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Letterboxing Northeast Northern Letterboxes II
July 2007: the third box was kindly recarved and replaced in a new spot by Rubaduc. Although only 3½ to 4 miles long, this amazing hike is rated moderately-difficult for the constant scrambling and climbing involved. Plan on 2 to 3 hours for the circuit. We think your efforts will be amply rewarded with terrific hiking since the Tunxis Trail is described in the Connecticut Walk Book as "arguably the most beautiful trail in Connecticut." Those children "tween," too little to walk it and too big to carry, may burn out, but the 6-12 year olds in your pack will be in heaven. To find these three letterboxes, Directions: In Bristol, Connecticut head west on Rte. 6 for one mile after Rte. 69 breaks south. Turn north on Hill Street and in three miles, left on Greer Road. You'll notice blue blazes for the Tunxis Trail along the road. In 0.2 mile you'll see the trail turn south along the western shore of a pond. A short way up the road you'll find some not-so-great parking to the right (when we visited, the neighbors were quite nice about our car off to the side of their road). Hike south on the blue trail for ½ mile. After crossing a cascading brook, the way jogs sharply north up the first scramble. At a little summit, the trail bends southwest with views to the south. A short way along, you'll spot a knee-scraping, overhanging boulder on the right, balanced as though on purpose by several stones. The Tunxis Trail Letterbox is tucked up inside. Off to a great start! Now continue on the blue trail and savor the Mile of Ledges until you come to an old stone dam. Cross over to the southwest and look in the southeastern face for your second reward, about halfway along the wall and deep-set at eye level. This spot is perfect for a picnic. Continue another 0.25 mile of scenic heavy going with a couple of scrambles. The trail levels a bit before coming to a well-marked intersection with the Yellow Dot trail. Turn north on the Yellow Dot to the Tory Den, a Loyalist hideout during the Revolutionary War. This massive overhanging ledge is near the side of the trail. After checking out the den continue on the trail past some large rocks (the trail is level here) until you come to "steps" going down hill. At the steps, look right for a two sister tree and check out that hole in the east side of the base. The Tory Den Letterbox is tucked inside (this is one of those that needs careful re-hiding from the local party crowd). There is a great little cave a bit farther along the trail. To finish, either turn back (it's just as beautiful the other way), or else follow the Yellow Dot about 1½ miles to another blue trail intersection: turn right, downhill, with the Yellow Dot to Greer Rd below. Following the road to the right will quickly return you to the beginning. Whew!
This northernmost section of the Tunxis Trail is described in the Connecticut Walk Book as "one of the steepest, most remote, and least used of the system." There are three letterboxes on a rugged five mile hike: figure three hours to complete it. While this spot would make some great snowshoeing in winter, the letterboxes will be inaccessible under the snow. On I-91 north of Hartford, take exit 40 for Bradley Airport. Follow CT Rte. 20 West about 16 miles, through the various Granbys, to the junction of Rte. 179 in East Hartland. Continue with 20 West towards Riverton 1.4 miles to find the Tunxis Trail on your right just after the state highway department buildings. Trillum Hill Letterbox. Hike north on the blue blazed trail for an out-and-back route. You'll first pass some old cellar holes and their attendant sugar maples on the moderate climb to Trillum Hill, the easiest of the day. Over the top, as the trail just begins to slope downhill, find a quartzy outcrop on the east overlooking a ravine. Just a few steps away at 155°, the first find of the day waits under the eastern overhang of a chunky boulder. Hurricane Brook Letterbox. Now walk steeply down to the north almost one mile to finally zig-zag right-left on the road over Hurricane Brook. Walk left through the gate, briefly following the dirt road before cutting north onto the trail again. Gently downhill, soon find the lowest spot on the trail, and just before the trail makes a little right at a big weathered rock, head northwest off-trail to enjoy the scenic brook. Since this area obviously floods, the second letterbox is nestled on the south side of that weathered boulder. State Line Letterbox. Continuing on the Tunxis Trail, cross a small brook and pass a camper's lean-to. Climb, plenty steep, along the brook with a chance for damp feet in season. About 1.5 miles from the gate, at the top of the hill, you'll find a granite state line marker on a small path to the left. A couple of steps away to the north-northeast, in a mica-rich clump of rocks, find the last letterbox at the base of a tree on the edge of a field. Now head back the way you came: Trillum Hill is waiting to see you again.
Billings Barn Vandalized. Special thanks to CSCM and Rustypuff for the care they gave this letterbox. We don't plan on making a replacement. Placed for the Massachusetts Winter Gathering in January 2003, this is one is short and easy for families with young children. Be sure to bring clues for the many other letterboxes in this wonderful preserve. The Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary is in Sharon, MA. Trails are open from dawn to dusk: there is a nominal fee to help with maintenance. Sorry, no pets. Directions: From the north on southbound I-95, take exit 10 and go left off the ramp. Take the first right onto High Plain St (Rte. 27) and then left onto Moose Hill St. Next turn left onto Moose Hill Parkway at the big white house and find the parking lot just on your left. From the south, take northbound I-95 exit 8 and go right off the ramp. Pass Ward's Berry Farm and turn left onto Moose hill St. Go straight across at the Walpole St intersection and then turn right on Moose Hill Parkway at the big white house. The parking is on your left. Pick up an excellent trail map at the parking lot and then cross Moose Hill St to the west, passing between the stone pillars onto the wide Billings/Boardwalk Loop Trail. The Boardwalk Loop will soon split off to the left: stay straight on the wide trail. At the T, turn left and walk down to the Billings Barn, finding the large stone fireplace. With your back to the fireplace, you'll spot two large sugar maple trees side by side. Walk up between them and then spot a corner in the stone wall to the southwest. The Billings Barn Letterbox is in the stone wall's corner, on the far side.
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