This is a nice place to get out of the house for a while. Especially if your not feeling like spending money or being stuck in a building. Its really nothing too special. Though there are a lot of nice paved and unpaved walking trails. Punctuate by the occasional nice view of the city or general scenery. More than anything its just a place to go to get rid of your stir crazy.
WH Reservoir is a great place for a walk, run, or bike ride (certain paths). No need for a permit....just show up and enjoy. Fresh air and many trails to explore with views of the reservoir lakes. Also some great spots to view Hartford City. The town of WH does a great job maintaining the parking area, trails, and surrounding forrest area. I highly recommend the reservoir to those looking to either relax outside with a scenic walk or to enjoy some exercise!
My wife and six-month old son visited the reservoir on a Friday afternoon. The trails were quiet, which made for a beautiful walk. The paved trail has a one-way lane dedicated for bicyclists, so everyone can safely enjoy at the same time. There are also multiple unpaved trails, which we did not venture with our stroller. We found the park to be one of the best ways to spend an afternoon.
Before there was such a thing as a trail bike, I spent many a spring, summer and autumn day riding my 10-speed Motobecane all over the reservoir...from the paved roads onto the dirt roads and onto the narrow dirt paths, way into the back where you would rarely see another person. All year 'round, I would hike those same routes, even getting off the dirt paths and traipsing through the woods, not even knowing where it would lead. Those days are gone. With all the silly rules about riding only in one direction and disallowing bikes from the trails, coupled with the overcrowded conditions, it's hardly worth going there anymore.
West Hartford Res is a fine place for a stroll. There are actually 2 reservoirs, so be sure to clarify with someone if they are telling you to go walk the reservoir which one they are referring to. One is on Farmington Ave and one is on Avon Mt or Rt 44. Both have paved sections and dirt trail sections. I prefer the one on Farmington because even though it is paved more, it feels more like you are in nature. Kid friendly, bike friendly, just about anything friendly.
Perfect spot to come for a nice walk/jog. They have a lot of trails and the scenery is incredible. You can usually see some fish if you walk close enough to the water too.
Nice clean safe. Quiet area, not too crowded. Many walkers and runners. Few bicyclist. It was hard to find at first because the parking is tucked behind the water facility.
Lots to do. Walk, run, ride (bicycle), skate, picnic. Dogs on leashes welcome. Port o let's available. Great views. Horseback trails. All the area reservoirs are great.
A nice safe place to take a nice after dinner stroll and burn off few calories. It was nice that the trails are paved and easy to follow. Pretty scenery and when we were there no mosquitoes. Navigation wanted us to turn right into a community so watch for that you're actually going to be turning left if coming from Farmington.
This is an excellent place for people who are looking for a nice place to hike or go for a nice run in the summer. I absolutely love this place during the fall. It looks so pretty with all the fall foliage. Definitely a nice place to walk with family and friends.