Wachusett Reservoir

January 26, 2020 Showers

The Wachusett Reservoir was completed in the early 1900’s and was at the time the largest public water supply reservoir and largest body of water in Massachusetts. The dam is 115 feet tall, very solidly built, and remains the “largest hand built dam in the world” according to the sign.

In any case, we parked next to the dam and walked along the northern side of the reservoir, which touches the town of Clinton. The walk was flat and roughly 3 miles.

We started our descent on the handsome stone stairways next to the dam.

The view to the north along the South Nashua River and town of Clinton is quite pretty.

At the bottom of the dam is a large stone building as well as several paths that lead around a small pool.

We continued through the forest visible at top left and followed along a short path that led us to the shoreline.

The path soon reaches a wide open grassy area, and you can either follow a gravel path or walk closer to the water’s edge, hugging the shore. With the mild weather, the gravel was wet in places but very manageable even with sneakers.

Although we visited on a cloudy day, the views were really impressive, and the strong westerly wind was very fresh.

After reaching the forest at the end of this clearing, we turned back, trying to outrun a sudden rainstorm that blew in from the west and pelted us with a sleet/rain mix on our backs.

Despite the rain at the end, or maybe because of that, the kids enjoyed this easy walk.

• The best part was dam itself and the views north toward the town of Clinton. Worth an easy walk in good weather.
• The dam was inaccessible, but there was a variety of views on the trail.
• It was a bitterly cold night. Rain fell like bullets against the Prentice family, who were frantically running towards the nearest shelter, a small building by the reservoir splattered with graffiti. There was not a soul in sight; Anyone sensible would have gotten in their vehicles and driven speedily away as soon as they saw the weather conditions. Not a good time.
• It was raining and it was very cold but the dam was cool.
• I like the reservoir. And we jogged. And it rained. And at least I had my hood!

For more information: Wachusett Reservoir official site.