I'm honestly a little flabbergasted with myself that I have not written a review for the Reservoir…read morealready. This is one of my favorite places in Louisville. I even have a pin dropped here on Apple Maps so I can quickly share driving instructions to friends wanting to meet me for a walk or run.
I love the Water Reservoir for a plethora of reasons. One, it's a nice flat, paved loop that's perfect for running, or walking. The loop itself is about 3/4 of a mile and the Reservoir provides little markers every 4th mile to help you keep track of your distance.
There is plenty of space, so even when it's beautiful weather and the path is more crowded, there's plenty of room to maneuver -- with the added bonus of no vehicles or pets to watch out for. If a parent feels like maneuvering, the two sets of flights up to the Water Reservoir, you may have occasional stroller on the path, but there's rarely an obstruction that will slow you down.
If you enjoy running speed runs, the fairly evenly spaced light poles are a wonderful marker/mind trick. Sometimes I'll play a little game with myself to break up the monotony of a run. Sprint the length of two lamps, walk or slowly jog the next four. Repeat. Things like that are easy to do here.
If you're a person who enjoys learning a little bit of trivia/Louisville history, as you taken the sunshine, you'll love the water reservoir. Those lamp posts I mentioned Interesting facts about the history of the Louisville Water Company, and the Reservoir which it owns. During season you will find yard signs with punny fall facts about water. For example, the average witches body is 80% water (just like us).
During the warmer months, and into the fall, I believe, the reservoir hosts an event called "Walking Wednesdays". During certain hours they open up the historic gatehouse to visitors for a little tour/history lesson. I've done it a few times. It's pretty neat. Oh, and free. Take a short tour, go for a walk.
Aside from being within walking distance and relatively safe, I mostly love that the path loops a giant body of water. If you've ever taken a tour of the Watertower off River Road, you've learned that the Louisville Water Company collects water from the Ohio river and pumps it up Zorn Avenue to the reservoir. All this water will eventually be processed for our consumption. How cool is that?
There's probably much more to say, but TL/DR highlights:
5 stars. Free parking. Free entry. Water fountains. Safe, flat loop. Plentiful sunshine. Beautiful sunsets. Lake-like breeze/feeling.
The only downside is that the reservoir is open dawn to dusk. Being that this is Louisville's future water supply, I suppose it's probably for security reasons. As a night owl, and even occasional after dark runner, I wish the reservoir was open and accessible in the evening. But, being that there is only one open entrance/exit, it may be closed simply because once you're inside after dark, it could be fairly easily for crimes of assault to happen. Maybe that's another reason it's only open during the daylight. Irregardless, enjoy it during the day time. I sure do. All year long.