Hiking Guide: Ashland Reservoir Trail
Looking out at the Ashland Reservoir
Trail Basics
Location: Ashland, MA, USA
Length: 3.8 miles (includes the walk from my car to the trailhead)
Elevation gain: 184 feet
Time to complete: 1 hour and 39 minutes*
*We stopped quite frequently to take photos, so the trail could certainly be finished in less time.
Difficulty: Easy
Overall rating: 4 out 5
My Thoughts
Ashland Reservoir Trail is a scenic, easygoing hike. The trail skirts around the edge of the reservoir through woods and over the Ashland Dam. The crossing of the dam is a highlight of the hike, as it boasts a lovely vista of the reservoir and surrounding forest.
The trail itself is quite easy, but it could be better sign posted. Parts of the trail lack any marker, so I had to rely heavily on my AllTrails map to make sure I did not go off course. There is practically no elevation gain, so you do not have to contend with an ascent or descent. The terrain, however, is uneven. The majority of the trail is on rocky, tree root-laden dirt paths, so you need to watch your footing. That said, I completed the trail without any specialized hiking equipment. I wore sneakers and carried a backpack that had water and a few snacks. If I were to do this trail again though, I might wear hiking boots due to the bumpy terrain.
The trail is fairly heavily trafficked. There were parts of the trail that were quiet, but as I neared the dam, beach, and parking lots, I came across quite a few people, including entire families. There were also a lot of dogs on the trail, and they were not always on a leash. So, if you are looking for a hike that will be peaceful and allow you to escape from the world, this isn’t it.
Overall
This is a decent, easy hike. It’s perfect for when you want to get outside but don’t feel up to a strenuous hike.
Have you done this hike? What did you think? Share your thoughts with me below!
