Westwoods Loop 3 – Cairn and Cave

General Description: Loop #3 begins with beautiful scenery and easy hiking on the Red Triangle trail. You’ll find a fascinating natural rock cave on the Orange Circle trail for the second half of the loop which has a few rocky climbs and descents.

Difficulty: A short and moderate hike with some rocky climbs and descents.

Weather considerations: Rain/snow may cause some slippery conditions especially on climbs and descents.

Distance: 1.25 miles

Duration: 45-60 minutes

Sights: Thriving Hemlock trees, evidence of quarry activity, a curious cairn and a real Indian cave

Hiking Narrative: The loop begins at Entrance #6 located at the end of the Three Corners Road cul-de-sac. Please park your car on the outside of the circle rather than on the grass island.

  1. Look for the Red Triangle symbol on a tree. You’ll be starting off on a long tree-lined driveway (the house is not in view). Towards the end of the driveway the trail veers off to the right as the driveway climbs left.
  2. At the bottom of the hill remain on Red Triangle and go straight across the intersection with the Orange Circle trail.
  3. Keep your eyes open on the right side of the trail. You’ll see an interesting cairn underneath a teepee structure built by an unknown for an unknown purpose. The structure has been here for a few years. Look for clues to explain who, what and why.
  4. Continue along the Red Triangle trail. Note the large and flourishing Hemlock trees. These Hemlocks were able to avoid the Woolley Adelgid bug that arrived in Connecticut in 1985, infecting and killing many of our Hemlocks. Perhaps it is because of the wet conditions in the area that these Hemlocks survived.
  5. You’ll cross under the power lines. Make a right on the Blue Rectangle. You’ll only go a short distance on the Blue Rectangle.
  6. Take your first right onto the Orange Circle trail. You’ll follow along next to the power lines and then make a right under the power lines.
  7. As you continue along on the Orange circle you’ll see a large, natural cave on your left. Stop and explore. This area has been researched and it is believed to have been a temporary living residence for American Indians. The Indians came in the summer for shell fishing. You’ll find broken seashells in the ground near the cave even though you’re miles from the shore. It is likely that they built temporary shelters and leaned them against the wall to provide more protection.
  8. Orange Circle climbs up the rock and makes a right turn immediately at the top.
  9. After coming down a steep slope (bikers refer to this area as “the cheese grater”) you’ll find another cave on your right. Look carefully because this one isn’t as obvious. It is long and narrow in comparison to the first Indian cave.
  10. Orange circle climbs down a cliff. This cliff area was quarried during early Guilford days. If you look closely, you’ll see some unnaturally square rocks.
  11. Take a left on the Red X trail. You’ll go a short distance.
  12. Take a left on the Red Triangle which will lead you back to the entrance.