Ashley Reservoir Day Trip
Welcome to the Ashley Reservoir Trails in Holyoke, MA
While It’s cliché to say it, easy is really important. Ashley Reservoir, which is part of the drinking supply for the city of Holyoke, Massachusetts (MA) near Springfield, MA, is a beautiful spot for a scenic walk. Whether solo or on a family outing with young kids/strollers or your elderly parents, visiting this reservoir is great for relaxing and enjoying a variety of Western MA nature.
From ponds to forested areas to birds and wildlife, Ashley Reservoir is home to a variety of beautiful nature. And you can walk, run or bike on a flat, gravel path. The trail that loops around the reservoir is about 4.5 miles. Dogs are prohibited because of the wildlife and local water supply regulations.
Update: Scenic Winter Hikes at Ashley Reservoir
We returned recently (December 2021) for an easy walk on the Ashley Reservoir trail, and the natural scenery and winter blues evening sky were fantastic. The flat, gravel trail looping through the lakes that comprise the reservoir makes winter hikes accessible for all skill levels and with less people, it’s even better when stopping for water and wildlife views.
On the day we visited, there were geese and ducks in the lakes when reaching the primary connecting point of the loop trail (geese will get on the path and come up close if you stand a while). After parking (for free) at the entrance gate off of Whitney Avenue, you can spend as much or as little time as you want exploring Ashley Reservoir trail and its diverse natural scenery.
How to get to Ashley Reservoir (Holyoke, MA)
From the Massachusetts Turnpike, heading either east or west, take exit 4 onto I-91 towards Holyoke, MA. Drive for about two miles and then take exit 15 for Lower Westfield Road toward Ingleside and keep left at the fork to continue to Lower Westfield Road. Then drive to Whitney Avenue and park in the big, free Elks lot by the entrance gate. Ashley Reservoir parking is free and prohibited dusk to dawn.
What to see at Ashley Reservoir
After parking by the trail head, walk past the big, black gate onto the gravel trail. Strollers and wheelchairs won’t easily fit through and will need to be carried past the gate.
There is a slight elevation at first and then you’re onto a flat, wide path. Continuing on, you’ll soon get to a fork where you can go in multiple directions. This is a great spot to pause and take in the amazing landscapes, which offer stunning, almost panoramic nature views.
At this point, you can hike for several miles along the Ashley Reservoir trails or simply pick a direction to walk a short distance and explore the variety of nature: ponds, trees, native flowers, birds and wildlife.
By going straight, which is what we did on our visit, you’ll hike through a forest. There are plenty of areas to stop and take stunning nature photos.
By going left, you’ll walk on a narrower path in between two lakes that comprise the reservoir. This is a great opportunity for landscape photos.
And by walking the Ashley Reservoir trails in the late afternoon, you can get moody landscape and sunset photos.
Tip: Bring your kids (the trail is suitable for strollers or bikes) and spend the afternoon enjoying the scenery.
Tip: The wide trails are great for fit lifestyle folks, who want to get a daily run or bike ride without getting stuck in the crowds.
