Enjoy beautiful views and varied terrain on Rattlesnake Mountain.

Rattlesnake Mountain is a family favorite for a quick hike with a great pay-off. There are a couple of trails to choose from, but the main one travels along the Metacomet Trail for a total of 2.5 miles, out and back. The Metacomet Trail is a 62-mile trail that runs along the Metacomet Ridge from southern CT to the MA/CT border. 

Starting from the trailhead parking along the shoulder on Route 6 in Farmington, you will head south on a nice wide, well-traveled forest path. The first half of the trail is pretty level and has gentle grades. The second half does involve some meandering up and around boulders; shorter legs may need a little help here through rockier terrain. 

Just before the overlook, you will come across Will Warren’s den. Legend has it that he was a hermit that lived in the late 1800s. According to internet sources, he was flogged for working on the Sabbath, burned some buildings in Farmington in revenge, and eventually fled into the hills to live with the Native Americans at the time. 

Some of the best views in the area can be appreciated from the overlook, also known as the Rattlesnake Ledges. Downtown Hartford can be seen in the distance, looking Northeast. 

The trail can be lengthened by continuing on to Pinnacle Rock, another great overlook. Adding on this option extends the hike to 4.6 miles total. Of course, your hike can be extended much longer by continuing on the Metacomet Trail in either direction. Continuing south you can continue on to Sunset Rock State Park and Ragged Mountain Preserve, which also have great options for day hikes.