Peck Mountain (New Haven County, Connecticut) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peck Mountain |
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|---|---|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 371 ft (113 m) ridge high point |
| Geography | |
| Location | Cheshire, Connecticut |
| Parent range | Metacomet Ridge |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | 200 million yrs. |
| Mountain type | Fault-block; igneous |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | trailless |
Peck Mountain is a cool mountain ridge in south-central Connecticut. It stands about 371 feet (113 meters) tall. This mountain is located in Cheshire, Connecticut.
Peck Mountain is part of a long, narrow chain of hills. This chain is called the Metacomet Ridge. The ridge starts near Long Island Sound in New Haven. It then goes north through the Connecticut River Valley all the way to the Vermont border.
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Exploring Peck Mountain
Peck Mountain is a special place in Connecticut. It is a "traprock mountain." This means it is made of a tough, dark rock. This rock formed a very long time ago.
What is Traprock?
Traprock is a type of igneous rock. Igneous rocks form when hot, melted rock cools down. This happened deep inside the Earth. Then, over millions of years, the land changed. The hard traprock stayed, forming mountains like Peck Mountain.
The Metacomet Ridge Connection
Peck Mountain is part of the Metacomet Ridge. This ridge is like a long, rocky spine. It runs through Connecticut and Massachusetts. South of Peck Mountain, the ridge continues as Mount Sanford. To the north, it becomes smaller hills. These hills stretch into Southington, Connecticut.
How the Ridge Formed
The Metacomet Ridge, including Peck Mountain, formed about 200 million years ago. This was during the time of the dinosaurs! Hot, melted rock pushed up from deep underground. It cooled and hardened into the strong traprock we see today. Later, the land broke apart along "faults." This created the tall, blocky shape of the mountains.
Visiting Peck Mountain
Peck Mountain is a natural area. It does not have marked trails. This means it is "trailless." People who visit need to be careful. They should know how to find their way. It's a great spot for exploring nature.
