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Mile of Ledges LbNA #9228

Owner:DrewFamily Supporter Verified
Plant date:Apr 20, 2003
Location:
City:Bristol
County:Hartford
State:Connecticut
Boxes:3
Found by: Nairon (3)
Last found:Apr 22, 2023
Status:FFFFFFFaFFFFFFFFFFFF
Last edited:Nov 10, 2015
Although only 3½ to 4 miles long, this amazing hike is rated moderately-difficult for the constant scrambling and climbing involved. Plan on 2 to 3 hours for the circuit. We think your efforts will be amply rewarded with terrific hiking since the Tunxis Trail is described in the Connecticut Walk Book as "arguably the most beautiful trail in Connecticut." Those children "tween," too little to walk it and too big to carry, may burn out, but the 6-12 year olds in your pack will be in heaven. To find these three letterboxes,

Directions: In Bristol, Connecticut head west on Rte. 6 for one mile after Rte. 69 breaks south. Turn north on Hill Street and in three miles, left on Greer Road. You'll notice blue blazes for the Tunxis Trail along the road. In 0.2 mile you'll see the trail turn south along the western shore of a pond. A short way up the road you'll find some not-so-great parking to the right (when we visited, the neighbors were quite nice about our car off to the side of their road).

Hike south on the blue trail for ½ mile. After crossing a cascading brook, the way jogs sharply north up the first scramble. At a little summit, the trail bends southwest with views to the south. A short way along, you'll spot a knee-scraping, overhanging boulder on the right, balanced as though on purpose by several stones. The Tunxis Trail Letterbox is tucked up inside. Off to a great start!

Now continue on the blue trail and savor the Mile of Ledges until you come to an old stone dam. Cross over to the southwest and look in the southeastern face for your second reward, about halfway along the wall and deep-set at eye level. This spot is perfect for a picnic.

Continue another 0.25 mile of scenic heavy going with a couple of scrambles. The trail levels a bit before coming to a well-marked intersection with the Yellow Dot trail. Turn north on the Yellow Dot to the Tory Den, a Loyalist hideout during the Revolutionary War. This massive overhanging ledge is near the side of the trail. At the campfire ring, look north along the wall for a great flat chard of tilted rock. The Tory Den Letterbox is tucked inside (this is one of those that needs careful re-hiding from the local party crowd). There is a great little cave a bit farther along the trail.

To finish, either turn back (it's just as beautiful the other way), or else follow the Yellow Dot about 1½ miles to another blue trail intersection: turn right, downhill, with the Yellow Dot to Greer Rd below. Following the road to the right will quickly return you to the beginning. Whew!


Hike length: 3-5 miles