Join the Francis Small Heritage Trust for a moderately strenuous hike to Devils Den, where we will not only enjoy spectacular views but also learn a little about the history and nature of this place.
We will ascend using the 0.7-mile Devils Den Trail, which was newly developed by FSHT in the spring of 2024. This trail is relatively easy but moderately steep in places. This is a beautiful walk-in-the-woods, passing stone walls of the 1800s through slopes that were once all open pasture lands.
At the spectacular ledges viewpoint, we will pause to enjoy the colorful fall foliage over nearby hills and across Colcord Pond. We will investigate the Devil's Cart Way and consider the hardy visitors who made their way here more than a century ago.
Hikers will also have an opportunity to be inside the Kamys Cabin at Devils Den, and to enjoy views to the north and east from the front deck. Then we will visit the Pearl-Brooks cemetery nearby.
Descending, we will walk the Snake Road. (Contrary to the name, there is no abundance of snakes here.) On the way down, we will visit the cellar hole of the Pearl family homestead.
If members of the La Finca Farm Cooperative are at the farm, we may have a short visit there when we reach the Moody Road. On Moody Road, we will have a short walk back to the parking area.
𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐒𝐇𝐓 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐧 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚. From Route 160 Ice Cream in South Hiram, drive north on Rt 160 (Brownfield Road) for almost 3 miles. Turn left onto Porterfield Road and drive northward for 1.4 miles. A short distance beyond the junction with Spec Pond Road, turn left on Norton Hill Road. Continue on Norton Hill Road for another 1.4 miles to where there is a 4-way intersection. Norton Hill Road turns to the right, but go straight through the intersection onto Moody Road and continue westward. At about a half mile on Moody Road, the entrance to the Devils Den parking area will be on your left, with a sign pointing to it on the right side of the road.
𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: Although Norton Hill Road and Moody Road are town-maintained roads, these are rough, unpaved gravel roads that are only one-lane-wide in places. Drive slowly and be prepared to stop and possibly back up if you meet an oncoming vehicle. Depending upon recent weather conditions, these roads can be muddy at times and may be more rough than usual. However, we do not hesitate to drive ordinary cars on these roads; just drive carefully.
Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Porter.
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