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