Norwich Heritage Walk

June 03, 2013 10:00 am • Last Updated: October 29, 2014 12:46 pm

By Day Staff

The view of Uncas Leap from the foot bridge across the Yantic River, just off the Norwich Heritage Walk.

Norwich Heritage Walk

Town: Norwich

Directions: From I-395, take exit 80 and follow Main St. (Route 82) east into downtown Norwich. After crossing a bridge, turn right onto Chelsea Harbor Drive. The parking lot for Howard T. Brown Memorial Park will be on the right.

Where to Park: Parking is available at Howard T. Brown Memorial Park, at Uncas Leap on Yantic St., and at Upper Falls Park on Sherman St.

Description: The 1.5-mile trail runs from Howard T. Brown Memorial Park along the Yantic River to Uncas Leap and continues another quarter of a mile to Upper Falls Park. It alternates between paved pedestrian path and city sidewalk. There are few signs or trail markings.

Regulations: None posted

Amenities: Boat launch, benches, portable toilets and season ice cream and snack bar can be found at Howard T. Brown Memorial Park.

Natural Features: Uncas Leap, also known as Yantic Falls and Indian Leap, is a waterfall and deep rocky gorge on the Yantic River. According to popular legend, during 17

^th

century war between the Mohegan and Narragansett tribes, a group of fleeing Narragansetts attempted to jump across the gorge and plunged to their death.

Fees: None

Owned by: City of Norwich

The bricks immediately turn old and weather where the Norwich Heritage Walk leaves Howard T. Brown Memorial Park.

An underpass on the Norwich Heritage Walk is overgrown and a bit foreboding.

The view of the falls at Uncas Leap on the Norwich Heritage Walk.

Flowers in bloom alongside the paved pedestrian path section of the Norwich Heritage Walk.

A sign on the Norwich Heritage Walk states that this wastewater pipe is "the longest unsupported span of stainless steel pipe in the United States."

Trees lean out over the Yantic River beside the Norwich Heritage Walk.

A battered sign on Yantic St. is the only indication that the sidewalk you're on is part of the Norwich Heritage Walk.

Yes, those dark stairs behind the auto parts store lead to Upper Falls Park on the Norwich Heritage Walk.

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