Farmington is divided by a trap rock range, with a river plain to the west and a wild hill country to the east. As we enter the town from the south on R. 10, Rattlesnake Mt. lies to our right. It is served by the Metacomet Trail; there are good views to the south and east from the main peak, and later toward the north. Just south of the main peak is a cave of boulders known as Will Warren's Den; said Warren, according to tradition, after being flogged for not going to church, tried to burn the town, and was pursued into the mountains, where some Indian squaws hid him in this spot.
Bill Warren's Den - New Britain Quad
(Note: I am adding this information, but the Metacomet Trail goes right to Will Warren's Den from Rt. 6. If you follow the trail, you can't miss it.)
The Den is located on the east side of Rattlesnake Mountain near the town of Farmington. From Route 6 east pass the Farmington Reservoir and turn south onto a road leading uphill and past a large gravelpit. Climb near the top of Rattlesnake Mt. and park at the fence blocking the road. A short hike toward the peak brings you to the WHNB TV tower. Several hundred feet further is the faintly marked Blue Trail to the left. Follow the trail about 500 ft., mostly downhill, to a very high outcrop of rock containing Warren's Den. Further downhill the trail forks where there is a small crevass cave and campsite along a smaller rock face.
According to local history, Bill Warren who was Farmington's troublemaker, used this famous boulder cave as a hideout. Stories say he was flogged for drinking and missing church on Sunday. He finally tried to burn the town in the 1600's, was pursued into the mountains, and never found.
The large room comprising the cave has two hard-to-find entrances. The upper entrance is not visible from the trail and requires climbing up the steep boulders to the top. This small entrance drops down 15 ft. to the main room on a sloping grade. Several old manilla ropes mark the passing of long ago explorers.
The lower crawlway entrance is a much easier way to the chamber provided that it is dry.