The Tunxis Trail is made of up two separated mainline sections, one northern part that’s 34 miles and a southern section that’s about 5 miles. The trail is rugged and scenic despite never being far from urban areas. The mainline and 18 sub trails make a total network of 79 miles.
Full Guide
The Tunxis Trail is a CFPA Blue Blaze Trail system near Hartford in CT. It has a total network of an estimated 79 miles but for continuous sections there is mainline 30 mile section and a southern section of about 5 miles. The trail is rugged and scenic despite never being far from urban areas. Highlights for this trail include Tories Den, Lake Compounce , The Mile of Ledges ( which I used as part of my Leatherman Loop) . The trail also runs parallel to the Metacomet Trail which is also part of the New England Trail so you often get views of it in the distance.
Tunxis Mainline Northern Section
The Mainline 34 mile section runs from the MA border in the north to the Bristol area of CT at its southern terminus. The Gpx map for the northern section is here.
The trail has a number of cascade waterfalls and a view from Pine Mountain.
Indian Council Caves
The Indian Council caves on the Tunxis Mainline trail and are huge geological boulders that have formed a series of gaps creating caves.
Torys Den
This cave made up part of my Old Leatherman Loop because the cave was supposed to have been used by the Old Leatherman of Connecticut.
This cave was also used by the Tories in Revolutionary Times as a hiding place. It is located on the Tunxis Trail with closest access via East Plymouth road off Route 72 near the southern terminus of the Tunxis Trail.
I have more information about all of the Old Leatherman Caves in my guide here.
Torys Den is also near the Mile of Ledges which is a Tunxis Sub trail well worth visiting.
Southern Section
The southern section starts at Lake Compounce and finishes 5 miles away near Southington. It has a steep climb at both ends with 3 lookouts, some spectacular rocky outcrops and goes past a reservoir and a waterfall called Tunnel Waterfall. The trail is poorly marked in a few places and difficult underfoot in places but also has plenty of quiet woodland and smooth trail sections.
Tunnel Falls and Lookout
About a mile from the southern end of this section is roaring brook, You’ll encounter a crossing and see large concrete breeze blocks. Look for a squeeze past the breeze blocks in the direction of the water flow and you’ll find an unmarked path that leads to a superb lookout and tunnel waterfall which has the water flowing from beneath a giant boulder. We have marked the little out and back off the main trail on the gpx map we created.
Lookout Over Lake Compounce
Towards the northern tip of this section there are two impressive lookouts with views of the Metacomet ridge and even Sleeping Giant. Just before the car park area there is also an impressive cave with glistening mica that catches the light like glitter.
Parking
Lake Compounce Area Parking
Roaring Brook Parking – Southington
Hi! I am looking for a backpacking trail in the New England area. We are a group of 3 women ages 60-70 who love to backpack but go pretty slowly – we do about 7-9 miles a day, so for this trail would be out about 6 days. Are there good camping spots (room for 3 small tents and a water source) along the trail? Your pictures, descriptions and videos look like it’s an amazing trail and I hope we can do it! Thank you!
its an amazing trail but very hard going. I would suggest you look at the New England Trail which has more camping opportunities and slightly less crazy terrain.