Leatherman's Cave Watertown CT - Hiking the Mattatuck Trail from Black Rock State Park

Mattatuck State Forest - Leatherman's Cave

Black Rock State Park to Mattatuck Trail to Leatherman Cave to Branch Brook Trail to Black Rock State Park

Highlights:

Slippery rocks when wet

Rock Scrambles

Several steep inclines/declines

Awesome Cave

Hiking poles and sturdy footwear recommended

Distance: 4.01 miles (loop trail)

Date of Hike: 8/12/2017

Weather: 70 degrees/partly cloudy/humid

Elevation: Lowest 515 ft, Highest 936 ft

Duration: 3 hours (with numerous stops for pictures)

Difficulty: Moderately Difficult/Challenging Rock Scrambles

Parking: Black Rock State Park(Beach Parking Area)(Fee for parking in the park). Directions to Black Rock Stage Park: https://goo.gl/maps/mVbEY79JT3t

A few parking spots are available on Bidwell Hill Road and also on Route 6 where the trail crosses if you don’t want to pay for parking.

Trail Map: http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/stateparks/maps/mattatucksf.pdf

And the Black Rock State Park Map: http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/stateparks/maps/blackrockgis.pdf

Description:

A great challenging hike culminating through Leathermans Cave .

Start at Black Rock State Park Beach Area Parking Lot(first left after main gate/booth). Walk toward the right along the water and across the footbridge. After the footbridge take a left and then another left on the Blue Trail(Mattatuck Trail). Follow the Blue Trail across Bidwell Hill Road and then across Route 6(be careful crossing the right). Ascend uphill, (some steep rocky scrambles, slippery when wet), maintain on the Mattatuck trail(follow the blue trail toward the left when it intersects the Jericho Trail) to Leatherman’s Cave(the highlight of trip), spend some time exploring the cave! After the cave the trail steeply descends but eventually levels off for a pleasurable stroll slightly downhill until you reach the Branch Brook Trail (Yellow-Blue blazed). Follow the Branch Brook Trail back to Route 6 where you will see the entrance to Black Rock State Park and return to your parking area.

For more info see the video below

Hiking-Camping Gear available at EXCURSIONS Journey To Health

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