MDC RESERVOIR #6 TRAIL
BLOOMFIELD, CONNECTICUT
-BIKE IT OR HIKE IT-
Planted: NO LETTERBOX PLANTED AT THIS TIME
Length: Route 44 parking lot to start of mountain bike trails; 1.9 miles
MDC Treatment Plant parking lot to start of mountain bike trails; 1/2 mile
Reservoir # 6 Loop Trail (no bikes allowed along western section); 3.5+ miles
Difficulty: Easy from Treatment Plant. Gravel trail.
Biking not recommended for kids, as most is along the MDC service road.
Directions:
The entrance to Reservoir # 6 is located on the north side of Route 44 in West Hartford, approximately one mile from the intersection of Route 44 and Mountain Road.
The Metropolitan District Commission manages this reservoir as a water supply for Hartford and area towns. There is a water treatment plant on site as well as many hiking trails and mountain bike trails. The CT State Metacomet Blue Trail, also passes along the reservoir. NOTE: All bicyclists are required to wear helmets. MDC vehicles patrol the trails daily. See MDC Reservoirs Trail Letterbox for a nearby Letterbox. For more information visit; MDC RESERVOIR TRAILS .
Starting from the Route 44 parking lot, pass through the gate and proceed right along the MDC service road. This paved road is only used by MDC personnel and visitors wishing to use the MDC Water Treatment Plant parking lot, so there are very few cars. This road takes you along the eastern side of Reservoir # 6. A gravel trail follows alongside for hikers. As you look across the reservoir, you'll see the Heublein Tower on top of Talcott Mountain. When you come to the MDC Treatment Plant after 1.4 miles, head left up towards the parking lot. Here you have a great view of the Hartford skyline. Continue up to the gravel trail. Head right along this trail (bikes are allowed on this section) into the woods. As you look across the reservoir, keep an eye out for what looks like a stream empting into the reservoir. This is actually the end of the water tunnel from Barkhamsted. After a 1/2 mile you reach a stone bridge at the northern tip of the reservoir. Bikes are not allowed to continue down along the western side of the reservoir, but a trail straight ahead leads to mountain biking trails. If biking, simply retrace your route. If hiking and parked by Route 44, you may continue across the bridge and down the western side of the reservoir to your car.
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BEFORE YOU SET OUT BE SURE TO READ THE
WAIVER OF RESPONSIBILITY AND DISCLAIMER
BIKE IT OR HIKE IT LETTERBOXING