Hike MDC Reservoir 1 to Kilkenny Rock West Hartford

Overview
4-5 mile hike for all levels at MDC West Hartford Reservoirs Recreation Area off of Farmington Avenue.

Hike Description
We'll hike at a mild pace through this beautiful recreation area featuring hardwood forests, reservoirs, running streams, and traprock formations, including Kilkenny Rock. I plan about 4-5 miles and 400-500 feet elevation, so the hike is fine for beginners who are in reasonable shape and with good balance. I go slow up the hills, and we will be stopping to look at the spring flowers and to snack on top of Kilkenny. Folks also have the option to go through the "tunnel" on the rock "playscape", and sit on the traprock "throne".

What to Bring
Hiking shoes or boots appropriate for roots and rocks and wet trails. Poles are helpful if you like using them. Bring water, a high calorie snack, hat, sunscreen, layers, and a backpack to carry it all.
A cellphone with backup battery is always wise. A paper map is always a good thing to have just in case. (see below)

Map of MDC Reservoir Recreation Area: https://themdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/WHtrailsMapWeb_12_2013.pdf
Regulations and more information on the MDC Property
https://themdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/RULES-AND-REGULATIONS-RESERVOIRS-update.pdf

AS ALWAYS FOR LORI-LED HIKES
• Human hikers only. Leave Fido at home.
• START time is the "step off time". Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to find the place and get your gear all together, as we start on time!
• END time is an approximation. We may end sooner - or later - depending on the pace of the group and how much we stop to play.
• I keep my groups small - be diligent and thoughtful with your RSVP.
• Oohing and Ahhing over flora and fauna and other cool stuff encouraged.
• We're here to enjoy nature with all of our presence and all of our senses, so please turn your cellphone off and join the Now.

=== Legal Stuff ===
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In consideration for accepting this entry, I, the registrant, intending to be legally bound, hereby, for myself, my heirs, my executors and administrators, do waive and release any and all rights for damages I may have against any parties or persons connected with the Hartford Area Hiking meetup group for and related to the above listed event. I attest and verify that I am physically fit to participate in any portion of this above listed event. I grant Hartford Area Hiking permission to use any photographs, film or videotapes of this event for any purpose.