Rock Climbing Legends, Mysteries and Unusual Stories Part 2

Connecticut is full of ghostly legends. Perhaps one the most famous involves a strange yet friendly entity that roams the high peaks of Meriden in particular West Peak. Sighted as far back as the late 1800s, this phantom is of a black dog. The dog has three unusual items about it. It barks but no noise eminates from it's mouth. It leaves no footprints and it permanently changes many of those who meet it. The legend goes that if it is seen once, it brings it's guest, happiness. If it is seen by the same person a second time, sadness. If an unfortunate third encounter occurs, Death. Since the late 1800s, fatalties have been common at the three peaks that cast a permanent shadow over the city of Meriden. The cliffs have been a scene of many tragedies from rockkids partying, sunbathers, depressed persons and honeymooners, all falling off the high cliffs. They have a fatality rate higher than any other mountain in Connecticut. Perhaps if you do see the Black Dog, buy a lottery ticket and do your climbing at nearby Ragged Mountain from now on.

The Legend of King Philips Cave and The Warrior Behind It.

Philip also known as Metacom or Metacomet was an Indian Chief who waged war against the early American colonists. A fierce fighter, he refused to succumb to colonialism until his violent death at the hand of a gun. The cave is located The cave is situated on a cliff on Talcott Mountain on the western side of the mountain. It's about a 20 foot steep climb to the cave which is about 10 feet high and 15 feet deep. Legend states that Philip stayed there as he watched the smoke billow from the early settlements in the Farmington Valley (in which is now Simsbury and Avon ) that he and his fellow tribesmen had just attacked. Years later another rumor circulated circulated that during World War II a Nazi spy had used the cave as a hiding place. Today the cave is still visited, most people rappel down the cliff to go into the cave as the rock is very unstable and breaks apart. Climbing is only done a few times a year here because most climbers don't like their footholds to fall on top of their belayers. Not known for climbing, Talcott Mountain is called one of the best places in the country to go hang gliding.

Bolton Notch

Visible 384 east as you head to route 6 and 44 the cliff with the huge American Flag painted to it is an eye grabber. For years graffiti has marked that cliff. The area also contains several caves including the well known Squaw's Cave and several 20-30 foot sandstone crags. At one time an active railroad went through the area. The roadcuts and large railroad tunnel (a popular teenage party place) still exist today. Legend states that hundreds of years ago, the Notch area was the scene of untimely death for many. Stories of ghostly singing eminating from the cliffs on an occasional summer night. It's even been reported that there has been sudden weather changes. Whether or not these legends are true, Bolton Notch is an interesting place with many cliffs, caves and hiking trails to explore.

Torrie's Den

The Burlington/Bristol area was known in the Revolutionary War time as a hide out for the Torries. The Torys were Colonists that were loyal to the British Crown went into hiding from the American Army. Near the Tunxis Trail is a cave formed by several rocks that fell on top of each other. This structure is called the Torrie's Den and is so named because it was hiding place for several of them. It is often speculated that in a sense some of the Torys have never left as the forest in the area has been rumored to be haunted by ghosts.