Nepaug Reservoir: Hiking, biking and more

Last week’s column detailed a New Hartford hiking spot that offers a remarkable view from the top of that particular trail’s summit. The Nepaug Reservoir is another spot with an exquisite view.

Nepaug Reservoir is located in New Hartford along Route 202. Once you spot the reservoir from the road, look for the nearby parking lot, which offers plenty of room for multiple automobiles. From the parking lot you get your first views of the water just beyond the fencing that separates the restricted land below.

There is no dirt trail here, just 1.5 miles of paved road that runs through a mixed pine and hardwood forest, with unbroken views of the water just beside the road.

Some of the noise pollution from the road finds its way down onto the trail, and though it’s tempting to explore the area along the water or one of the many side trails that spring off the central path, these areas are strictly off limits.

Soon those road sounds are replaced with the roar of rushing water. The path leads you over the top of the reservoir and provides incredible views of water pouring over the spillway. You will want to take plenty of time to enjoy the odd dichotomy of the undisturbed body of water on one side of the dam and the violent surge spilling over into the river that winds unseen into the surrounding hills.

There are plenty of spots to observe the spillway and dam, including a view from directly above that sends strange vibrations through your head as you watch the phantasmal spray of the pounding current.

The road continues beyond the dam and is as equally gorgeous as the first leg of the path, carrying you back through the surrounding forest and along the reservoir.

This is a perfect spot for biking and is especially ideal for beginning cyclists as there are no cars allowed on the road. Joggers will also find it a fantastic spot, and those who just need to stretch their legs will find plenty of room along Nepaug Reservoir.

The ease and short distance of the walk make it perfect families with small children and for dogs of all sizes.

Perhaps the only complaint is the proximity to a very busy and rather raucous road, but that gripe quickly evaporates as you get a good breeze off the nearby lake, hear the soft groan of hardwoods and catch the occasional glimpse of a hawk in its slow, looping patterns.