The Burlington Rambler`s Guide

Transcription

The Burlington Rambler`s Guide
The Burlington Rambler’s Guide
Walks & Hikes in and around Burlington, CT
Of all exercises walking is the best. –THOMAS JEFFERSON
The Burlington Rambler’s Guide
This Book is a Collaboration Between
The Burlington Land Trust
&
The Connecticut Forest and
Park Association
It was made possible by a grant from
The Main Street Community
Foundation
In all things of nature there is
something of the marvelous.
Aristotle
Copyright 2007
A
good
walker
leaves
no
tracks.
LAO-TZU,
Chinese
philosopher,
604—531
BC
Table of Contents
Tunxis Trail/Burlington Region…………………………
Tory Den and the Mile of Ledges………………………
Tory Den/A Bit of History………………………………..
Blue Blaze Yellow Dot off Greer Road………………..
White Dot on Johnnycake Mountain Rd………………
The Johnnycake Mountain Loop……………………….
Snowshoeing on Johnnycake…………………………..
Devil’s Kitchen……………………………………………
Mountain Biking………………………………………….
The Nature Center Connector…………………………
Session Woods………………………………………….
Letterboxing/Nassahegan Forest………………………
On to New Hartford………………………………………
Perry’s Lookout…………………………………………..
Stone Road……………………………………………….
Rails to Trails……………………………………………..
Page 7
Page 8
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
Page 13
Page 15
Page 18
Page 20
Page 21
Page 22
Page 23
Page 24
Page 25
Page 26
Page 27
The Burlington Land Trust
The Burlington Land Trust
The Burlington Land Trust seeks to
preserve important natural features
that help define and distinguish
Burlington. Forests, wetlands,
farmlands, ridgelines and land having
unusual ecological features are
examples of the diversity found within
our borders.
Founded in 1989, the Burlington Land
Trust is a non-profit organization
funded by membership dues and
donations. The Land Trust is a
mechanism for protecting threatened
land resources.
Land Trusts work with individuals,
business, and all levels of government,
sharing a common objective of land
preservation through acquisition or
conservation easement. Land Trusts
also work cooperatively with other
organizations, including the Nature
Conservancy and the Trust for Public
Lands to further ensure the donor's
intent to conserve undeveloped land.
Our Mission
The Burlington Land Trust's mission
is to promote the preservation of
our natural resources and unique
scenic and natural sites. We are
committed to working with the
community in order to help preserve
the rural nature of our town.
www.burlingtonlandtrust.org
The Pond off Greer Road
The Burlington Land Trust is the proud owner of the 43
acre Martha Brower Nature Preserve. It was established
in 2001 by Martha's husband Mike, who together with
his late wife, loved the land they had owned for 50
years. His gift to us is a gift to all the people of
Burlington.
The Burlington Land Trust is entrusted with stewardship
over two parcels totaling 200 acres. The 187 acre Taine
Mountain Preserve is owned by The Nature
Conservancy. The parcel contains part of the Tunxis
Trail as well as a side trail to Perry's Lookout.
The 13 acre Wildcat Preserve, on which the town of
Burlington has a conservation easement, is also
managed by the Land Trust. This is a rocky, wooded
ridge bisected by a stream and land locked with the
Nassahegan Forest to the north.
In addition to land preservation, The Burlington Land
Trust is committed to educating the community. The
Land Trust Collection at the Burlington Public Library
contains a variety of books, pamphlets and videos on
conservation, science and the natural world. They also
lend support to the Eco-Action Club at Lewis Mills High
School by participating in their Earth Day fair.
A Primer
Burlington is a great place for a lot of reasons,
some of which may not be as obvious as others.
People come from as far away as Japan to fish in
the Farmington River. We are also a popular
destination for mountain bike enthusiasts. And
then there is the Tunxis Trail, a series of paths,
trails and old roads that will lead you through some
truly spectacular wild and scenic terrain. Deriving
its name from the first inhabitants of our town, the
Tunxis Indians, Burlington has 30 miles of Tunxis
Trail.
There are ample and more complete resources for
information on The Tunxis Trail. We especially like
The Connecticut Walk Book, which is put out by the
Connecticut Forest and Park Association. The
CFPA has been active in promoting state parks,
forests and trails since its inception in 1895. While
much of the factual information in this booklet
comes from existing resources, the purpose of
this book is to promote Burlington walks. This
is a wonderful and in many ways, under utilized
resource. We want you to get out there…take your
friends, your spouse, your kids…walk the dog.
Some of the trails are even appropriate for
mountain biking, horse back riding and
snowshoeing.
Burlington Falls
Trails.com simply calls the Tunxis Trail
“One of the most rugged and
interesting sections of the state’s blueblazed hiking trail system”.
We hope this book will serve as your
guide to the wonderful world of
rambling, right here in Burlington.
You can explore the Tunxis Trail and
smaller, lesser know treasures…right in
our own backyard!
Th
Bl
T il
J h
k
Be Prepared
Many of the paths and hiking trails are on
private property. You are a guest and need to
be considerate.
If you haven’t been hiking in a while, or if
you’re bringing children, select a hike that
matches your ability. Don’t overdo it.
Bring plenty of water and food if you’re taking a
longer walk. You may want to consider a
compass, insect repellent and a plastic bag for
litter.
Be alert for hunters! Hunting is permitted on
some public and private land during the
regulated hunting season.
Do
Obey all signs.
Stay on established trails.
Take out what you take in.
Report unsafe conditions to the CFPA
or the Burlington Land Trust.
Bring the right stuff.
DO NOT
Pick flowers or vegetation.
Disturb wildlife.
Light campfires.
Bring unleashed dogs.
Ride motorized vehicles except
where permitted.
The Tunxis Trail Challenge
The Burlington Land Trust and the
Connecticut Forest & Parks Association
are pleased to announce The Tunxis
Trail Challenge. As you explore the
various walks, hikes and rambles in this
book, you can share your adventures in
words and pictures on The Rambler’s
Blog website which you can acess by
going to burlingtonlandtrust.org. Upon
completion of all the sections you can
earn a Tunxis Trail/Burlington Region
patch from the Connecticut Parks &
Forest Association.
The Tunxis Trail is part of the Blue Trail system, which
gets its name from a blue rectangle the size of a dollar
bill, usually painted on trees. These blue “blazes” are
your guide through the woods. Simply look for and
follow the next blue blaze along the way. Two Blue
Blazes indicate a turn with the higher of the two
indicating direction
The Mainline Tunxis Trail in the “Burlington Region” is a
continuation from the Southington Region heading
north. The official start is just west of the dam off Old
Marsh Reservoir No. 7. You can get to the trailhead by
following Rt. 69 south from Burlington to Rt. 6 in Bristol
and take a right. Travel west on Rt. 6 for 1.2 miles and
take a right on Hill Street for 1.4 miles. Go left on Marsh
Road for one mile where there is parking on the left.
The trailhead is .02 miles further on the right just over
the Plymouth line.
Head north on the Tunxis Mainline trail. In 1.5 miles you
will reach a junction. Go to the right for the Mile of
Ledges and The Burlington Land Trust property off
Greer Road. Straight on brings you to the Yellow Dot
trail and the Tory Den. See map on page 9.
Follow the Trail Right
Tory Den & The Mile of Ledges
From the southern part of Burlington you
can start with one of the more spectacular
walks in town, filled with great views,
vistas, streams, a small waterfall and lots
of history. It is also one of the most
challenging. The starting point is accessed
on Greer Rd, 0.2 miles west of West
Chippen Hill Rd. This is the Brower
Property, donated to the Burlington Land
Trust in 2001 by the late Mike Brower in
honor of his wife, Martha. Enter the trail to
the right of the pond and follow the blue
blazes along the way. As the trail ascends,
you will come upon the plaque honoring
Martha Brower. Follow the trail southwest
around the pond and toward the Mile of
Ledges. You are now leaving The Brower
Property and entering Bristol Water
Company Land. You can turn back at this
point for a shorter walk or leave the Blue
Trail for a loop around the pond, returning
to Greer Rd.
The Entrance to The Brower Property off Greer Rd
The�Pond�on�Greer�Rd�
To carry on, continue across Garnet Brook
toward the Mile of Ledges. The Connecticut
Walk Book calls this the roughest part of the
Tunxis. “The first 1/2 mile is one big ledge
after another, and in one instance the trail
goes through the middle of one.” The trail
eventually comes to a crossroad of sorts. If
you turn left on to the White Dot Trail (a blue
blaze with a white dot) you will be heading
towards Plymouth and the southern
“gateway” off Marsh Rd. A right turn puts
you on the Yellow Dot Trail towards Tory
Den. You are now heading north and slightly
east back to Greer Rd .07 miles from where
you started. This entire loop takes between
1 1/2 to 2 hours.
This map is from the
Connecticut Walk
Book-19th Edition.
Courtesy:
Connecticut Forest &
Parks Association
The Tory Den/Mile of
Ledges Walk starts on
Greer Road beside the
pond
Marsh Road in Plymouth is the
gateway to the “Burlington Region”
of the Tunxis Trail.
Tory Den
A Bit of History
A�Tory�was�a�Colonial�American�loyal�to�the
King�of�England.�They�were�sometimes�called
Loyalists.
�����In�December�1775,�an�act�was�passed�in
the�Colonies�calling�for�“restraining�and
punishing�persons�who�are�inimical�to�the
Liberties�of�this�and�the�rest�of�the�United
Colonies”.�The�same�act�also�provided�for�the
confiscation�of�Tory�real�estate.�At�a�special
session�in�June�1776,�this�act�was�amended�to
cover�the�confiscation�of�both�real�estate�and
personal�property�of�all�convicted�Tories.�By
October�of�that�year�the�Tories�faced�execution
for�certain�crimes.�In�other�words,�it�was�a�bad
time�to�be�a�Loyalist.�Yet�northwest�Bristol�and
the�adjoining�portions�of�Burlington,�Harwinton
and�Plymouth�were�Tory�strongholds�and
meetings�were�held�there�of�Tories�from�all
parts�of�the�state.
�����The�real�problem�for�the�Tories�was�the
way�the�new�laws�were�administered.�It�was
not�necessary�to�be�convicted�in�court�or�even
to�have�a�trial.�The�selectman�of�a�town�or
special�committee�had�“the�power�to�confine
within�certain�limits�or�remove�all�such�persons
as�they�shall�upon�due�examination�judged�to
be�inimical�and�dangerous�to�the�United
States.”
TheTory Den
Italicized Portions taken from the Connecticut Quarterly
published in 1895
10
Stephen�Graves�lived�with�his�young�bride
in�a�small�log�cabin�in�southeast
Harwinton�about�a�mile�from�Tory�Den.
Being�a�Loyalist,�he�objected�to�being
drafted�into�service�for�the�upstart
Colonists�and�refused�to�serve.�He�was
arrested�in�Saybrook�while�visiting�his
mother.�He�was�able�to�escape�and�made
his�way�home,�but�he�was�a�wanted�man.
����No�longer�able�to�fade�into�the
background,�Stephen�Graves�and�many�of
his�Tory�neighbors�were�forced�into
hiding.�For�sometime�he�and�several
companions�were�compelled�to�live�at�the
Tory�den,�and�each�night�the�young�Mrs.
Graves�went�through�the�dark�and
pathless�woods,�over�rocky�ledges,�to
carry�them�food.�The�den�was�often
resorted�to�for�shorter�periods�of�refuge.
When�at�work�on�their�farms�a�band�of
Tories�worked�first�one�farm�and�then
another,�so�that�they�might�protect
themselves.�If�working�alone,�or�when�an
overpowering�party�of�Sons�of�Liberty
approached�them,�they�would�flee�to�the
Tory�den.�Their�faithful�wives�were�always
on�the�watch,�and�would�blow�a�horn�or�a
conch�shell�as�a�warning�at�the�sight�of
any�of�Capt.�Wilson’s�men,�or�other�Tory
hunters.�These�horns�were�a�source�of
great�annoyance�to�Capt.�Wilson,�and�he
once�presented�his�pistol�to�the�head�of�a
young�girl�that�lived�with�Mrs.�Graves�and
threatened�to�shoot�her�if�she�did�not�tell
him�where�the�noisy�conch�shell�was
concealed.
The�Blue�Blaze�with�the�Yellow�Dot.
This�next�section�is�really�an�extension�of
“The�Yellow�Dot�Trail”�which�leads�from
Tory�Den�to�the�northwest�end�of�Greer
Rd.�This�is�the�end�of�the�Brower�Property
loop�described�on�page�8.
Just�Beyond�the�Entrance
This�self-contained�walk�has�you�heading
north�at�the�end�of�Greer�Rd�where�you’ll
quickly�come�upon�and�cross�a�small�stream.
The�trail�continues�north�for�several�hundred
yards,�where�you’ll�come�upon�an�old
foundation�which�use�to�be�part�of�Greer’s
Chicken�Farm.�This�is�a�great�place�to�turn
around�if�you�have�small�children�or�if�you�just
want�a�nice�short�walk�with�the�dog.�You�could
also�take�the�trail�south�to�Tory�Den
The�northern�route�takes�you�to�Johnnycake
Mountain�Road�(pictured�right).�Pick�up�the
trail�again�on�Old�Field�Road�and�you�can�join
the�White�Dot�Trail�which�is�part�of�the
Johnnycake�Mountain�Loop�described�on
pages�13�&�14.��The�Connecticut�Walk�Book
is�the�best�way�to�get�an�overview�of�how�all
the�trails�connect.
Stone�Wall�Bordering�The�Old�Greer�Chicken�Farm
The�Greer�Chicken�Farm�is�still�open
today�as�a�take-out�chicken�restaurant.�It’s
located�on�Matthews�Street�in�Bristol.
11
White�Dot�on�Johnnycake�Mt�Rd
Our�next�walk�is�a�0.8�mile�ramble
starting�on�Johnnycake�Mountain�Road
0.4�miles�southeast�of�Rock�Rd�on�the
right-hand�side.�The�trail�takes�you
southwest�over�a�field�and�into�a�wooded
area�past�a�beautiful�pond.�This�is�a
great�destination�for�a�walk�with�small
children,�flat�and�scenic�you�can�turn
around�at�this�point�or�continue�onward.
Start�Here.
Eventually,�the�White�Dot�trail�will�take�a�sharp
left�heading�east�and�then�south�towards
Plymouth�and�Marsh�Road.�See�map�on�page�14.
We�chose�to�bare�right�towards�Reservoir�#4.
Circle�around�a�large�pond,�which�will�put�you�out
at�the�end�of�Field�View�Drive�and�Polly�Dan�Rd.
On�this�particular�day�we�parked�a
second�car�at�the�trail�entrance�on
Field�View�Drive.
12
THE�JOHNNYCAKE�MOUNTAIN�LOOP
This�hike�is�a�nice�combination�of
fields,�views,�woods�and�the�local
neighborhood.��To�access�the
trailhead,�take�Route�4�West�from�the
center�of�town.��Go�a�couple�of�miles
and�take�your�second�left�onto
Johnnycake�Mountain�Rd.��This�turn�is
directly�across�from�the�Hogan�Golf
Center�and�Cider�Mill.�It�still�retains
many�of�its�early�outbuildings.��Today
the�Dunlop�family�uses�them�to�store
and�sell�local�produce,�such�as�apples,
cider,�corn�and�Christmas�trees�and�to
provide�golfers�with�an�indoor�and
outdoor�area�to�practice�their�shots.
Looking�out�on�the�Johnnycake�Farm
Drive�south�on�Johnnycake�Mountain�Rd.�for
1.6�miles�to�reach�the�trailhead.��As�you
approach�the�trailhead�you�will�pass�Cider�Mill
Rd.,�Rock�Rd.�and�Mountain�Pass�Rd.�all�on
your�left.�The�trailhead�is�just�beyond�the
colonial�brick�house�built�by�the�Edward’s
family�in�1823.�You�will�see�a�break�in�the
stone�wall,�this�is�where�you�begin�your�hike.
You�can�park�your�car�on�the�street.��Follow
the�Blue�Trail�up�the�hill�and�stop�near�the�old
bandstand�to�see�the�view.��You�can�see�the
surrounding�hills�of�Burlington,�Harwinton,
Avon�and�Simsbury�and�the�Johnnycake
Mountain�Farm�below.�The�view�is�especially
spectacular�on�a�day�in�the�fall�or�in�the�early
summer.��Jean�M.�Martin�in�her�book�Images
of�America:�Burlington�wrote�this�about�the
farm.��“Johnnycake�Mountain�Farm�was�the
largest�farm�in�Burlington�in�1960.��It�was
owned�by�John�and�Jane�(Weeks)�Martin.
Martin�was�the�great-grandson�of�Andrew
Heublein,�founder�of�the�spirit�company�in
Hartford.��The�Martins�established�other�farms
and�residences�in�the�Ozarks,�Florida,
Canada,�and�Arkansas,�giving�them�the
Johnnycake�name.��Mr.�Martin�bred�and
raised�the�famous�Charolais�cattle�on�this
farm.”
Provided�courtesy�of�Dwight�Harris,�this�stile
will�take�you�over�a�Charolais�cattle�fence.
13
Follow�the�trail�to�the�stile�and�cross�over�the�fence.
Walk�off�to�the�right�toward�the�huge�pine�trees�and
continue�to�follow�the�Blue�Trail.��Walk�down�a�short
distance�to�the�dirt�road�and�turn�to�the�left.��The�Blue
Trail�picks�up�again�off�the�right�side�of�the�road�just�a
few�steps�up�the�road.��Walk�across�the�open�area
and�into�the�woods.�Climb�down�the�rock�and�continue
going�down�the�hill.��The�trail�will�start�to�flatten�out.
In�about�200�feet�you�will�need�to�begin�to�watch�for
the�Yellow�Dot�Trail�that�cuts�off�to�the�right.��It’s�easy
to�miss.��If�you�start�to�go�down�another�long�hill,
you’ve�passed�it.��Turn�around�and�look�for�it�off�to
your�left.�The�Yellow�Dot�Trail�parallels�the�ridge
above.��Below�you�can�see�pine�trees�and�swamp�and
occasionally�some�deer.��Walk�on�the�Yellow�Dot�Trail
for�10-15�minutes�and�you’ll�come�to�a�brook.
This�map�is�from�the�Connecticut
Walk�Book-19th�Edition.
Courtesy:�Connecticut�Forest�&
Parks Association
The�Loop
Field�View�Drive
Johnnycake�White�Dot
Walk�from�page�12
Cross�the�brook�and�continue�on�the�Yellow�Dot�Trail.�Take�a�right�on�Old�Field�Rd�as
you�leave�the�woods.��Walk�up�to�the�stop�sign.�You�are�now�at�the�intersection�of�Old
Field�Rd.�and�Johnnycake�Mountain�Rd.��Take�a�right�and�walk�about�0.5�miles�to�return
to�your�car,�or�you�can�turn�around�and�go�back�the�way�you�came.��The�view�is�never
the�same!�If�you�decide�to�walk�on�the�road,�watch�for�the�radio�tower�on�your�right�as
you�reach�the�crest�of�the�hill.��Presently�this�tower�is�used�for�broadcasting�by�station
WJMJ,�a�Christian�station�owned�by�the�Archdiocese�of�Hartford.�Previously�a�fire�tower
was�located�here.�Again,�from�Images�of�America:�Burlington:
����“The�50�foot�steel�tower
�
atop�Johnnycake�Mountain�was�built�by�Mr.�Lathrop�in�1929�at�an�elevation�of�1,155�feet
to�provide�a�lookout�for�forest�fires.�Henry�Ney�of�Farmington�donated�a�quarter�of�an
acre�of�land�to�the�state�to�protect�the�1,180�acres�of�Nassahegan�Forest�and�the�springs
which�feed�the�state�fish�hatchery.”��The�trail�is�about�2�miles�long�and�may�take�an�hour.
Enjoy�and�have�fun�in�your�own�backyard.
14
Snowshoeing�on�Johnnycake
This�is�a�great�trail�for�the�winter�because�it’s�ideal�for
snowshoeing�and�cross-country�skiing.�We’re�always
a�bit�surprised�at�how�many�people�we�encounter�who
claim�not�to�like�the�winter.�Why�live�in�New�England?!
Perhaps�the�problem�is�cabin�fever.�Snowshoeing�is
an�invigorating�way�to�get�out�of�the�house�and�get
some�fresh�air.�Snow�shoeing�is�not�difficult�to�do;�if
you�can�walk,�you�can�snowshoe.�This�trail�is�also
great�for�cross�country�skiing�but�take�note:�at�times
this�trail�can�be�narrow�and�is�sometimes�covered�with
downed�trees�and�branches.
To�get�to�the�trailhead�travel�west�on�Route�4�from�the
center�of�Burlington�(the�intersection�of�Routes�4�and
69).��Go�about�two�miles�and�take�the�second�left�onto
Johnnycake�Mountain�Road.��This�road�is�directly
across�from�the�Hogan�Cider�Mill�and�Golf�Center.
Travel�a�little�more�than�two�miles�to�the�end�of
Johnnycake�Mountain�Rd.
Park�your�car�there�and�begin�to�follow�the
blue�blazes�that�follow�the�unpaved�portion�of
Johnnycake�Mountain�Rd.��(This�portion�of
Johnnycake�Mountain�Road�ends�up�on�the
corner�of�Scoville�Rd�and�West�Chippen�Hill
Rd.)��The�trail�is�basically�flat�with�a�few
inclines,�but�pretty�easy�to�snowshoe.�Walk�in
a�little�more�than�a�mile�and�start�to�look�off�to
the�right�for�some�old�foundations.��A�map
from�the�History�Room�in�the�Burlington
Library�shows�that�there�were�three�houses�in
this�area�in�1855.��When�you�come�upon�an
intersection�where�the�Yellow�Dot�Trail�takes�a
sharp�left,�you�see�another�unmarked�trail�go
off�to�the�right.��This�is�an�old�section�of
Blueberry�Hill�Rd.�that�came�up�from
Harwinton.��At�this�point�you�can�turn�around
and�return�the�same�way�you�came�in�or�if�you
want�a�longer�walk,�continue�on�the�Blue�and
Yellow�Dot�Trail�toward�Greer�Rd.�This�hike�is
about�three�miles�long.
Snowshoe�Basics
Snowshoes�vary�in�shape�and�size�from�long
and�lean�to�short�and�stubby,�depending�on
a�person's�weight�and�what�type�of�snow
they�will�travel�on.�First,�determine�how
much�"float"�you�need.�Float�measures�a
snowshoe's�effectiveness�at�keeping�you�on
top�of�the�snow.�The�heavier�you�(and�your
pack)�are,�the�more�float�you'll�need,�and
usually�a�bigger�snowshoe.�Snow�conditions
matter,�too.�On�fluffy�dry�powder,�you�need
more�float�than�on�the�wetter,�hard-packed
stuff.�While�all�snowshoe�manufacturers
state�the�maximum�weight�a�snowshoe�is
designed�to�carry,�only�some�specify
whether�this�applies�to�powder�or�hardpacked�snow.�If�the�manufacturer�doesn't
rate�a�snowshoe�for�the�type�of�snow,�you
should�ask�before�you�buy.
15
The�Snowshoe�Strut
by�Jeff�Geitz
�����The�Eskimo�language�has�about�20�different�words�for�“snow”�because�it’s�so
important.�Snowshoeing�weds�language�to�experience,�with�the�bracing�benefits�of
winter�exercise�and�the�purity�of�nature.��Modern�shoes�have�aluminum�frames,�sturdy
and�lightweight,�crampons�for�traction�and�solid�bindings,�all�riveted�to�a�kevlar�body.
Burlington’s�varied�terrain�and�easy�availability�rivals�any�Yukon�wilderness,�where�you
can�explore�the�extensive�Blue�Trail�system.
�����Different�types�of�snow�translate�to�different�effects�and�sense�impressions.
Conditions�change�from�day�to�day,�even�moment�to�moment�as�you�ascend�from�thin
cover,�flatten�along�perfumed�pine�groves�or�cross�drifted�fields�spotted�by�recent
animal�tracks.��Each�situation�is�like�a�snowdance.
The�Icy�Two-Step:�For�guys�with�little�ballroom�experience.��Stiff�and�ungraceful,�not
sure-footed,�acoustically�scratchy.
The�Hardpack�Turkey�Trot:�If�you�can�walk,�you�can�snowshoe.��Take�a�wide�stance�so
you�don’t�step�on�yourself�or�your�partner.��Ford�that�stream�with�the�lightest�air,
gingerly,�as�in�Rogers.
The�Knee-Deep,�Powder�Shuffle:�Floats�you�dreamily�above�ground,�like�waltzing�on
clouds.
The�Thigh-Deep�Stomp:�The�kids�in�Bristol�know�that�at�this�level,�snow�squeaks�out
music�with�fluid�cadency.��The�feet�just�disappear.
The�Waist-Deep�Tango:�Seriously�the�white,�light�fantastic.��Takes�you�to�places
inaccessible�by�any�other�means.
�����Perform�the�Electric�Slide�as�you�descend,�the�Twist�over�a�fallen�log,�or�the�Mashed
Potato�on�mashed�potatoes.��Hope�for�sunshine�mirror�balls�and�woodwind�oak
branches.��Burlington’s�wintry�rhythm�is�a�foxtrot�with�real�foxes,�where�the�orchestra
never�quits.���
16
Up�in�the�Devil's�Kitchen
From�The�Bristol�Press
January�28,1924
The�Devil's�Kitchen,�to�find�it�you�take�the�Stony�Hill�Road�until�you�reach�the
famous�"Twin�Oaks"�about�half�way�to�the�summit�of�the�mountain�that�separates
Burlington�Center�from�Whigville.�As�a�crow�flies�the�distances�between�these�two
communities�is�not�very�great�but�it�is�a�good�five�mile�trip�by�the�highway�around
Lamson's�Corners.�Reaching�the�"Twin�Oaks"�you�turn�to�the�right�and�if�you�go
about�a�mile�through�the�woods�you�come�to�a�narrow�gorge�about�thirty-five�feet
deep�extending�for�about�a�mile�in�either�direction.�It�is�only�a�short�distance
across�the�gorge�and�the�drop�is�very�sharp�on�either�side.�In�some�places�it�is�a
sheer�drop�over�granite�ledges�and�it�looks�as�if�it�would�be�a�bad�place�to�go
hunting�on�a�dark�night�unless�one�were�acquainted�with�the�section.�Wild�grapes
grow�in�abundance�through�the�section�and�climbing�straight�up�some�of�the
sharp�drops�they�afford�a�foothold�to�adventurous�boys�of�the�section�who�desire
a�real�stunt�in�climbing.�The�writer�knows�of�no�locality�in�this�section�so�full�of
caves�and�holes�in�the�rocks�affording�a�certain�refuge�to�wild�life�and�the�region
abounds�with�coons,�skunks�and�foxes.�On�the�other�side�of�the�ravine�are�many
hemlocks�adding�greatly�to�the�natural�scenery.�One�would�expect�to�find�a�brook
in�the�ravine�of�this�sort�but�there�is�nothing�of�the�kind�now�although�it�is�hard�to
account�for�a�sharp�ravine�of�this�size�unless�in�former�days�some�mountain
torrent�cut�its�way�through.�And�cut�it�would�have�to�do�to�cleave�the�granite�as�it
has�done.�Perhaps�it�is�some�freak�of�the�glacial�age,�the�writer�is�not�a�geologist
enough�to�tell.�But�whatever�its�cause,�it�is�one�of�the�many�interesting�places�to
visit�in�this�section�which�so�freely�abounds�in�natural�charm.�It�might�be�remarked
in�closing�that�the�greater�part�of�the�"Devil's�Kitchen"�is�now�owned�by�a�Bristol
undertaker.
17
Devil’s�Kitchen/Scoville�Road�&�Rt.�69
The�intersection�of�Scoville�Rd�and�Rt.�69
offers�a�variety�of�hiking�and�mountain�bike
opportunities.�Take�Rt.�69�south�from�Rt.�4
2.1�miles�to�Scoville�Rd.�There’s�ample
parking�on�the�south�side�of�Scoville�Rd.
You�can�see�the�Lamson�Corner
Cemetery�directly�across�the�street�from
where�you’ve�parked.�Enter�the�woods
on�the�right�hand�side.�You�are�now�on
the�Orange�Dot�section�of�the�Tunxis
Trail.�Take�some�time�to�see�the�old
cemetery�and�continue�on�what�is�now�a
New�Britain�Watershed�service�road�that
follows�the�route�of�the�old�Torrington
Turnpike.�You�will�eventually�come�upon
a�four-way�intersection�known�as�Clark’s
Corner.�Left�and�north�takes�you�to�the
mainline�Blue�Trail�but�we�stay�straight.
18
Tunxis�Trail�sign�on�Scoville�Rd
You�are�now�on�The�Pink�Dot�Trail--which
looks�a�lot�like�the�Red�Dot�Trail.�Carry�on
eastward�over�slightly�rolling�terrain.�In�about
4/10s�of�a�mile�the�trail�veers�right�and�then
curves�back�around�to�a�northerly�direction.�It
is�here�that�you�enter�the�valley�known�as
Devil’s�Kitchen.�You�can�follow�the�trail�north
eventually�rejoining�the�Mainline�Trial.�You�will
eventually�come�upon�the�very�end�of�Miller
Rd.�Continue�on�west�and�then�abruptly�south
(all�the�while�following�the�Blue�Blazes).�This
will�lead�you�back�to�Clark’s�Corner.�Make�a
right�and�make�your�way�back�to�Rt.�69�and
Scoville�Rd.��You�can�also�start�your�walk�at
the�end�of�Miller�Rd�where�there�is�ample
parking
You�can�park�one�car
off�Scoville�Road�and
a�second�at�the�end�of
Miller�Road
Lamson�Corner�Cemetery
19
Mountain�Biking
No�one�likes�a�good�walk�in�the�woods
more�than�we�do�but�sometimes�you�just
have�to�get�on�a�mountain�bike.�Without
the�proper�background�to�tell�it�right,�we
thought�it�would�be�better�to�let�the
experts�do�the�talking.�The�following�trail
description�comes�courtesy�Nathan
Cloud�at�Crankfire,�“Connecticut’s
Mountain�Biking�Community”
Picture�courtesy�of�Crankfire.com
You�like�riding,�eh?�But�do�you�like�climbing?�How�about�some�nice�long�descents�and
EXTREMELY�technical�rock�gardens?�There�are�tons�of�different�types�of�trails�in�the�Nassahegan
forest�in�Burlington,�CT�between�Rt�4�and�Rt�69.�No�trail�in�the�area�is�for�the�weak�though
because�as�long�as�the�descents�are,�the�climbs�seem�longer.�But�it's�all�worth�it.�There�are�some
stunts�in�the�Nassahegan�part�of�the�forest�that�are�very�challenging.�There�are�7�and�12�foot
drops�that�are�a�very�short�ride�from�parking�and�smaller�drops�that�can�be�had�right�on�the�blue
trail.�The�terrain�varies�quite�a�bit,�but�is�very�technical�(for�the�most�part).�And�if�you�like�rock
gardens,�Nassahegan�is�home�to�one�of�the�most�challenging,�lengthy�rock�gardens�in�the�state
called�the�Devil's�Kitchen.�Even�the�very�best�of�riders�will�have�difficulty�not�stepping�off�a�pedal�in
the�'Kitchen'.
Trails�also�can�be�found�across�Rt�69�from�the�cemetery�in�Burlington�that�go�up�Johnnycake
Mountain�and�another�trail�that�goes�off�into�and�splits�to�go�around�Sessions�Woods.�The
Sessions�woods�trail�is�pretty�fun�(~1�hr�loop)�and�technically�challenging�in�places.�No�stunts�can
be�found�here.�All�in�all,�there�must�be�30+�miles�of�trails�here�to�ride.�Excellent!!!
From�Google�Earth�comes
this�satellite�picture,�which
includes�much�of�the�Tunxis
Trail�in�and�around�the
Nassahegan�Forest.
20
The�Nature�Center�Connector
This�is�the�Black�Dot�Trail�and�it�starts�at�the�Barnes�Nature
Center�on�Shrub�Rd.�Shrub�Rd�is�an�east/west�road
connecting�Route�69�and�Jerome�Ave�just�south�of�the
Bristol�line.�Barnes�Nature�Center�is�about�one�mile�from
Route�69�on�the�north�side�of�the�street.��You�can�also�start
your�walk�(or�leave�a�car)�at�the�other�end�on�East�Chippen
Hill�Road—which�is�unpaved.�Turn�on�to�East�Chippen�Hill
Road�from�Route�69.�The�trailhead�is�in�1.3�miles.�Take�the
main�line�Tunxis�Trail�and�pick�up�The�Nature�Center
Connector�about�250�feet�in.
When�starting�at�the�Barnes�Nature�Center,�enter�the�Blue
Blazed/Black�Dot�trail�(right)�heading�north.�At�about�.08�of
a�mile�you�will�climb�a�rocky�bank�and�find�yourself�on
South�Main�Street�in�Whigville.�Turn�right�across�a�bridge
and�enter�the�driveway�of�the�Backes�Power�Equipment
Company;�follow�the�river�to�the�rear�of�the�building.�At�1
mile�you’ll�climb�over�a�stile�and�reach�Route�69.�Cross�the
busy�road�carefully.�On�the�other�side�you�will�continue
along�west�skirting�and�at�times�entering�Sessions�Woods.
Continue�along�to�the�Main�Line�Trail�and�East�Chippen�Hill
Road.�If�you�take�a�right�on�the�Main�Line�Trail�for�two�miles
you�can�access�the�main�entrance�and�Education�Center�at
Sessions�Woods.
Within�the�68�acres�of�Barnes�Nature�Center�there�are
several�self-contained�walks.�Children�have�been
learning�about�nature�and�the�environment�here�since
1972.�Inside�the�building�you’ll�find�a�large�diorama
depicting�a�wild�New�England�habitat�for�a�variety�of
creatures.�There�are�also�a�number�of�live�animal
displays.
The�Red�Trail�is�just�under�half�a�mile.
The�Yellow�Trail�Loop�is�.31�miles.
The�Grand�Tour:�Blue�to�Yellow�to�Red�is�1.2�miles.
21
Sessions Woods
” � � � �� � � �� � � � �
There�is�so�much�more�to�Sessions�Woods
than�we�will�attempt�to�cover�here.�For�a
more�detailed�accounting,�we�like�“Sessions
Woods:�A�Guide”�by�Burlington�resident
Tess�B.�Bird.�You�can�get�her�book�from�The
Friends�of�Sessions�Woods.
�Sessions�Woods�is�located�on�Route�69
about�three�miles�south�of�Route�4.�It�is�a
772�acre�Wildlife�Management�Area�(WMA)
which�is�different�from�a�state�park�or�state
forest.�It�is�a�place�for�wildlife�to�live�and
thrive.
Sessions�Woods�was�purchased�in�1981
from�the�United�Methodist�Church�by�the
Department�of�Environmental�Protection.
Sessions�is�a�great�place�to�walk�your�dog.
It’s�also�a�great�place�to�drag�the�kids.
Sessions�Woods�has�three�hiking�trails,�as
well�as�access�to�the�Tunxis�Trail.�Biking�is
allowed�on�the�gravel�trail.�There�is�also�an
educational�center.
For�More�information�contact�The�Friends�of
Sessions�Woods�or�check�out�their�website:
www.fosw.org
Pictures�courtesy�Dan�Wolfgang
22
Letterboxing�in�Nassahegan�State�Forest
Here's�the�basic�idea:�Someone�hides�a
waterproof�box�somewhere�(like�the
Nassahegan�State�Forest)�containing�at�least
a�logbook�and�a�carved�rubber�stamp,�and
perhaps�other�goodies.�True�Letterboxers
never�dig�holes�to�hide�their�boxes.�They�look
for�holes�in�trees,�crevices�in�rocks�or�voids�in
stone�walls.�The�next�step�is�to�write�out�a�set
of�clues�which�can�be�straightforward,�cryptic,
or�any�degree�in�between.�Often�the�clues
involve�map�coordinates�or�compass�bearings
from�landmarks.�Once�complete,�the�clues
these�days�are�posted�on�the�internet.�Our
favorite�is�www.letterboxing.org.
You’ll�need�a�pencil,�a�unique�personal�rubber
stamp,�an�inkpad,�and�your�own�logbook.
When�the�hunter�successfully�deciphers�the
clue�and�finds�the�box,�he�stamps�the�logbook
in�the�box�with�his�personal�stamp,�and
stamps�his�personal�logbook�with�the�box's
stamp.�The�box's�logbook�keeps�a�record�of�all
its�visitors,�and�the�hunters�keep�a�record�of�all
the�boxes�they�have�found,�in�their�personal
logbooks.
Your�best�bet�is�to�park�off�the�road�near�the�wooden
sign�across�from�the�ball�fields�on�Punch�Brooke�Road.
It�may�also�be�possible�to�park�in�the�“Nassahegan
Recreation�Complex”�across�the�street.�(It�would�seem
the�State�and�the�Town�have�different�ideas�on�the
spelling.) Walk�past�the�gate�and�down�the�forest
access�road�for�about�100�yards.�You�will�come�to�a�4way�trail�intersection. �Here�you�will�see�a�dense�thicket
of�native�trees,�including�pine,�oak,�birch,�cherry,�maple,
and�many�other�species. �This�area�was�a�mature�red
pine�plantation�until�the�1980s. The�trees�were�dying
from�exotic�insect�attack�and�were�harvested�for�their
wood. All�the�trees�you�see�now�regenerated�naturally! Continue�on�to�the�end�where�the�trail�forms�a�T�and
turn�left.�Continue�on�west�by�northwest�for�another�300
feet�or�so�where�the�trail�intersects�with�the�White-Dot
Trail.�With�the�White-Dot�Trail�on�your�left,�go�directly
ahead�another�100�feet.�Next,�turn�right,�getting�off�the
Main�Woods�Trail. Go�almost�due�east�(at�a�right�angle
to�the�trail). �A�small�double�hemlock�will�be�on�your�left
and�a�short�stump�on�your�right. �As�you�begin�walking,
a�20-foot�high�dead�tree�stem�will�also�be�on�your�right. After�about�30�steps�you�will�be�following�an�old�skid
trail�left�from�the�logging�.You�will�still�be�heading�due
east. �After�another�30�steps,�you�will�be�at�a�subtle
intersection�of�skid�trails. �Look�straight�ahead,�still
facing�east.�There�is�a�very�dense�patch�of�white�pines,
about�10-20�feet�tall,�with�a�bowl-shaped�or�U-shaped
edge. �There�are�also�some�hardwoods�in�the�vicinity. In�front�of�this�thicket�is�a�small�patch�of�about�3
hemlock�saplings,�6-8�feet�tall,�35�feet�in�front�of�you. These�are�next�to�some�slightly�taller�birch�saplings. Look�behind�and�underneath�this�patch�of�hemlock! The�Nassahegan�State�Forest,�located�entirely�in�the
town�of�Burlington,�is�approximately�1,352�acres. This�forest�was�originally�designated�in�1926�to
protect�the�watershed�for�the�state�fish�hatchery.
Nassahegan�State�Forest�was�considered�part�of
Nepaug�State�Forest�until�1942. 23
On�to�New�Hartford
This�walk�is�part�of�the�Tunxis�Mainline�Trail
(a�solid�blue�blaze)�and�can�be�accessed�from
Hotchkiss�Road�(pictured�right).�Take�Covey�Road
1.4�miles�north�from�Route�4�near�the�center�of
town.�Turn�right�on�Hotchkiss.�The�trailhead�is�0.2
miles�on�the�left.�This�is�a�4.3�mile�trek�but�it’s�not
a�loop.�Consider�parking�a�second�car�at�the
entrance�to�the�Nepaug�State�Forest,�located�on
Route�202�in�New�Hartford,�three�miles�west�of
the�Route�44,�202�intersection.
Southeast�Road�in�New�Hartford
Burlington�Falls
Not�far�from�Hotchkiss�Road�is�one�of�Burlington’s�better
kept�secrets:�Burlington�Falls.�We’re�not�sure�if�that’s�the
official�name�but�you�can�check�out�the�spectacular�view
for�yourself.�Continue�on�Hotchkiss�Road�until�you’re
about�200�yards�from�the�T�intersection,�which�is�Foote
Road.�The�entrance�is�on�your�right.�There�is�no�defined
or�blazed�trail.�Walking�upstream�slightly�will�lead�to�a
more�gentle�bank�were�you�can�approach�the�top�of�the
falls.�If�you�walk�downstream�a�bit�back�from�the�river,
through�a�gully,�you�can�look�down�the�cliff�into�the�gorge.
24
From�Hotchkiss�Road,�head�north�into�the
woods�passing�several�foundations.�Cross�a
high-banked�gravel�service�road�on�to�the
unpaved�Smith�Road�and�follow�it�to�a
concrete�bridge,�which�runs�over�Phelps
Brook.�Cross�the�bridge�and�turn�right�off
Smith�Road�and�back�into�the�woods.�You’ll
come�out�at�the�corner�of�two�service�roads:
Valentine�and�Douglas.�Bear�slightly�left�to
continue�on�Douglas.�You�will�eventually
descend�on�yet�another�service�road:
Garrett.�Turn�left.�Continue�on�to�unpaved
Nepaug�River�Road�and�turn�left�and�then
quickly�right�into�the�woods.�Follow�the�fence
line�until�you�reach�Southeast�Road�(paved
road)�and�turn�right�heading�north.�Turn�right
and�away�from�the�road�at�the�high-tension
wires�crossing�a�small�brook.�Go�a�short
distance�along�the�Nepaug�River�then�climb
to�cross�Route�202.�You�can�cross�the
highway�bridge�for�the�Nepaug�State�Forest
entrance�on�the�left.
Perry’s�Lookout
Perry’s�Lookout�is�the�900�foot�summit�atop�the�Nature
Conservancy’s�187�acre�preserve.�There�are�actually�three
entrances�to�Perry’s�Lookout.�We�think�the�most�interesting
is�off�Punch�Brook�Road�across�from�Ryan’s�Way.
�To�begin�this�approximately�half-mile�trek,�head�on�in�and
continue�northeast�about�200�feet�over�fairly�level�terrain
following�the�blue�blaze.�The�trail�descends�and�crosses�a
small�brook�and�then�gently�climbs�upward�through�open
woods.�You�will�arrive�at�a�junction.�Left�takes�you�to�the
bottom�of�Taine�Mountain�Road�(and�our�second�entrance).
Head�straight�and�you’ll�soon�be�climbing�up�the�steep
western�side�of�Taine�Mountain.�Perry’s�Lookout�is�the�flat
rock�outcropping�with�expensive�western�views�(in�the
winter�and�spring�anyway�since�the�trees�are�overgrown).
With�your�back�to�the�view,�turn�left�and�follow�the�main-line
Blue�Dot�Trail�to�Taine�Mountain�Rd—about�_1/4 �mile�up�from
the�corner�of�Punch�Brook.�That’s�entrance�number�three.
Perry’s�Lookout
Perry’s�Lookout�is�possibly�named�for�two�Perrys.�The
Perry�family�who�owned�much�of�the�land�and�the�old
white�house�on�the�corner�of�Punch�Brook�and�Taine
Mountain�Road�for�much�of�the�first�half�of�the�20th
century.�The�house�still�stands�today.��They�were
originally�from�West�Hartford�and�used�their�Burlington
property�as�a�summer�house.�They�eventually�lived
here�year-round.�The�other�was�Perry�Deming�who
helped�cut�and�clear�the�trail�leading�up�to�the�summit.
The�Perry�Family�House�Today
25
Stone�Road
Our�approximately�5�mile�ramble
starts�on�Stone�Road�and�takes�you
thru�the�Nassahegan�State�Forest,
around�the�Burlington�Fish�Hatchery
and�over�Wildcat�Mountain.
This�map�is�from�the�Connecticut�Walk�Book-19th�Edition.
Courtesy:�Connecticut�Forest�&�Parks�Association
Stone�Road�isn’t�the�easiest�place�to
find�unless�you�know�where�to�look.
Take�a�right�from�Case�Road�south,
onto�George�Washington�Tpke�and
take�your�first�left�on�to�the�partially
paved�Stone�Road.�The�start�of�the
trail�is�.06�miles�in�on�the�right�hand
side.
Enter�the�Blue�Blazed�Trail,�which
will�take�you�in�a�northwest�direction.
You�will�come�out�and�cross�Punch
Brook�Road�and�continue�on�the
mainline�trail,�which�you�will�find�at
the�right�of�the�Fish�Hatchery.�Make
a�sharp�right�on�the�Punch�Brook
Trial.�You�will�eventually�come�out�in
the�middle�of�Ryan’s�Way.�Take�a�left
and�continue�to�Punch�Brook.�Cross
the�street�and�enter�the�Perry’s
Lookout�Trail�head�from�the�previous
page.
Start�Here
Right�before�you�come�upon�a�creek�bed,�there�will�be�a
wider�trail,�which�is�a�right�of�way�for�the�New�Britain�Water
Company�and�a�pipeline,�which�exists�underneath.�Take�a
right�and�follow�the�trail.�You�will�end�up�on�Cedar�Ridge
just�a�100�yards�or�so�north�of�the�George�Washington
Turnpike.�Cross�this�fairly�busy�road�and�take�a�left.�The
entrance�to�the�trail�on�the�south�side�of�the�road�is�a�few
hundred�feet�away�and�is�pictured�on�the�left.�This�will�take
you�on�a�fairly�steep�trek�over�Wildcat�Mountain.�There�is�a
fork�on�the�trail.�Take�it�to�the�right�and�you�will�end�up
directly�across�from�where�you�started.
26
Rails�to�Trails
To�Collinsville…. and�Beyond!
Even�the�most�ardent�rambler�will�occasionally�opt�for
the�sure-footed�comfort�of�a�paved�surface.�There’s
no�better�place�to�experience�a�covered�surface�trek
along�the�Farmington�River�than�Burlington’s�own
section�of�the�Farmington�Valley�Greenway.�The
Farmington�Valley�Greenway�is�a�multi-use�trail
running�through�five�towns�in�Central�Connecticut
with�connections�to�many�more�miles�of�walking�and
biking�trails.�It�is�a�ten-foot�wide,�wheelchair
accessible�trail�designed�for�walking,�jogging,�biking
and�inline�skating.�Our�section�is�called�the
Farmington�River�Trail�and�follows�abandoned�rail
beds�from�Farmington�through�Unionville,�Burlington,
Collinsville�and�Canton�and�then�back�to�the�main
trail�in�Simsbury.
The�Bridge�to�Collinsville
You�can�access�the�trail�just�east�of�where�Route�4
intersects�Route�179.�There�is�ample�parking.�Follow
the�trail�about�1.5�miles�northwest�towards�the
bohemian�enclave�of�Collinsville.�At�this�point�the�trail
stops�and�you�can�take�Arch�Street�(very�little�traffic)�to
an�historic�railroad�bridge,�which�leads�right�into
Collinsville.�The�walk�from�Burlington�to�Collinsville�is
about�2.2�miles
As�the�powerful�railroad�became�a�thing�of�the�past,�the
Canal�Railroad�as�it�was�known�slowly�abandoned�various
sections�of�track.�The�active�use�of�the�railroad�north�of
Plainville�ended�in�1988.�Congress�provided�funding�in�1991
to�promote�the�conservation�of�this�terrific�resource.�For�more
information,�go�to�the�Farmington�Valley�Greenway�website.
There�are�many�reasons�to�visit�Collinsville.�The
Historical�Society�Building,�The�old�Collinsville�Ax
Factory�and�of�course,�LaSalle�Market.
27
Google Earth
June 2007
The
soul
of
a
man,
given
time,
can
put
some
revealing
marks
upon
his
face.
The
soul
of
a
people
invariable
makes
an
indelible
imprint
upon
their
land.
WILLIAM
O.
DOUGLAS,
Supreme
Court
Justice
and
avid
hiker,
1898-1980
28
The�richest�values�of�wilderness�lie
not�in�the�days�of�Daniel�Boone,�nor
even�in�the�present,�but�rather�in�the
future
Aldo�Leopold
www.burlingtonlandtrust.org