West Rock Ridge State Park

Connecticut State Park

1,691 acres in Hamden, Woodbridge, and Bethany, CT

Parking: Main parking near 1134 Wintergreen Ave, New Haven, CT if the gate is closed park across the street at West Rock Nature Center

Trail Map           Trails: 20 miles        Rating: ★★★★★


West Rock Ridge State Park is massive.

And while I have been here, I feel like I’ve seen so little that this should have the standard disclaimer that this is a partial/incomplete page as I “have not yet ‘fully’ explored the property”.

I have visited a few of the big features in the southern half such as the vistas along the traprock ridge-line, which the DEEP suggests one can see 200 square miles along its length.  Then there is Judges Cave, with its unique history.  There is Lake Wintergreen for boating and fishing.  The park is also the southern terminus of the blue blaze Quinnipiac Trail.

With so much to offer this park is worth several visits and I hope to one day fully do it justice, though Hiker Tom has already made a guide that is already damn-near complete.

History:

Established as a state park in 1975. This park was featured in the inaugural DEEP Sky’s the Limit Hiking Challenge in 2015 and again in 2022.


Links:

The information shown here is for general reference purposes only. exploreCT.org gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or reliability of this data. Parking in all areas, whether designated here or not, is at your own risk. exploreCT.org is not responsible for any damage or loss to vehicles or contents.
Last updated May 9th, 2016

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