Simsbury Land Trust's Hiking Group

Join the Simsbury Land Trust's Hiking Group for an exciting new winter adventure hiking the Indian Council Cave Trail in Barkhamsted CT. This will be a unique trail with giant boulders and untraditional caves. The hike will be a 5.0 mile out and back with 850 feet elevation gain. Depending on the weather and trail conditions micro spikes will be recommended for this hike. This will not be a beginners hike. Please assess your abilities to keep up with the group during this 5.0 mile hike. Please arrive by 8:45 AM as the hike will begin at 9 AM sharp.

Look for the bright orange Nissan Rogue when you arrive at the trail head. The trailhead is located at the junction of Hillcrest Drive and East Hartland Road. Parking is limited at the trail head. There will be two separate parking areas near the trailhead. One on Hillcrest Drive and one on East Hartland Rd. Those in the Simsbury area may consider carpooling to the hike. I can fit three individuals in my vehicle if anyone wants to commute from downtown Simsbury to the hike.

Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have with this hike.

In case the meetup map doesn’t work attached is a google map link to the parking spot at the trailhead.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/q56LUR1tCrQTqWho8?g_st=ic

No dogs or individuals under the age of 18.

In consideration for accepting this entry, I, the registrant, intending to be legally bound, hereby, for myself, my heirs, my executors and administrators, do waive and release any and all rights for damages I may have against any parties or persons connected with the Simsbury Land Trust’s Hiking Group meetup group for and related to the above listed event. I attest and verify that I am physically fit to participate in any portion of this above listed event. I grant s Simsbury Land Trust’s Hiking Group meetup group permission to use any photographs, film or videotapes of this event for any purpose. I further attest that I, the registrant, am fully and completely responsible for any guests that I bring to the event, whether registered or not.

Let’s enjoy a Pre-Superbowl hike on the Metacomet Trail (Rattlesnake Mountain) in Farmington. To begin with, this will not be a beginners hike. The hike will consist of a 5.2 mile out and back hike along the Metacomet Trail. There will be several climbs and steep descents along the route. Please assess your ability to complete and keep up with the group during this hike.

The hike will begin on route 6 in Farmington. The first 1.3 miles will feature a couple of easy climbs as we make out way to Will Warren’s Den, a legendary hermit’s cave formed from a jumble of huge boulders. It is a historic Farmington landmark. It would be beneficial to bring a bright flashlight with you to look into the cave. It’s not very large. From here, it’s a short .1 mile hike to the first lookout of Rattlesnake Cliffs. We will take a short break to admire the view and take some photos.

After Rattlesnake Cliffs, we will begin the steep descent for the 1 mile hike to Pinnacle Rock. We will pass through a meadow with tall grass before we begin the climb up to Pinnacle Rock. The views from Pinnacle Rock are spectacular and we will take a lunch break to soak it all.

Please ensure you have proper hiking gear with plenty of water or other hydration sources. Bring any snack items or a lunch to enjoy once we get to Pinnacle Rock. I estimate the hike to take about three hours, so please plan accordingly.

No dogs or individuals under the age of 18.

Here’s a Google maps link to the trailhead.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ftQrq4eNy5PzWv1V6?g_st=ic

When you arrive look for the bright orange Nissan rogue. Please arrive early as the parking lot can fill up especially on weekends. Hike begins at 9 AM sharp. Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions.

Below is some information about Will Warren‘s Den.

Will Warren's Den, a boulder cave located on the west side of the mountain, is a historic landmark of the town of Farmington. A plaque affixed to the cave reads, "Said Warren, according to legend, after being flogged for not going to church, tried to burn the village of Farmington. He was pursued into the mountains, where some Indian squaws hid him in this cave."

In consideration for accepting this entry, I, the registrant, intending to be legally bound, hereby, for myself, my heirs, my executors and administrators, do waive and release any and all rights for damages I may have against any parties or persons connected with the Simsbury Land Trust’s Hiking Group meetup group for and related to the above listed event. I attest and verify that I am physically fit to participate in any portion of this above listed event. I grant s Simsbury Land Trust’s Hiking Group meetup group permission to use any photographs, film or videotapes of this event for any purpose. I further attest that I, the registrant, am fully and completely responsible for any guests that I bring to the event, whether registered or not.