Gotta Visit: Bear Hole Reservoir (West Springfield) #getoutside #gotakeahike

This summer is already going by TOO fast and the only way I know how to create a pause button is to get out into the woods with my girls. So this afternoon we headed out to find the waterfall at Bear Hole Reservoir in West Springfield. 

Nearly all of the reviews I read about this hiking spot state "I can't believe I never knew this gem was right in my backyard" and that statement is 100% true. (Literally. I used to live on Bear Hole Road about 20 years ago -- but in my defense the public was not encouraged to explore the reservoir grounds back then). 

Hiking at Bear Hole is easy and quick. Once you park the car in the large parking lot, head through the chain link fence onto the dirt trail (do NOT head onto the large gravel road -- not much to see here and the kids will get bored with a quickness). The quality of the main trail at the reservoir is the best around: wide open and perfectly clear. It's all hard-packed dirt or crushed stone. You can definitely bring a jogging stroller through here on the main trail, not so much on the side trails or down into the waterfall gully. 

Speaking of which, you pretty quickly come upon a beautiful waterfall when hiking the trail. You can't miss it -- the main trail runs right over it. There is a steep left off the main trail where you can walk right down to the falls. So enchanting. I'm always impressed with the power of a waterfall and we visited the reservoir after heavy reains so we were not disappointed. Take some time to walk around the falls area -- there is an old stone fireplace from Bear Hole's early days as a resort in the 1800s -- but keep a close hand on the littles. The rushing water is no joke here. 

Once you head back out of the falls area, you can continue on the main path and take a long loop all the way around the reservoir, or look for the slightly narrower path that veers to the left which will take you right through the reservoir's dam and pump station -- a sure highlight for little engineers. Here you can pick up a paved road that belongs to the West Springfield Water Department and hike up the steep driveway up and out to a gravel road. This access road will lead you back out to Bear Hole Road -- look for the yellow gate and you'll come out of the woods about 100 feet below the main parking area. Follow Bear Hole Road back up to your vehicle. 

There are no amenities on the trail so use the potty before you go and bring plenty of water. Think about how much bug spray you would bring on a regular hike and then pack double (again, we hiked after heavy rains so you may have a different experience). Taking this abbreviated route through the reservoir at a moderate pace, we hiked for about an hour (I didn't measure the length but I'd guesstimate about 1.5 miles). There is no allowable access to the actual reservoir so make sure the kiddos understand this is only a hiking adventure, not a water one. 

Bear Hole Reservoir is located at the end of Bear Hole Road (take Route 20 to Rogers Avenue) in West Springfield -- just keep driving up Bear Hole until you come to the parking area at the end of the neighborhood. There is plenty of FREE parking at the trail head. See you on the trail! #gotakeahike

Comments

[Jill]

Hi! Just wanted to leave a note saying how incredibly helpful and clear your directions were! I followed them exactly and had a great hike, taking all kinds of scenic pictures along the way. Thank you so much for your information!

[Valerie]

Hooray! Thank you for letting me know. Encouraging folks to get on the hiking trail is one of my greatest joys. I'm so glad you liked it as much as we did.