Sidetracked
Hike #68
Reservoir Loop Trail (Middletown, CT)
Distance: 3.81 Miles (includes 2.2 miles along the Mattabesett Trail)
Date Hiked: 11/28/2013
Date Published: 11/28/2013
Hike #68
Reservoir Loop Trail (Middletown, CT)
Distance: 3.81 Miles (includes 2.2 miles along the Mattabesett Trail)
Date Hiked: 11/28/2013
Date Published: 11/28/2013
I was originally hoping Hike #68 would be my final hike along the Quinnipiac Trail. I was also originally hoping to spend Thanksgiving morning participating in the Manchester Road Race. But, then two things happened. First, the road race was sold out…which was a good thing because it gave me an extra day to hike (and I need extra days right now if I’m going to hit my 2013 goal). Second, I realized there was no way I could finish all 12 miles (6 miles out, 6 back) of the final section of the Quinnipiac and get to my mom’s house in time for Thanksgiving. So, I searched the walk book and found a section that made sense.
Along the Mattabesett Trail in Middletown, there are several loop trails which the CFPA counts towards the CT 400. When I traveled the first section of the Mattabesett in March, I didn’t cover those side trails. So, I thought it would make for a perfect hike on Thanksgiving morning. And I was right.
I started by leaving my car in a small parking location, with room for maybe three cars, close to the trail off of Bear Hill Road. It was shortly after 6:30am and the sun wasn’t quite up yet. So, I was able to get a pretty cool picture of the crescent moon.
Along the Mattabesett Trail in Middletown, there are several loop trails which the CFPA counts towards the CT 400. When I traveled the first section of the Mattabesett in March, I didn’t cover those side trails. So, I thought it would make for a perfect hike on Thanksgiving morning. And I was right.
I started by leaving my car in a small parking location, with room for maybe three cars, close to the trail off of Bear Hill Road. It was shortly after 6:30am and the sun wasn’t quite up yet. So, I was able to get a pretty cool picture of the crescent moon.
The Mattabesett Trail crosses over Bear Hill Road. From where I parked, a right on the trail would have lead me due south towards Haddam. But I wasn’t ready to cover that section yet. I made a left and followed the trail due north. After about 2/10 of a mile, I came to where the trail crosses Brooks Road. Here the Mattabesett turns left and crosses Brooks Road at an angle. But, my goal wasn’t to continue along the Mattabesett. So, I made a right turn and started following the Blue/Yellow blazes of the Reservoir Loop Trail.
Shortly after the first blaze on the telephone pole, there is a map of the area. I already knew where I was going, but decided to take a pic to share on this blog.
Shortly after the map, the trail makes a left turn and enters the woods…heading away from Brooks Road. This first section of the Reservoir Loop Trail can be a little confusing. There are a lot of side-trails so keep your eyes peeled for the Blue/Yellow blazes.
Before my hike, my research showed there weren’t a lot of views overlooking the reservoirs in the area (most of the good views can be found along the Mattabesett). But, I was able to find a view I enjoyed by following one of the many side-trails. I used the picture from that view as the picture at the top of this recap, but I was also able to use a rock as a perfect make-shift camera stand.
Before my hike, my research showed there weren’t a lot of views overlooking the reservoirs in the area (most of the good views can be found along the Mattabesett). But, I was able to find a view I enjoyed by following one of the many side-trails. I used the picture from that view as the picture at the top of this recap, but I was also able to use a rock as a perfect make-shift camera stand.
Around the 1.4 mile mark, the Reservoir Loop Trail crosses the Mattabesett Trail. From the intersection, a left turn would bring me back to my car (over only half the distance) or a right turn would lead me (over the course of 4.2 miles) to the Connecticut River. I had already done the section which would lead me to the Connecticut River, and I wasn’t yet ready to return to my car. So, I stayed straight and followed the Reservoir Loop Trail for another 2/10 of a mile until I reached Reservoir Road.
From Reservoir Road, the trail makes a right turn and immediately crosses the Mattabesett again. The Reservoir Loop Trail continues to follow Reservoir Road for about 1/10 of a mile before making a left and re-entering the woods. The first section to the north of Reservoir Road is a bit tricky. It crosses a small stream and then ascends quickly. There is a series of switchbacks and I actually lost the trail for a bit, which hasn’t happened in quite some time. I doubled back to the trail and eventually made my way to where the Reservoir Loop Trail ends.
From Reservoir Road, the trail makes a right turn and immediately crosses the Mattabesett again. The Reservoir Loop Trail continues to follow Reservoir Road for about 1/10 of a mile before making a left and re-entering the woods. The first section to the north of Reservoir Road is a bit tricky. It crosses a small stream and then ascends quickly. There is a series of switchbacks and I actually lost the trail for a bit, which hasn’t happened in quite some time. I doubled back to the trail and eventually made my way to where the Reservoir Loop Trail ends.
I made a left turn and used the Mattabesett Trail to get back to my car. Along the way, I retraced my steps from about 8 months earlier. I saw the cave which Roscoe and I explored back then, experienced the viewpoint overlooking Asylum Reservoir #1 again, and re-climbed my way up and down the rocky sections of the trail. This time around, I’m about 20 pounds lighter and I could tell. I would be lying if I said I didn’t struggle at all, but there was a lot less struggling this round.
Eventually, I made my way back to Bear Hill Road where my car was waiting.
Distance to 2013 Goal: 76.62
Eventually, I made my way back to Bear Hill Road where my car was waiting.
Distance to 2013 Goal: 76.62