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West Rock Ridge State Park

West Rock Ridge State Park offers lush hiking trails with views of New Haven Harbor and Long Island Sound from the top of West Rock.
Trail Activity
Hiking Mountain biking Paddling Horseback riding
Length
36.7 miles, Network
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Towns
Hamden, New Haven
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt, Rock/Ledge, Grass, Paved/Cement
Pets
Permitted on leash
Fees
No

Description

West Rock Ridge rises from 400 feet of elevation at the South Summit in New Haven to 700 feet of elevation at High Rock in Bethany on the Hamden border. The ridge is traversed by the Blue-Blazed Regicides Trail, which connects to the Quinnipiac Trail at High Rock. There are impressive vistas along the ridge, with estimates that a person can see approximately 200 square miles from various locations.

At the South Overlook, views include New Haven and the Harbor, Long Island Sound, East Rock Park, and the Sleeping Giant. Along the Regicides Trail, one can see forested water company lands to the west of the ridge, including Lake Dawson and Lake Watrous. Baldwin Drive, constructed in the 1930s as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project, extends 5.6 miles along the ridge, and offers walkers and bicyclists a car-free experience.

The Regicide Drive offers seasonal motor vehicle access to the South Overlook and Judges Cave. The Regicides Edward Whalley and William Goffe sought refuge at the cave in 1661 and 1664 from agents of King Charles II of England, who was seeking their capture and execution.

Other Information

Rules:

  • The park is open for walk-in access from 8 am to sunset.
  • The drive to the South Overlook and Judges Cave is open daily for vehicles from Memorial Day weekend until the last weekend in October from 8 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • Pets on a leash are permitted on hiking trails.

Trail Amenities:

  • The Summit Parking is accessible. 

This property was developed with the assistance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Trail Manager

This park is managed by the following CT DEEP Park Headquarters:

CT DEEP: Sleeping Giant State Park
CT DEEP: Sleeping Giant State Park
200 Mount Carmel Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
(203) 287-5658
View website

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Trailhead Information

Lake Wintergreen Main Parking Area, 40 Main Street, Hamden:

From the Wilbur Cross Parkway (Route 15), take Exit 60, and turn right to head south on Route 10 (Dixwell Avenue) for 0.3 miles. At the next traffic light past the parkway, turn right on Benham Street and take this to the end (2 miles). Then turn left on Main Street and head south for 0.9 miles. At the turn in the road, turn right into the parking area.

West Rock Main Entrance, 1134 Wintergreen Avenue, New Haven:

From Wilbur Cross Parkway (Route 15) South, take Exit 60, and then turn right to head south on Route 10 (Dixwell Avenue) for 0.3 miles. At the next traffic light past the parkway, turn right on Benham Street and take this to the end (2 miles). Then turn left on Main Street and head south for 1.1 miles, continuing around the curve past the parking lot for Lake Wintergreen and up a short hill to Wintergreen Avenue. Turn right at the stop sign on Wintergreen Avenue and go 1.2 miles: head down the hill and around the two sharp curves, passing under the Route 15 overpass. The main entrance is on the right 0.1 miles past the overpass.

OR From Wilbur Cross Parkway (Route 15) North, take Exit 59, and turn right to head south on Route 69 to the merge with Route 63 South and continue to Blake Street, driving about 1.1 miles. Turn left on Blake Street and go 0.3 miles, then left again on Springside Avenue at the light and go 0.8 miles. Turn left on Wintergreen Avenue at the stop sign and go 0.2 miles. The park entrance is on the left.

If the gate is closed (see "Hours" information), park at the Lake Wintergreen parking lot.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
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