According to legend, if you spot the dog once, it brings you good luck. If you encounter the dog a second time, it will bring you sorrow. However, if you see the dog for a third time, it is an omen of death.
Geologist W.H.C. Pynchon was working in the Hanging Hills and encountered the black dog and it followed him around while he was traveling the mountain on horseback. As he was coming back down the mountain, he approached the spot where first encountering the animal and as he turned to look, the dog was gone.
Later in 1891, Pynchon and Herbert Marshall of the United States Geological Survey were working on research on what is known as the West Peak of Meriden Mountain when they encountered the spectral beast. According to Pynchon, the dog appeared to be relatively normal looking. The dog then suddenly disappeared. Pynchon recalled to Marshall how he saw the dog in that same area once, before. He also noted that Marshall had told him he had seen the dog on two separate occasions himself while doing research in the area. Shortly afterwards while the two were studying rocks near a cliff, Marshall slipped and fell to his death onto the rocks below.
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| The Hanging Hills of Meriden, Connecticut. Shown here is the East Peak |
A few years afterwards, Pynchon again went into the Hanging Hills to do research. Days later his body was discovered near the same spot where his friend Marshall had fallen to his death. The locals speculated that he once again, encountered the Black Dog of Meriden Mountain.
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| "And if a man shall meet the Black Dog once, it shall be for joy; and if twice, it shall be for sorrow; and the third time, he shall die." - W.H.C. Pynchon, not long before being found dead on the West Peak of Meridan Mountain. |
Over the years many people have met their end on the West Peak in Hubbard Park. Although, the dog has been spotted in various parts of the mountain including Castle Craig located on what is known as the East Peak. It is believed that 6 deaths are attributed to the Black Dog of Meriden Mountain. So if you are hiking on Metacomet Trail which passes through the park or on the mountain itself, beware of the Black Dog.
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| Castle Craig which sits on Meriden Mountain in the Hanging Hills located near Meriden, Connecticut |
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| Castle Craig which sits on Meriden Mountain in the Hanging Hills. Meriden, Connecticut can be seen in the distance. |
