We all enjoy a great hike and Connecticut has plenty of fantastic trails. But what if you can combine a little outdoor exploration with a short trek through history? This woodland trail will definitely satisfy your need for adventure as it leads straight to Tory Den, a Revolutionary War hideout!
Tory Den trail is a moderate 4.6-mile loop in Burlington. The trail has a little bit of everything from soft pine paths to rocky scrambles, so lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore.
Google Images/Sabrina Green
The hike begins easily enough with some beautiful water views. While you could easily linger at the water’s edge all afternoon, there’s much more to see.
Google Images/Sabrina Green
The terrain will get rocky along the way, so watch your footing. The secret hideout is located among the rocks.
AllTrails/Mark Morrell
Tory Den was used by the Tories (or Loyalists) to hide from the Patriots during the Revolution. The Tories still supported the British Crown and were not looked upon with favor by those fighting for freedom.
AllTrails/Mark Morrell
The hideout named Tory Den is a rock formation with openings on each end. Rocky formations all around make the territory difficult to search and therefore a good place to hide.
AllTrails/Don Nadeau
A handful of men could fit inside the den and there’s an opening at the peak which could have served as a chimney when cooking fires were lit. Imagine what it would have been like spending days hiding out between the boulders here.
Google Images/Sabrina Green
An optional bonus to this trail includes the opportunity to do a little rock climbing. There are rocks of all sizes and shapes for sure-footed hikers to hop between.
Google Images/Colin Graham
If rock hopping isn’t your thing, stick to the marked paths to navigate the entire loop. Fall, winter, and early spring when the leaves are off the trees are the best time to take this fantastic outdoor excursion.
AllTrails/Doug Steele
The Tory Den trail can be found off of Greer Road in Burlington. Use this All Trails link for a map and step by step directions.
AllTrails
Have you ever hiked the Tory Den trail? Share your experiences and photos if you have them in our Connecticut Nature Lovers Group on Facebook. Winter is a wonderful time to hit the trails, so check out these incredible hikes before the season is over.
Google Images/Sabrina Green
AllTrails/Mark Morrell
AllTrails/Don Nadeau
Google Images/Colin Graham
AllTrails/Doug Steele
AllTrails
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