West Rock Ridge Loop Hiking Guide
West Rock Ridge rises over New Haven and runs north for six miles, and this loop takes in its best parts. You walk north along the cliff edge on the blue-blazed Regicides Trail, past Judges Cave, then return south on the red-blazed trail past Lake Wintergreen. The state park is free, and the ridge has one of the highest concentrations of rare and endangered species of any Connecticut park.
Loop Overview
Hiking Project maps the loop at 7.9 miles with about 785 feet of climbing. From the South Overlook the Regicides Trail heads north and climbs gently along the ridge, gaining about 200 feet over 3.5 miles. The purple-blazed connector then drops steeply east to the Red Trail, which runs back south on a mostly wide, flat path along the east shore of Lake Wintergreen. The last half mile is the hardest part of the day: a steep climb up the bluff back to the overlook.
Judges Cave and the Regicides
About half a mile into the Regicides Trail, a short side trip on the Green Trail leads to Judges Cave. DEEP says Edward Whalley and William Goffe, two of the regicides of King Charles I, hid there in 1661 and 1664 from agents of King Charles II who wanted them captured and executed. The Connecticut Forest and Park Association calls the 7.3-mile Regicides Trail one of the state's most spectacular cliff walks, with reservoir views west into Woodbridge and Bethany.
Where to Start After October
Regicide Drive, the 1.6-mile road from Wintergreen Avenue up to the South Overlook and Judges Cave, is open to cars daily from Memorial Day weekend until the last weekend in October, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Outside those months you cannot drive to the overlook. Start instead from the Lake Wintergreen parking area, where the Red Trail ends, and walk the loop from there. The Lake Wintergreen lot has the park's only toilet, a composting one, and there is no drinking water anywhere in the park.
Views From the South Overlook
At the South Overlook, about 375 feet above sea level according to the forest and park association, the views take in New Haven and its harbor, Long Island Sound, East Rock and Sleeping Giant. DEEP says you can see about 200 square miles from the summit on a clear day. Baldwin Drive, a 1930s Works Progress Administration road along the ridge, is closed to cars and open to walkers and cyclists.
Fees, Hours and Dogs
West Rock Ridge State Park charges no parking fee for any vehicle, in-state or out. The park opens at 8 a.m. and closes at sunset. Leashed dogs are allowed. The park is also a popular mountain biking area, so watch for riders on the wider trails, and carry all the water you will need.
Hiking tips for West Rock Ridge Loop
- From November until Memorial Day weekend, start at the Lake Wintergreen lot because the summit road is closed.
- Take the short Green Trail detour to Judges Cave near the start.
- Save energy for the steep bluff climb at the end of the Red Trail.
- Carry all your water; the park has none.
- Use the composting toilet at Lake Wintergreen before you start.
Nearby trails to explore
- Tower Trail (Sleeping Giant State Park)
- Castle Craig Trail (Hubbard Park)
- Red Trail Loop (Millers Pond State Park)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
At almost eight miles, West Rock is a full morning, and it is easier to keep going with company. Post the loop on TrailMates, use the event's group chat to confirm whether you are meeting at the overlook or Lake Wintergreen, and hike it together. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.