West Rock Ridge State Park

Wintergreen Avenue

Hamden/New Haven

203-789-7498

Hours:

8:00 a.m. - Sunset (Walk-in access)

South overlook drive to the summit is open for vehicles Memorial Day through the last weekend in October

West Rock Ridge State Park

West Rock Ridge State Park

Known as a hiker’s paradise, West Rock Ridge State Park sits 627 feet above sea level and offers uncontested views of New Haven Harbor and Long Island Sound. On a clear day, visitors can see over 200 miles. In the southernmost part of the park, Lake Wintergreen has a car-top boat ramp to allow for boating and fishing. A trail around the lake breaks off from the shore to lead visitors on a variety of quiet nature walks, including a hike to West Rock Ridge and Judges' Cave. Judges’ Cave received its name in the early 1600s when two English judges, Edward Whalley and William Goffe, escaped to New Haven and hid at the top of West Rock to avoid execution following a Civil War in England. They were never captured and the park boulders in which they hid became known as Judges’ Cave. Today, West Rock Ridge State Park offers an abundance of hiking trails with opportunities to view wildlife. Visitors will also find great fishing, mountain biking, scenic vistas, cross-country skiing and bird watching.

Activities

• Biking
• Bird watching
• Boating (canoeing, kayaking)
• Cross-country skiing
• Fishing
• Hiking