We visit Lover's Leap

Sometimes the sights in your own backyard are often overlooked. When I was in my teens, Lover's Leap in New Milford, CT, was a nice place to stop just off an old country dirt road. Today the bridge and gravel road are closed to vehicles and the whole area is a state park. The bridge, closed to vehicular traffic in 1977, is now used for foot traffic only to allow hikers to cross the river from the parking area to the trail that leads to Lover's Leap. The bridge has been beautifully restored and is an interesting reminder of days gone by. Built in 1895 at a cost of $7,938, the bridge was named "Fall's Bridge" due to the water falls that once flowed in the gorge below. The falls disappeared when the valley was flooded to create Lake Lillinonah in 1955. The falls played a big part in how Lover's Leap got its name. The sign post reads "The park contains a breathtaking river gorge, made famous by the Indian legend of Chief Waramaug's beautiful daughter, Princess Lillinonah. She canoed to her death in the "Great Falls" when her white lover did not return after visiting his people. Upon his return, he saw her in the rapids and leaped to his death in an attempt to save her". Reminds me of Romeo and Juliet; sooo sad.

Nice details on the old iron bridge

Onward to the trail

Martha takes in the famous view

Shallow cove near the base of the cliff

Bridge and Lover's leap to the right