Mattatuck: Leatherman Cave (Rock House) & Jericho Trail
945 acres in Watertown, CT
Parking:
- Alternate Parking at Black Rock State Park
- North End: Shoulder parking near 1523 US-6, Watertown, CT
- South End: Small lot near 1380 Echo Lake Rd, Watertown, CT
Trail Map Trails: 7 miles Rating: ★★★☆☆
This section of Mattatuck State Forest is known as Cave Block. Highlighted by Leatherman’s Cave, Rock House, a section of the 42 mile Mattatuck Trail, Jericho Trail, and a connection east to the Whitestone Cliffs.
I hiked into the property after exploring Black Rock State Park as will most people who are hoping to reach the cave. I have also hiked in along the underrated Jericho Trail from the south .
Mattatuck Trail – 1.9 miles
- After crossing Route 6 the trail climbs steadily to a rocky ridge with a couple views east. The trail then descends slightly to climb again to Crane Hill Overlook which has nearly 180 degree views north. From the overlook your nearly on top of the cave. The trail descends along the east side of the rock back into the woods on the low side to the Jericho Trail junction. Taking a left at the fork takes you down along the rocks and the blazes will lead you through the cave.
Jericho Trail – 3.3 miles
- The blue blaze Jericho trail starts behind a state forest gate off Echo Lake Road at the sound end of the forest. The first third of the trail is rolling forest without much to note. The second third is wild and remote feeling climbing and descending into draws between ridges and rocky ledges. The trail also briefly follows Jericho Stream with a small man-made waterfall over old dam/mill ruins. The last third has been pretty torn up by dirt bikes until reaching some old woods roads to reach the junction with the Mattatuck Trail
Branch Brook Trail – 1.1 miles
- Unexplored
The ‘cave’ known at the ‘Rock House’ is pretty standard for most things labeled as caves in Connecticut, a big pile of slabs and boulders. The trail goes through the cave in a narrow gap between the rocks, ducks under a boulder, and climbs through two rooms to an open backside. It is completely worth seeking out and provides a great opportunity to learn about the Leatherman historical figure.
There is another ‘cave’ on the property that might be the ‘real’ cave used by the Leatherman which Steve from CTMQ writes about here, I have not yet explored it.
The state has owned the property since
The first 16 editions of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association’s Walk Book called this cave the Rock House. The 1993 edition was the first to call it Leatherman Cave.
- Peter Marteka – See the legendary Leatherman’s Cave when you take a hike through Black Rock State Park in CT’s Litchfield County (2023)
- Peter Marteka – Following The Mysterious ‘Leatherman’ To His ‘Cave’ In Watertown (2014)
- CTMQ – Jericho Trail (2009)
- CTMQ – The Rock House (2009)
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Last updated September 22nd, 2024
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