Zoo Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · Views · Wildlife

There are benches along the reservoir part of the trail. If you continue along the reservoir trail to the other side, there are bathroom facilities by the picnic area.

This is a full loop, so there are no trailheads. You can start at any point along the loop and continue until you reach your starting point.

I started on Northfield Ave at the corner of Sheridan Ave. There's an entrance here to the wooded part of the trail.

Once you enter the woods, there is a windy, steep incline. Pay close attention to the blazes, as the trail itself can sometimes be hard to see on the ground. This part can get muddy in wet conditions, so be aware. It's rather dry in the fall, and the leaves cover the ground completely.

The trail continues up the hill until you cross a doubletrack carriage road. There's a map on a signpost there, where you can check your position. Continue along the singletrack trail for a short while, and the trail will eventually combine with another doubletrack carriage road and open up wider.

There's a steep descent into a valley followed by a steep climb back out. At the top, you'll see another map on a signpost, and the trail will turn to the right to go down towards the reservoir. This part of the trail is windy and easy to lose, but you can clearly see the reservoir path at the bottom - which is where you are heading.

Once you reach the reservoir, the Zoo Loop joins with the Orange Reservoir Loop for about a half mile. Turn to the right and continue along the reservoir. The Orange Reservoir Loop will turn left at a bridge, and you'll continue straight out until Northfield Ave. This part isn't well-blazed, but if you turn right on Northfield Ave you'll eventually see some blazes on telephone poles. Continue about a half mile until you get back to the starting point.

You can park at the parking deck at Turtle Back Zoo or at McLoone's Boathouse and begin the trail on Northfield Ave. There's also a parking lot on Cherry Lane across the street from the Orange Reservoir Loop, and you can park there and hike to where the Zoo Loop begins. The Zoo Loop also connects to the Turtleback Loop , although it's easy to miss the turn if you aren't paying attention.

In the wooded area, you'll see lots of deciduous trees. Along the reservoir, there are more evergreen trees. Deer, fox, and other small animals are often sighted in the area.