This week, I explored some trails in the
Tolland State Forest which spreads out over four Massachusetts towns: Otis, Sandisfield, Tolland and Blandford. I parked at the large pull-out parking area on Rte 8 in Sandisfield at Alan Road. I walked across the bridge and took the multi-use trail left along the Farmington River. It's a mostly flat, wide wooded path next to the river. It's a great walk in the woods if you don't mind that you occasionally hear the traffic on Rte 8, although you don't see it.
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The easy path paralleling the Farmington River continues about a mile-and-a-half until you come to private land or turn right up the mountain. |
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Several small meadows along the way remind you of the area's farming history. |
Then the trail turns right and climbs a steep hill to New State Forest Road. At the road I turned right and then right again at the intersection and walked past the entrance to the water treatment plant. Then I made a left on the Gilmore Trail which is a loop trail. It goes from the park, beach & campground entrance, along Otis Reservoir and through the woods to complete a wide loop (approx. 2.75 miles). Or you can opt for a shorter loop with an interesting
Gilmore Trail Interpretive Guide. I returned to my car on Alan Road (dirt). About 6 miles total. The park
trail map shows many more trails.
It was a nice walk, but nothing too spectacular. In some sections, I was swarmed by little midge-type bugs. Annoying!
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Otis Reservoir is the 3rd largest lake in Massachusetts and heavily-used for boating, fishing and recreation. The park has beautiful lake-side campsites and a nice beach. |