Length:                  Loop trail; 3 ½ miles

                                Letterbox; 1 1/4  miles

Difficulty:             Moderate. Paved but hilly.

From I-84 eastbound take exit 39. At the first traffic signal, turn right onto Route 4 ( Farmington Ave.) and proceed east. From  I-84 westbound take exit 40. At the light, take a right and proceed down Ridgewood Road. When you come to Route 4  (Farmington Ave.) take a left and proceed west. Along Route 4 is the entrance to the park on the northern side of the road. Drive down the entrance and bear right at the fork in the road. Pass the MDC offices on your left and follow the paved road straight until you reach the parking lot at the end of the road. You cross the trail to enter the parking lot which is a 1/2 mile from Route 4..

The Metropolitan District Commission manages the reservoirs for Hartford and surrounding towns water supply and recreation. There are about 13 miles of trails around the 3 reservoirs, some paved, some gravel. Most trails contain hills. The Letterbox is located along the most widely used trail, the paved loop trail. Just follow the bike trail signs posted along the route and the white line, as there are many offshoots. Trail maps are located along the paths as well. For more information visit MDC RESERVOIR TRAILS . For another biking/hiking trail nearby see MDC Reservoir #6 Trail . 

NOTE: All bicyclists are required to wear helmets on MDC property.  MDC vehicles patrol the trails daily.

From the parking lot you must follow the trail in a clockwise direction, as it is one-way for bicyclists. You will see arrows painted on the pavement. Take a right out of the parking lot, onto the trail, to begin your journey. You will follow the white line painted on the pavement the whole way. This line separates hikers from bikers. You will pass by several large, earthen dikes on your left. When you see a yellow gate on your right, pass through the gate and continue along the trail. Here, the trail climbs upwards until you come to the Southern end of Reservoir # 3. You cross over an earthen dam holding back the water and the trail turns sharply left. At this sharp turn you will see a small dirt path to your right going towards the woods. Walk about 6 paces ( 1 pace = 2 steps ) along the path and you will see several large rocks on your left. Go to far back rock, next to a group of saplings and under its overhang, remove 1 rock to reveal the MDC Reservoirs Trail Letterbox. Please replace the small rock on top of the box that is used to protect it. Also, be aware that the rocks are in site of the trail. If you are biking, you must continue on along the one-way trail. You'll follow along the Eastern side of the reservoir and cross a stone bridge. At 1.7 miles you'll pass by a shortcut back to the parking lot on your right. No bikes. Continuing along the white painted trail brings you past Dyke Pond to the Southern tip of Reservoir # 2, where, at 2 miles, the trail then turns right and heads downhill. Here, there are various routes you may take to extend your journey, as you come upon Reservoir # 5 (see map below). To get back to the parking lot, simply follow the white line along the Eastern section of Reservoir # 5. This bike loop trail is 3 1/2 miles long.