Two Hidden Tunnels in Litchfield Hills make an interesting autumn walk

Connecticut has a rich train and trolley history.  Even today, many commuters depend on the train to get them to work.  In the past, before the major commuter rail lines were established, tunnels were often carved out of living rock in order to connect towns to one another.  In Litchfield Hills, there are two examples of these tunnels, one in Plymouth and the other in Washington Connecticut.  These two tunnels are perfect places for an autumn stroll in the woods.

The Steep Rock Railroad Tunnel was constructed in just nine months between 1871 and 1872 in Washington Depot.  It was constructed as part of the Shepaug Valley Railroad. A crew of coal miners from Pennsylvania built this 235 foot long curved tunnel by hand using picks, dynamite and nitro to blast through Steep Rock Ridge. Today hikers can enjoy the cool damp air of this tunnel as they explore the natural beauty of Steep Rock Preserve.

The Pequabeck Tunnel also known as the Terryville Tunnel is located in Plymouth and is rumored to be haunted with reports of sightings of two ghostly figures.  The tunnel is about a half mile long and 32 feet wide and 26 feet high. The tracks ran as a passenger line for about twenty years, but currently, it is a still active freight line that connects New Britain to Waterbury.