5 UNDERRATED CONNECTICUT HIKES
LEATHERMAN CAVE
Thomaston, Connecticut
ABOUT THE HIKE
Mattatuck State Forest in Watertown, Connecticut was once a stop along the legendary Leatherman’s route.
The Leatherman is a fun bit of Connecticut lore. Around 1857 to 1889, a mysterious man became known throughout western Connecticut and eastern New York. He was dubbed The Leatherman for his homemade suit of stitched together pieces of discarded boots. He communicated in grunts and a few words of broken English, asking locals for food and tobacco. Vagabonds were common during this period, but the Leatherman was notable, not just for his unusual attire, but for his extreme punctuality.
The Leatherman walked a continuous 365-mile loop, returning to the same town every 34 days, in many cases, down to the same hour. His true identity is unknown, but he is thought to be Jules Bourglay of Lyon, France. Bourglay was a poor man who fell in love with the daughter of a wealthy leather merchant. Before they could marry, the father said that Bourglay would need to prove himself in the family business. Although Bourglay was initially successful, the price of leather soon plummeted, destroying the business of his would-be father-in-law. Heartbroken, Jules Bourglay eventually made his way to the United States and became a wanderer.
Along his route, the Leatherman would seek shelter in large caves, some of which now bear his name. Labeled the “Rock House” on Google Maps in Mattatuck State Forest, is one of these natural structures. Accessible from multiple trailheads, it’s a moderately challenging climb to Leatherman’s Cave.
Just below the ledge known as Crane’s Lookout, which offers an amazing panoramic view, a collection of giant rocks forms the dwelling known as Leatherman Cave. Follow the blue blazes to walk the path through, if you’re not squeamish in tight spaces.
DISTANCE: Aprox 1.5 - 2.3 miles
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate
PARKING
There are numerous trails to Leatherman Cave and numerous places to park. To take the northern trails, park in the lot at 599 Bidwell Hill Road in Watertown. Limited street parking near the southern trailhead can be found at 993 Park Road.
CAMP COLUMBIA TOWER
Morris, Connecticut
ABOUT THE HIKE
While the trails at Camp Columbia are fairly ordinary, its beautiful stone observation tower makes this one of my favorite hikes.
In 1885, the Columbia College Engineering School of Plane Surveying began teaching summer classes on the plot of land that later became a state park. The number of students increased to nearly 200 by 1903.
During the First World War the Camp became a military combat training facility for Columbia students planning to join the conflict. Over 300 yards of trenches were dug into the property to help prepare the future soldiers.
The property returned to its original mission as a summer camp after the war. The gorgeous stone tower that visitors to Camp Columbia State Park enjoy today was built in 1942 as a gift from the Class of 1906.
The tower is open to visitors year round. Walk up the spiral staircase for a stunning 360 degree view.
DISTANCE: 0.5 miles
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Easy
PARKING
Camp Columbia State Park has one main parking lot at 294 West Street in Morris.
EAGLE'S BEAK
Higganum, Connecticut
ABOUT THE HIKE
There are many popular hikes along the Mattabesett Trail, a 62-mile route that passes through 10 towns in central Connecticut. Eagle’s Beak is a lesser known destination in Higganum, about 11 miles from the trailhead in Middletown. The long, pointy granite ledge resembles the aforementioned anatomical feature of a bird - sort of - and offers spectacular views of the Connecticut River Valley.
Eagle’s Beak is nearly equidistant from the trailhead at Brainard Hill Road and Foot Hills Road, although the former is 0.3 miles closer.
From the northern trailhead off Brainard Hill Road, follow the blue blazes down a small hill and across Bible Rock Brook. Depending on recent weather and the time of year, the rocks can be slick.
The trail continues through the forest over small hills and across several large boulders before reaching Eagle’s Beak at the one mile mark.
DISTANCE: 2.0 miles
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate
PARKING
Limited street parking is available next to the trail head at the intersection of Brainard Hill Road and Brush Ml Trail. Street parking is also available from the other trailhead at 481 Foot Hills Road.
BESEK MOUNTAIN
Meriden, Connecticut
ABOUT THE HIKE
This section of the Mattabesett Trail is often overshadowed by the popular hike across the street, Mount Higby. Like its rival, Beseck Mountain offers incredible panoramic views from the traprock ridgeline. What sets this trail apart, however, is its proximity to Black Pond State Wildlife Area.
It’s not uncommon to see large birds of prey, including bald eagles, perched in the trees below or soaring above the path in search of food.
Black Pond is also frequented by fisherman and kayakers, who access the tranquil water from the boat launch.
Two miles from the trailhead at Black Pond, the path meets up with Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort. The park is open year round for winter and summer sports. If you’re hiking this section of the trail in the warmer months, be prepared to share the path with mountain bikers.
DISTANCE: 2.0 - 5.5 miles
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate
PARKING
Limited street parking is available by the trailhead at 429 Baileyville Road in Middlefield. The trail can also be accessed from the parking lot at Black Pond State Wildlife Area in Meriden.
COLLIS P HUNTINGTON STATE PARK
Redding, Connecticut
ABOUT THE HIKE
Spanning the towns of Redding, Bethel and Newtown, C.P. Huntington State Park instantly became one of my favorites after just one visit.
Like many state and municipal parks, the 1,017-acre plot of land was once owned by a fabulously wealthy family. Collis Potter Huntington was a railway magnate whose investments were instrumental in the creation of the transcontinental railroad.
Displayed on stone pedestals near the main parking lot, two large sculptures of bears and wolves welcome visitors to C.P. Huntington State Park. One of the park’s most memorable features, these sculptures were created by the world-renowned artist and wife of Huntington’s son, Anna Hyatt Huntington.
A large network of trails pass through open meadows and forest, and by numerous ponds and ruins.
DISTANCE: 2.6 - 4.5 miles
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Easy
PARKING
Parking is available from the lot at the park’s main entrance at 9 Dodgingtown Road in Redding.
