Moderate
Massachusetts · United States
- Distance
- 11.8 km / 7.3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 230 m
- Typical duration
- 2 hr 48 min
- Waymarked route
Reservoir Trail
ModerateMassachusetts · United States
- Distance
- 9.5 km (5.9 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 135 m (443 ft)
- Typical time
- 2 hr 11 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- Loop
- Highest point
- 80 m (262 ft)
About Reservoir Trail
Reservoir Trail is a 9.5 km hiking route in Massachusetts, United States. It climbs roughly 135 m (443 ft) along the way, topping out at 80 m (262 ft). Most people take around 2 hr 11 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. It sits firmly in moderate territory: enough climbing to feel like a proper day out, never enough to become a slog.
There is no one famous view here. The appeal is the sustained quality of the walking and the fact that you are unlikely to share it with a crowd.
The circuit closes on itself, which makes logistics simple: one car park, one round of 5.9 mi. The route is waymarked and marked on the ground with its own symbol, so navigation is straightforward in good visibility.
It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths. The nearest town of any size is Melrose, about 4.0 km away, which is where most people base themselves.
In short, Reservoir Trail suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Moderate9.5 km135 m
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
Elevation
Elevation profile
- Ascent
- +135 m
- Descent
- −132 m
- High
- 80 m (262 ft)
- Low
- 35 m (115 ft)
The route in detail
The loop is usually walked clockwise from the main trailhead. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. The steepest pitch runs at roughly 28 percent, short but enough to slow most people to a crawl. The return leg is the reverse of the outward journey, which makes it easy to judge remaining time.
Highlights
- Waymarked route
- Circular route, no backtracking
- Waymarked and signposted
Know before you go
- Best season
- April to October
- Waymarked
- Yes, signed on the ground
- Surface
- Mixed natural surface
- Dogs
- Not recorded, check locally
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- No fee recorded
- Camping
- Not recorded
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Generally usable
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 47/100
- Adventure
- 21/100
- Difficulty
- 26/100
- Accessibility
- 68/100
- Family
- 37/100
- Dogs
- 62/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
- Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- Some sections are steep enough to be awkward in the wet, particularly on the way down.
- Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.
Safety
Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
- Small first aid kit including blister plasters
Photography
Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Because it is a loop, the light changes direction as you go, so save some memory for the back half. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
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