Mattatuck: Leatherman Cave

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.