Merrill Creek Reservoir

This reservoir has been my favorite place to hike for a long time. The perimeter trail (about 6 miles of easy hiking) is the best trail to see some amazing views, animals, and nature in general. It’s usually pretty quiet there with minimal hikers on the path. Boating is popular in the summertime. No bikes are allowed on the trails. Dogs must be on leash. There’s a visitor center, port-​a-​potties, butterfly garden in the summertime, and lots of parking.

Some nice trails to start with run around the water is 5 miles and a good run. I kayak here and it’s beautiful and the bald eagles nest is amazing. Though there is always a water snake on the right hand side of the launch pad. Scary lol

A privately held reservoir and environmental preserve, open to the general public, that’s a scenic, relaxing spot to hike. It’s one of the few places that is beautiful during all four seasons. Hiking options range from easy (blazed trails) to moderate. Fantastic location for bird watching, with woodpeckers, a bald eagle, and spectacular displays by thousands of Canadian geese on the water. There are numerous other bird species in the preserve. Lucky me, I also happened on a snowy owl sitting in the snow on my path during my last two hikes!
Please come prepared. This is the only location where I have needed hand warmers when I hike in the winter. The wind gusts can be brutal around the reservoir when it’s cold.
Amenities include a nice Visitor’s Center with a toasty, inviting fireplace in winters and extensive displays of stuffed birds. In the summer, it’s a great spot to go kayaking.
Most importantly, nice bathrooms!

This is a nice place to walk… but very disappointing to fish at even in a boat… makes me want a refund on my fishing license!!!
and about that walk… I think it’s like 7 miles!!!