On
warm summer days, you’ll find Utica Reservoir
dotted with outdoor enthusiasts indulging in
some of their favorite activities: picnicking
beside sparkling water, horseback riding and
hiking along groomed trails, taking an
invigorating splash-filled dip in the refreshing
water, or pitching a tent for a night’s rest
under the star.
Utica and Union Reservoirs are small,
picturesque reservoirs located off the Spicer
Reservoir Road, about two miles off of Highway
4, near Bear Valley. Utica Reservoir is a
paddling paradise since no powerboats are
allowed. The Utica Reservoir feeds Union
Reservoir, located just south of Utica
Reservoir.
The reservoir is small and can be easily paddled
in a couple of hours, but it takes days to
explore the seemingly endless hidden passages,
breathtaking landscapes, colorful lily ponds,
beautiful babbling brooks, and secluded coves.
Large rock islands protrude out of the water for
as far as the eye can see, making this a unique
paddling experience.
This little gem is home to several small islands
that provide shaded picnic spots along a rocky,
wooded shoreline. Much of the reservoir shore is
lined with pine and granite boulders, adding an
air of tranquility to the reservoir. Being
forest service land, camping is allowed in most
any place that is not marked as “no camping”.
One thing Utica Reservoir has is an abundance of
outstanding scenery and people. If you’re
looking for peace and relaxation, Utica
Reservoir delivers on weekdays. Both Union and
Utica Reservoirs are crowded in the summer,
especially on weekends. If you can choose a
midweek day or off-season time to visit, the
experience is more intimate.
Lake Alpine, Union Reservoir, and Spicer Meadow
Reservoir are all just a few minutes drive away.
Map of Utica Lake
|