Cathole Mountain

Cathole Mountain
Cathole Mountain from South Mountain
Highest point
Elevation	515 ft (157 m)
Parent peak	41° 33' 35"N, 72° 48' 38"W
Coordinates	41°34′33″N 72°48′02″W / 41.57583°N 72.80056°W / 41.57583; -72.80056 summit; 41°33′35″N 72°48′38″W / 41.55972°N 72.81056°W / 41.55972; -72.81056 southern ledge[1]
Geography
Cathole Mountain Location in Connecticut
Location	Meriden, Connecticut
Parent range	Hanging Hills / Metacomet Ridge
Geology
Rock age	200 million yrs.
Mountain type(s)	fault-block; igneous
Climbing
Easiest route	Metacomet Trail

Cathole Mountain, 515 feet (157 m), is the lowest peak in the trap rock Hanging Hills of Meriden, Connecticut. The rugged southern ledges of the mountain rise steeply 150 feet (46 m) above the city of Meriden. The mountain is separated from South Mountain by the narrow, rocky Cathole Pass through which Connecticut Route 71 ascends.

The mountain consists of two prominences, the southern ledges 341 feet (104 m) and the main peak one mile to the north. The 51 mile Metacomet Trail crosses Cathole Mountain and offers views of Cathole Pass. The cliffs continue south with views over Meriden, but there is no official trail that runs the length of them. Activities enjoyed on the peak include hiking, rock climbing, and in the winter, snowshoeing.

Much of the northern half of the mountain is privately owned.

< East	West >

• Metacomet Ridge
• Mattabesett Trail

• Connecticut Walk Book 17th ed. Connecticut Forest and Park Association.

• The City of Meriden