March 14, 2024 – Barkhamsted, Connecticut

Parking: Saville Dam Road, Barkhamsted, CT 06063

 

Overview:

The Saville Dam and Barkhamsted Reservoir are located in Barkhamsted and Hartland, Connecticut, and together they form one of the most important water supply systems in the state.

Completed in 1940, the Saville Dam is one of Connecticut’s most iconic landmarks and a stunning example of early 20th-century engineering. Spanning nearly 2,000 feet across the East Branch of the Farmington River, the dam features a striking stone-faced gatehouse that looks like something out of a fairytale.

Named after Calvin D. Saville, the Metropolitan District Commission’s chief engineer, the dam created the vast Barkhamsted Reservoir that supplies drinking water to the Hartford region. Visitors can stop at the scenic overlook on Route 318 to walk along the top of the dam and take in panoramic views of the water and surrounding forested hills—especially breathtaking during the fall foliage season.

Stretching for nearly eight miles through the valleys of Barkhamsted and Hartland, the Barkhamsted Reservoir is the largest body of water in the Metropolitan District Commission’s system and a crucial source of clean drinking water for more than 400,000 residents. Completed in 1940 when the Saville Dam was finished, the reservoir holds about 36 billion gallons of water and is surrounded by thousands of acres of protected forest. Though swimming and boating are prohibited to maintain water quality, the area offers exceptional scenic beauty, quiet roadside vistas, and nearby hiking opportunities in Peoples State Forest. Beneath the surface lie the remnants of Barkhamsted Hollow, a once-thriving farming community relocated when the valley was flooded to create the reservoir.

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The Saville Dam and its upper gatehouse have become one of the most photographed spots in Connecticut, drawing visitors year-round for its storybook architecture and panoramic scenery. Its location along Route 318 makes it an easy and accessible stop, and the combination of the stone tower, calm reservoir waters, and forested hills provides a picture-perfect backdrop—especially at sunrise or during peak fall foliage. The site’s mix of natural beauty and historic charm has made it a favorite destination for photographers, road-trippers, and anyone exploring the Litchfield Hills region.

I visited Saville Dam and Barkhamsted Reservoir to photograph the iconic upper gatehouse and the scenic surroundings. By pure luck, a maintenance worker happened to be there that day and kindly let me step inside for a closer look. Timing is everything—thanks to that chance encounter, I got a rare, firsthand glimpse of the gatehouse’s inner workings.

Inside the Saville Dam’s upper gatehouse, the design is both practical and impressive. Beneath its storybook exterior lies a system of heavy steel valves, control wheels, and pipes that regulate the flow of water from the Barkhamsted Reservoir into the underground aqueduct leading toward Hartford. These mechanisms allow operators to precisely control water levels, releases, and flow rates depending on demand and weather conditions.

 

Inside the upper gatehouse at Saville Dam, the ceiling is just as striking as the rest of the structure. It features arched stonework that reflect the same craftsmanship seen on the exterior. Iron fixtures, pulleys, and support hooks are mounted overhead—part of the original system used to lift and operate the massive gate valves that control the reservoir’s outflow. These mechanical components, along with the exposed stone and metalwork, give the interior an almost cathedral-like feel—equal parts utility and artistry—showcasing how even a functional space was designed with enduring beauty and precision.

 

The gatehouse extends well below the surface, with access ladders and platforms descending to additional control chambers. Though it appears decorative from the outside, the interior reveals the dam’s true purpose—a carefully engineered heart of Connecticut’s largest water supply system.

 

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The landscape around Barkhamsted Reservoir is a picture of serene New England beauty. Forested hills rise on either side of the long, winding reservoir, their slopes blanketed in a mix of evergreens and deciduous trees. The water’s surface reflects the changing seasons, while the protected, largely undeveloped shoreline gives the area a quiet, untouched feel. Rolling ridges, occasional clearings, and the gentle curves of the reservoir create a peaceful, scenic setting that feels both expansive and intimate.

From the Saville Dam, you can see Lake McDonough stretching out just below, framed by rolling, forested hills that seem to flow endlessly into the distance. The view captures the calm beauty, where the clear blue water winds through a landscape of dense woods and gentle valleys. It’s a peaceful, postcard-perfect scene—especially striking when the morning mist rises off the lake or when autumn colors light up the hillsides surrounding the reservoir. Lake McDonough functions mainly as a regulatory and compensatory reservoir within the Metropolitan District Commission’s system.

On the opposite side of Barkhamsted Reservoir, near Lake McDonough, a decorative fountain serves as a scenic focal point on the calm waters. When running, it creates gentle ripples that enhance the beauty of the surrounding forested hills. The fountain is a favorite for photographers and visitors enjoying views from nearby roads or trails, especially when sunlight sparkles on the water, adding a subtle, charming touch to the serene New England landscape.

A service road associated with the reservoir system runs parallel to Lake McDonough and leads directly to the fountain at the far end of Barkhamsted Reservoir. Primarily used by Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) personnel for maintenance and water management, the road is not open to public traffic.

The area surrounding the Saville Dam and Barkhamsted Reservoir offers excellent opportunities for hiking and nature walks. A network of forest roads, short trails, and scenic overlooks allows visitors to explore the landscape and enjoy close-up views of the dam, reservoir, and surrounding valley.

Beyond the immediate dam area, nearby state forests offer more established hiking options. In Peoples State Forest, you’ll find both loop and out-and-back trails with moderate climbs, leading to scenic overlooks and peaceful wooded areas perfect for photography and nature exploration.

Visiting Saville Dam and the Barkhamsted Reservoir is a peaceful and visually rewarding experience. The fairytale-like gatehouse, calm blue water, and surrounding forested hills created a picture-perfect New England scene. Walking along the dam which offers sweeping views in every direction, and the quiet, natural setting makes it easy to linger and take in the beauty. It’s a must-visit spot for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a scenic escape.

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Sources:

• Culture & Recreation in Barkhamsted
• Barkhamsted Reservoir
• Saville Dam Gatehouse
• Hiking in Barkhamsted
• Peoples State Forest
• American Legion State Forest
• Lake McDonough

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