Will Warren's Den Trail (Rattlesnake Mountain) Hiking Guide
Will Warren's Den is a cave under a pile of huge traprock boulders high on Rattlesnake Mountain in Farmington. Local legend says a hermit hid there in the 1800s after a run-in with the law. The short hike up the blue-blazed Metacomet Trail from Route 6 involves some easy scrambling and ends at a cliff with a long view, which makes it a good half-day outing near Hartford.
Trail Length and Footing
The Farmington Land Trust calls this a 2.4-mile round trip of moderate difficulty. Hiking Project maps it at 2.5 miles with about 421 feet of climbing. From the trailhead the Metacomet Trail climbs through forest, crosses wet ground on a log walkway, and then follows a rocky ridge through cliffs and boulders. The land trust says the route involves some easy scrambling over rocks and boulders.
Finding the Trailhead
The land trust puts the start on the south side of Route 6, just east of the intersection with Pinnacle Ridge Road and Reservoir Road, at the parking area where the Metacomet Trail crosses the highway. Near the top the trail runs past broadcast towers. Hiking Project notes that the route crosses private and tower property and may be closed during tower maintenance; follow the signs there to stay on the trail.
The Den and Its Legend
The land trust's version of the story: Will Warren was an isolated man who, after trouble with local authorities, tried to burn the village and fled to a cave on Rattlesnake Mountain, coming down now and then to steal sheep. The tale was first written down in full in the 1906 Green Book, and the land trust admits he may be several people rolled into one. William Wadsworth donated the Den and 7.2 acres to the Town of Farmington in 1987, and the land trust holds a conservation easement on it. The cliff and lookout are just past the Den, and the boulder field around it has slip-fault caves to explore.
Going On to Pinnacle Rock
To make a longer day, stay on the blue blazes past the Den. The New England Trail describes a 4.4-mile out-and-back from the same trailhead that passes an old orchard, the 760-foot main cliff of Rattlesnake Mountain and the summit of Pinnacle Rock, with views in all directions. The trail organization gives about 763 feet of elevation change for that version.
Dogs and Fees
No fee or permit is needed. Neither the land trust nor the trail association posts a dog rule for this section, and Hiking Project's listing says dogs are allowed. Keep yours leashed around the boulders and caves, and remember that part of the route crosses private land.
Hiking tips for Will Warren's Den Trail (Rattlesnake Mountain)
- Park at the Metacomet Trail lot on the south side of Route 6, not on the road shoulder.
- Follow the blue blazes and the signs carefully near the towers.
- Bring a headlamp if you want to look into the boulder caves.
- Wear boots with good grip; the ridge boulders get slick when wet.
- Add Pinnacle Rock for a 4.4-mile day if you have energy left.
Nearby trails to explore
- Heublein Tower Trail (Talcott Mountain State Park)
- Ragged Mountain Preserve Loop
- Castle Craig Trail (Hubbard Park)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Will Warren's Den is close enough to Hartford for a weeknight hike before sunset. Start one on TrailMates, use the event's group chat to agree on whether to go on to Pinnacle Rock, and meet at the Route 6 lot. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.