Indian Council Caves
Unknown acres in Barkhamstead, CT
Parking:
- Tunxis Trail: Small pull-off near 199 E Hartland Rd, Barkhamsted, CT
- Fire Road from Rt. 179: Small pull-off near 7 Legeyt Rd Barkhamsted, CT
Trail Map Trails: 2.2 miles Rating: ★★★☆☆
While pet-sitting, I hiked this with my parent’s dog on a late summer day. The pair of us got the last parking spot at the pull-off on Rt. 219 and after crossing the road and hoping the guardrail headed off on the Tunxis Trail toward the caves. The trail was muddy and wet in several sections, but long stretches of mountain laurel, ferns, and mossy rocks more than made up for it.
At 4.5 miles round trip, the hike is satisfying and includes many picturesque locations. Just before the caves is a small overlook. Though the view isn’t much its a nice rest spot as evidenced by the two women enjoying their lunch on the ledge during my hike. From the overlook, it is a steep climb down to the boulders below.
Winding through the rocks and house-sized boulders are several tunnels, crevasses, and dark recesses. While caves are typically large underground chambers, we play fast and loose with that kind of definition in Connecticut. So there are no ‘true’ caves, but there is certainly a large area to explore and a great hike.
You can also hike the fire road from Rt. 179 for a 3.3 mile hike roundtrip.
History:
Links:
- Peter Marteka – The Beckoning of the Indian Council Caves (2013)
- CTMQ – Indian Council Caves (2013)
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Last updated Oct. 29, 2018
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