Length:               MDC Reservoir Loop Trail; 3.7 miles

                              MDC Reservoir #6 Trail; 1.9 miles one-way

Difficulty:           MDC Reservoir Loop Trail; Moderate. Paved but hilly.

                              Reservoir #6 Trail; Easy. Paved road and gravel trail.

Directions:

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 Rd. 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 left at the fork in the road. Follow to the last parking lot. The trailhead begins at the far end of the parking lot.

To start from the Route 44 parking lot for the MDC Reservoir #6 Trail in Bloomfield [Southern End]; 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 Rd.

The Metropolitan District Commission manages the reservoirs for Hartford and surrounding towns water supply and recreation. In West Hartford, the MDC has about 13 miles of trails around the 3 reservoirs, some paved, some gravel. Most trails contain hills. I rode the most widely used trail, the Red Loop Trail which creates a nice Loop past Reservoirs #3-2-5. 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. In Bloomfield, the MDC has trails that Loop around Reservoir #6, however, biking is only allowed along the Eastern Side of the reservoir. For more information visit MDC RESERVOIR TRAILS .

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

From the MDC parking lot for the MDC Reservoir Loop Trail in West Hartford [Southern End]; A Map Board is located here. From the far end of the parking lot follow the paved trail past the gate out to the Main Trail. You must follow the trail in a clockwise direction, as it is one-way for bicyclists. Head left, East, utilizing the separate BIKE LANE, passing by the large, earthen dike on your left. Come to an intersection and continue right, North, up a hill until you come to the Southern End of Reservoir #3 after 0.9 miles. Head right, across an earthen dam where  the trail turns sharply left. You'll follow along the Eastern Side of the reservoir and cross a stone bridge. At 1.6 miles you'll pass by Dyke Pond Rd on your left before passing Dyke Pond and coming to the Southern End of Reservoir #2. Here the trail then turns right, Southeast and heads downhill into the woods. Keep left, North, at the intersection and right, East, at the next intersection at 2.1 miles. 

Note; From this intersection there are various roads throughout the reservoir you may take to extend your journey North, including east to Reservoir # 6 (See; Map Below). 

The trail now travels around the Northern End of Reservoir #5 before turning South. Continue past an intersection on your left before coming to a causeway on your right, West, that cuts across Reservoir #5. Continue straight, South, alongside the reservoir. Pass a spillway for Reservoir #5 and head back into the woods. You exit the woods and travel alongside the Water Treatment Facility and fields. Pass by a Map Board at 3.3 miles. After you pass a traffic circle and some Porto-Potty's hang a left, Southeast, to return to the MDC Parking lot for a 3.7 mile Loop.

Starting from the Route 44 parking lot for the MDC Reservoir #6 Loop Trail in Bloomfield [Southern End]; Pass through the gate to the Southern End of Reservoir #6 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 North along the Eastern Side of Reservoir #6. A gravel trail follows along your left 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, North, 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 1.9 miles you reach a stone bridge at the Northern End of the reservoir. Bikes are not allowed to continue left back down along the Western Side of the reservoir, but the trail straight, North, leads to mountain biking trails. If biking, simply retrace your route.