Four trails in newly opened Happy Valley Reservoir

Happy Valley Reservoir opened to the public on the weekend, with 20km of trails over four new trail loops. The reservoir is also open to cycling, fishing and kayaking.

We’ve outlined the four trails below. The trails explore the water’s edge, woodlands, pine forest, native flora and open grassy areas.

Each of the four can be access from the main reservoir trailhead and carpark, off Chandlers Hill Road, from the roundabout with Kenihans Road. There are toilets, picnic shelters and bbqs at this trailhead. This carpark is accessible to wheelchair users. The two longer trails can also be accessed from the carpark near the dam wall, off Chandlers Hill Road, and a couple of other access gates scattered around the reservoir boundary.

  

Southern Loop
2km, Grade 2 Gentle hills, no bushwalking experience required
Marked with purple trail markers
This is the easiest and shortest of the four trails

View trail

  

Woodland Loop
4km, Grade 3 Short steep hills. Some bushwalking experience required
Marked with yellow trail markers
This is the second easiest and second shortest of the four trails

View trail

  

Boundary Loop
10.5km, Grade 4: Very steep hills. Some bushwalking experience required
Marked with green trail markers

View trail

  

Shoreline Loop
11km, Grade 4: Very steep hills. Some bushwalking experience required
Marked with orange trail markers

The Boundary Loop and Shoreline Loop are very similar, the difference being in the south eastern corner and southern side of the reservoir, the Shoreline Loop follows closer to the shore, whilst the Boundary Loop sticks closer to the boundary fence. There is a trail connection on the corner of South Road and Black Road between Happy Valley Reservoir and Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta.

View trail

During daylight savings, the reservoir is open from 7.30am – 8pm daily, except for days of total fire ban. Dogs are not permitted at Happy Valley Reservoir or at any of South Australia’s other reservoir reserves, as they can carry harmful bacteria and viruses that can easily contaminate the water and are a risk to the safety of the drinking water. Assistance animals are permitted.