Mattatuck: Leatherman Cave

Mattatuck: Leatherman Cave (Rock House) & Jericho Trail

Connecticut State Forest

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: ★★★☆☆

I hiked into the property after exploring Black Rock State Park, crossing over Rt. 6 and climbing up rocky ledges to the for a couple nice views east.

The trail 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 meet the Jericho Trail.  Taking a left at the fork takes you down along the rocks and the blazes will lead you through the cave.

The ‘cave’ is pretty standard for most things labeled as caves in Connecticut, a big pile of slabs and boulders.  Still 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.

I also haven’t explored the Jericho Trail or the Branch Brook Trail through the property.

History:

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.

Links:

• 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 – The Rock House (2009)

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Last updated February 18th, 2020