. There is an alternative route that continues along the road and maintains what seems to be the same elevation.

The view from approximately halfway through the walk around Reservoir 6.

View of the Hartford skyline while walking along Reservoir 6.

     The walk along Reservoir 2, 3, & 5 is one that we have done several times (and in fact just yesterday, and likely again tomorrow). It is a tiny bit shorter than Reservoir 6, but the work involved in completing the walk is more intense. In total, from the car, around the trail, and back, the path is approximately 3.9 miles.

     This trail can be relatively busy at times, as it is entirely paved. There are mountain biking trails that divert from the paved path, but also a bike lane along the whole trail. It is frequented by runners, walkers, strollers, and dogs. 

     There is much more variance in the views, ranging from fairly densely wooded areas, to open walkways along the reservoirs. We have seen deer, turtles, geese, hawks, chipmunks, squirrels in the paths and have heard unidentified growls/roars when we have ventured off the main red trail to Finger Rock and the Metacomet Trail along Kilkenny Rock and Talcott Mountain. (It was probably just some kids and not the bears that have been sighted not too far from here.)

Following the red trail at Reservoirs 2-3-5.
The highest elevation (at approx 1 mi) was 440 feet, the lowest (at approx 3.5 mi) was 306 feet.

View from the half-way point around the reservoirs. This is overlooking Reservoir 2.

Addendum on 4/15: Added this picture above from today's walk. You can see the bike lane on the right of the paved path. I apologize for the graininess of the picture- it, as with all photos I post, was taken from my phone. On a humorous note, just before reaching this point we walked by a couple pushing a stroller. The man was on the phone telling someone how difficult it was to be out for the first time this year, especially pushing the extra 20# of the stroller. The woman was pushing the stroller. (Yes, perhaps they swapped off at the half-way point and she had just started pushing it, but it made for a funny thought that they hadn't.)


     If you're feeling extra-adventurous, this extension of the trail around the reservoirs makes for a nice 6 mile hike. It took us about 2 hours and 15 minutes, with a break about half-way for oranges, last year on 5/29/11. It was a letter-boxing adventure that had its rewards. Beyond getting the stamp, it was a great opportunity to go beyond our expectations for our physical limits and enjoy more isolated sections of trail. I look forward to finding more letter boxes around this area, and maybe planting our own for others to find.

The highest elevation (just before the 4 mile mark) was 720 feet, the lowest (at about 1/2 mile) was 306 feet. We did this path counter-clockwise, when we usually do Reservoir 5 clockwise.

     The West Hartford Reservoirs are owned by the Metropolitan District (MDC). They opened the land up to the public, it is regulated by the DPH, and the land is absolutely beautiful. I'm very grateful for their generosity in letting us utilize the trails. Certainly my biggest pet peeve is seeing people let their dogs go into the reservoir. It is very clearly stated that this is against the rules of the park. It is our drinking water, after all. I'm sure anyone who has walked these trails has been tempted with thoughts of jumping in, especially in August! Please don't let your dogs do it.

From the MDC website- 

Directions to Reservoirs 2-3-5: 

From the North and South: Take I-91 South or North to I-84 West and follow the directions below. From the East and West: Take I-84 to Exit 39 (Route 4). At the end of the ramp take a right at the light onto Route 4 East. At the sixth light (a distance of 2 ½ miles) take a left into the Facility. Directions to Reservoir 6:  From the North, South and East: Take I-91 North or South to I-84 West to Exit 40 (New Britain Avenue/Corbins Corner).  At the end of exit ramp, take a right onto Ridgewood Road.  Follow Ridgewood Road to the end.  Take a left onto Farmington Avenue and then take the first right onto Mountain Road.  At the second traffic light, take a left onto Albany Avenue.  Reservoir #6 is 1.1 miles on the right. From the West: Take I-84 East to the New Britain Avenue/Corbins Corner Exit.  At the end of exit ramp, take a right onto New Britain Avenue.  At the first light, take a right onto Ridgewood Road.  Follow Ridgewood Road to the end.  Take a left onto Farmington Avenue and then take the first right onto Mountain Road.  At the second traffic light, take a left onto Albany Avenue.  Reservoir #6 is 1.1 miles on the right.