Hiking Trails Rules & Regulations

As a permit holder, you can enjoy the convenience of free parking, easy-to-read trail maps and a system-wide trail guide. We also have areas with special design features for access by people with disabilities. Plus, we’ll invite you to guided nature walks, our annual kids fishing derby and other special events which are only open to our permit holders.

All of our recreation areas are patrolled seven days a week to safeguard you and our public water supply. If you see any unusual activity, we would appreciate being notified.

1. The following are strictly prohibited except by written authorization for a specific purpose such as scientific research:
Swimming in a public drinking water supply, reservoir or tributary for any reason

• Wading in a public water supply, reservoir or tributary
• Littering
• Fires
• Smoking
• Alcoholic beverages
• Cleaning of fish
• Food, beverages, picnicking or camping
• Hunting or trapping
• Pets
• Motorized vehicles (snowmobiles, motor bikes, etc.)
• Activities on the ice of frozen reservoirs
• Removal of trees, shrubs, flowers or other vegetation
• Vendors
• Disposal or discharge of wastes or other substances into reservoirs
• Carrying or discharging of firearms or dangerous weapons
• Cutting, breaking or removing fences

2. Persons using Regional Water Authority land:

• Release the Regional Water Authority from all liability relating to their presence on the Authority's property, including liability for personal injury and property damages caused by the Authority's negligence
• Will obey all orders and directions of Regional Water Authority staff
• Will remain in the areas designated for recreational use.

3. Permitted hours of use: sunrise to sunset.

4. All permit holders must be age 16 or older and are required to display a valid Regional Water Authority recreation permit. Persons under age 21 without a permit must be accompanied by and under the direct supervision of a permit holder. Permits are non-transferable.

5. All persons 16 years of age and older must possess a valid Connecticut State Fishing License for fishing.

6. Live bait, other than worms, is prohibited.

7. Body wastes must be disposed of in sanitary facilities.

8. Violation of any of the above rules and regulations may result in revocation of permit and denial of future permits.

9. Violation of federal, state or local laws may result in arrest and prosecution.

Hiking Trails Safety Tips

Learn to Identify Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy grows abundantly along many of our trails. Although it can be readily identified by its three shiny leaflets, the plant grows as both a vine and a busy. As you hike, you'll find poison ivy growing along the floor and climbing up trees. And in the fall it will have bright red leaves. The shape and size of the leaflets vary, but the leaves are always in threes. If you accidentally touch poison ivy, wash with soap and water as soon as possible.

Watch Out For Ticks

A bacterial infection called Lyme Disease can be transmitted to humans through the bite of the deer tick. You can protect yourself from Lyme Disease by learning to identify the deer tick, staying on the trails and avoiding tick infested areas such as tall grass. Take a bath or shower, scrub thoroughly and check for ticks after a hike. Wash your clothes promptly, too. There are also commercially available bug sprays which are effective tick repellants.

Bring Your Own Drinking Water

Please don't drink any water sources that you find in the wild. Although its crystal clear appearance may be tempting on a hot summer day, untreated water may contain disease-causing organisms. All of our surface water is treated after it flows out of the reservoirs to insure that your tap water is safe to drink.

Wear Sunscreen

Even in the winter or on a cloudy day, if you're outdoors for several hours without the protection of sunscreen, you can get a bad sunburn. And in the spring and summer, if you're fishing by the water's edge or in a boat, the sun's reflection from the water can cause a burn in just minutes. By applying a good sunscreen before you head outdoors, you can enjoy the weather and skip the painful sunburn.