There are many hiking
options available at West Rock, with regard to both length and difficulty. An interesting mathematical problem would be
determining how many possible hikes could be designed at West Rock. The answer
is probably in the dozens, not including the option of doing a particular
circuit in reverse.
Create your own loops
using the Red, White and Red-White Trails on the east (lower) side of
the ridge with the Regicides Trail and the two paved roads on west
side (top) of the ridge. Connect the east and west sides of the park with
your choice of colorful trails.
These are suggested
hikes starting from Lake Wintergreen, Westville, and the Hill Street parking
area. These notes focus on which trails to use. Read the trail pages on this website to describe what you can expect to see
along these trails.
Some hikers may wish to
complete a thru-hike of the Regicides Trail in one day. This requires placing a
car at either end of the hike, or hiking back along the trail and/or Baldwin
Drive and Regicide Drive. Those hikes are listed in the section at the bottom of this page "Regicides Trail Thru-Hikes: Three Options".
Of course, there is no
road at the Regicides Trail junction with the Quinnipiac Trail, but there are
parking options nearby, either the Brooks Road, Bethany trailhead of the
Sanford Feeder Trail, or parking by the gate on West Shepard Ave., Hamden.
For the southern end of
the Regicides Trail, people can park at the South Overlook (Memorial Day weekend to the
end of October) or year-round behind the New Haven Montessori School, 495
Blake St., New Haven.
For driving directions
to these trailheads, see the Driving Directions and Parking page on this
website.
As they become available, I will include a link for each hike to a website with a GPS track to download, and a related map to print of the specific hike.
As they become available, I will include a link for each hike to a website with a GPS track to download, and a related map to print of the specific hike.
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| Two blue blazes mark a left turn on the Regicides Trail. |
Easy Beginner Hikes
An easy
beginner hike is to follow the Red and White Trails around Lake Wintergreen for
a total distance of 1.5 miles. The trail surface is gravel with even footing
and is flat to moderately rolling.
Near
the spillway, hikers have the option of taking the Red-White Trail, which
stays near the lake, and provides a small rock scramble. When conditions are
icy, stay on the Red Trail for more secure footing.
To
extend this beginner hike, follow the White Trail north to the Purple Trail and
returning on the Red Trail. The section variation of this hike involves staying
the White Trail to the end and returning along the Red Trail, which is totally
flat.
Red Trail and White
Circuit
(around Lake
Wintergreen, then north to the Purple Trail)
Mileage
|
Direction
|
Trail Name
|
0.00
|
Left
|
Red Trail head south from the
Lake Wintergreen parking lot |
0.35
|
Straight
|
Red-White Trail at trail
split:
Red Trail goes left
(In icy conditions, stay
on Red Trail)
|
0.75
|
Right
|
White Trail at south end
of Lake Wintergreen
|
1.50
|
Straight
|
White Trail: Blue-White Trail
on left ***
|
2.10
|
Right
|
Purple Trail
|
2.35
|
Right
|
Red Trail (after crossing
Wintergreen Brook on culvert) |
2.95
|
Left
|
Red Trail by Lake
Wintergreen
|
3.00
|
End
|
Lake Wintergreen parking
lot
|
*** For
a shorter loop, simply turn right and return to the parking lot.
Red Trail and White
Circuit (around Lake Wintergreen, then north to the end of the White Trail)
Mileage
|
Direction
|
Trail Name
|
0.00
|
Left
|
Red Trail head south from the
Lake Wintergreen parking lot |
0.35
|
Straight
|
Red-White Trail at trail
split:
Red Trail goes left
(In icy conditions, stay
on Red Trail)
|
0.75
|
Right
|
White Trail
at south end of Lake Wintergreen |
1.50
|
Straight
|
White Trail: Blue-White Trail
on left
|
2.10
|
Left/Right
|
White Trail
as it briefly overlaps
the Purple Trail
|
3.05
|
Right
|
Red Trail at end of
the White Trail
|
4.35
|
Left
|
Red Trail by Lake
Wintergreen
|
4.40
|
Left
|
Lake Wintergreen parking
lot
|
 |
| This view south from the overlook of Lake Dawson on the Regicides Trail reveals a sea of trees on Woodbridge open space and Regional Water Authority watershed property. |
Moderate Hikes
Lake Wintergreen to
the Konolds Pond Overlook:
Blue-White Trail return
This is an easy walk
along Lake Wintergreen, followed by a moderate climb up the ridge on the Orange
Trail, rewarding you with a scenic overlook at Konolds Pond. Follow the
Regicides Trail along the ridge and descend to Lake Wintergreen along the Blue-White Trail. For a longer version, stay on the Regicides Trail to the Purple Trail.
Mileage
|
Direction
|
Trail Name
|
0.00
|
Straight
|
Descend the Red Trail from the
Lake Wintergreen parking lot |
0.05
|
Left
|
White Trail on far
side of Lake Wintergreen:
Blue-White Trail is straight ahead |
0.75
|
Right
|
Orange Trail
near south end of Lake
Wintergreen
|
1.00
|
Straight
|
Orange Trail and
Regicides Trail (Blue) at Baldwin Drive (paved)
|
1.05
|
Right
|
Regicides Trail at the
end of the Orange Trail
near overlook of Konolds Pond
(Follow unmarked trail
for 100 feet to enjoy the view, being mindful of the cliff, before returning
to the trail and continuing north.)
|
1.75
|
Right
|
Blue-White Trail
|
1.80
|
Straight
|
Blue-White Trail (at Baldwin
Drive)
|
1.95
|
Right
|
Blue-White Trail (at the water
tank):
The trail becomes a
wide, woods road
|
2.35
|
End
|
Lake Wintergreen parking
lot
|
 |
| Lake Wintergreen froze solid in Feb. 2015, allowing people to walk and ski across it. |
Lake Wintergreen to the Konolds Pond Overlook:
Purple Trail return
This is an easy walk
along Lake Wintergreen, followed by a moderate climb up the ridge on the Orange
Trail, rewarding you with a scenic overlook at Konolds Pond. Follow the
Regicides Trail along the ridge and descend the ridge on the Purple-Orange and Purple Trail,
returning to the start along the White Trail.
Mileage
|
Direction
|
Trail Name
|
0.00
|
Straight
|
Descend the Red Trail from the
Lake Wintergreen parking lot |
0.05
|
Left
|
White Trail on the far
side of Lake Wintergreen:
Blue-White Trail is straight
ahead
|
0.75
|
Right
|
Orange Trail
near south end of Lake
Wintergreen
|
1.00
|
Straight
|
Orange Trail and
Regicides Trail (Blue) at Baldwin Drive (paved)
|
1.05
|
Right
|
Regicides Trail at the
end of the Orange Trail
near overlook of Konolds
Pond
(Follow unmarked trail
for 100 feet to enjoy the view, being mindful of the cliff, before returning
to the trail and continuing north.)
|
2.50
|
Right
|
Purple-Orange Trail
|
2.55
|
Right
|
Baldwin Drive (paved):
Purple-Orange Trail follows road
for 100 yards
|
2.60
|
Left
|
Purple-Orange Trail off Baldwin
Drive (begin descent)
|
2.70
|
Left
|
Purple Trail leading
to a scenic overlook in about 100 yards. After visiting the viewpoint, return
to the Purple-Orange Trail and continue the descent.
|
2.72
|
U-Turn
|
Purple Trail at scenic
overlook
|
2.75
|
Left
|
Purple Trail
|
2.95
|
Left
|
Purple Trail at
Purple-White Trail
|
3.05
|
Right
|
White Trail
|
3.65
|
Left
|
Gravel road by Blue-White Trail
|
3.75
|
End
|
Lake Wintergreen parking
lot
|
Red and Green to
Judges Cave;
Return on the
Regicides, Orange and White Trails
This offers the most direct connection from Lake Wintergreen to
Judges Cave, and gives view from both sides of the lake, plus the overlook of
Konolds Pond. The walk is moderate on the Red and White Trails. There is a
steady climb on the Green Trail to Judges Cave. There is a steep climb on the
Regicides Trail over the West Rock Tunnel.
Mileage
|
Direction
|
Trail Name
|
0.00
|
Left
|
Red Trail south from the Lake Wintergreen parking lot
|
0.75
|
Straight
|
Red-White Trail at trail
split:
Red Trail goes left
(In icy conditions, stay
on Red Trail)
|
0.90
|
Straight
|
Red Trail at south end
of Lake Wintergreen
|
1.10
|
Straight
|
Red Trail as it follows
Baldwin Drive (paved): take the lower fork of the curve as it descends
|
1.15
|
Left
|
Red Trail at main entrance
road (paved)
|
1.25
|
Right
|
Red Trail to re-enter
woods
|
1.35
|
Right
|
Green Trail and cross
Regicide Drive (paved road)
|
1.55
|
Bear left
|
Green Trail at Blue
Trail Junction over tunnel
|
2.00
|
Left
|
Paved road (Regicide Drive)
at Judges Cave to visit cave |
2.05
|
U-Turn
|
Paved road at Judges Cave
|
2.10
|
Right
|
Regicides Trail (Blue)
from Judges Cave |
2.15
|
Left
|
Regicides Trail (Blue)
beyond cave:
Green Trail bears right
|
2.55
|
Straight
|
Regicides Trail (Blue) over tunnel and climb steps: Green Trail bears right
|
3.70
|
Right
|
Orange Trail near
overlook of Konolds Pond
(Follow unmarked trail
for 100 feet to enjoy the view, being mindful of the cliff, before returning
to the trail and continuing north.)
|
3.75
|
Straight
|
Orange Trail at Baldwin
Drive (paved)
|
4.00
|
Left
|
White Trail by Lake
Wintergreen
|
4.70
|
Right
|
Gravel road at north end
of Lake Wintergreen
|
4.75
|
End
|
Lake Wintergreen parking
lot
|
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| A toad hops along the Regicides Trail in June 2014. Toads are commonly seen in the woods at West Rock and seem relatively unafraid of hikers.
Longer
Hikes
Red Trail to the
South Overlook;
Return via the
Regicides Trail to Judges Cave
Hike to the South
Overlook on the Red Trail and return on the Regicides Trail (Blue), hiking past
Judges Cave. This loop provides a walk along both sides of Lake Wintergreen.
The terrain is mostly moderate, except the steep climb to the South Overlook on
the Red Trail and the steep descent and climb over the West Rock Tunnel on the
Regicides Trail.
Purple Trail to the
Regicides Trail;
Return on the Red,
Red-White and Red Trails
This hikes provides an
extended walk along the Regicides Trail in the park’s quiet middle and northern
sections with excellent views to the west of Lake Watrous and water company
property in Woodbridge, and Farm Brook Reservoir and Laurel View Country Club
in Hamden to the east. The climb up the ridge on the Purple Trail is moderate.
The Regicides Trail has moderate climbs and descents. The Red and White Trails
offer a flat, easy return south of Mountain Road.
Hikes from Hill Street
Hill Street to
Regicides Trail via Red-White, Red, and Regicides Trails; return via Yellow
Trail, Red, and Red-White
This hike offers a tour of
the park’s most northern section. There are excellent views from the ridge on
the Red Trail toward Laurel View Country Club, and toward the east from the
Regicides Trail of Lake Watrous and water company property. Other than this
climb, the hike is flat to rolling with an easy return via the Red and
Red-White Trails.
*** To make this hike 6.5
miles, stay on the Regicides (Blue) at the Yellow Trail and continue to the
Purple-Orange Trail.
Turn left on the Purple-Orange Trail (mile 3.30), which merges with the Purple Trail midway down the slope, then left on the Red Trail (mile 4.00) and follow the Red Trail to
Mountain Road, picking up the above cues on the Red Trail at the green gate
(mile 6.00).
Hill Street to York
Mountain via Red-White, Red, and Regicides Trails;
return via Quinnipiac
Trail, Brooks Road, Sanford Feeder, West Shepard Ave. and Hill St.
This hike offers a tour of
the park’s most northern section and beyond. There are excellent views from the
ridge on the Red Trail toward Laurel View Country Club, and toward the south
from the Quinnipiac Trail. The climb on the Red Trail to the Regicides Trail is
steady, but manageable. The climb on the Regicides Trail to the Quinnipiac Trail is
steep and rocky and is not recommended in icy conditions. The Sanford Feeder
Trail is a steady climb from Brooks Road up to West Shepard Ave.
Hikes from Westville
These hikes from Westville
feature two different destinations: the South Overlook or Judges Cave.
To reach both
destinations, you have to walk the Regicides Trail in both directions between
Judges Cave and the South Overlook, or walk on the paved road in one direction. Start from the parking lot behind the New Haven Montessori School, 500 Blake St., New Haven, corner of Valley Street.
Westville to South
Overlook:
Westville Feeder,
Regicides, Red, Teal, Teal-White
Westville to Judges
Cave:
Westville Feeder,
Regicides, Green, Red, Teal, and Teal-White
Regicides Trail Thru-Hikes: Three Options
Thru-Hiking the Regicides Trail (South Overlook option)
This hike is almost entirely on the Regicides Trail, plus a brief road walk within the park to reach your car on West Shepard Ave.
Park one car at the South Overlook and the other car by the gate on West Shepard Ave., Hamden As you hike the Blue-Blazed Regicides Trail, you will cross numerous other trails at West Rock, plus cross Baldwin Drive six times. Most of those crossings are not indicated here, but two are noted to provide some mileage checks along the way. The Regicides Trail has moderate climbs and descents. There are two steep sections: crossing the West Rock Tunnel and the final ascent to the Quinnipiac Trail near York Mountain. This climb is not recommended in icy conditions due to the steep terrain.
Thru-Hiking the Regicides Trail (Westville option)
This option allows you to hike all three Blue-Blazed Trails at West Rock in one day.
Park one car behind the New Haven Montessori School, 495 Blake St., New Haven, and the other at the trailhead for the Sanford Feeder, 176 Brooks Road, Bethany. As you hike the Regicides Trail, you will cross numerous other trails at West Rock, plus cross Baldwin Drive six times. Most of those crossings are not indicated here, but two are noted to provide some mileage checks along the way There are two steep sections: crossing the West Rock Tunnel and the final ascent to the Quinnipiac Trail near York Mountain. This climb is not recommended in icy conditions due to the steep terrain.
Regicides Trail-Red Trail Circuit (from Lake Wintergreen)
This option allows you to hike the entire Blue-Blazed Regicides Trail while leaving your car at Lake Wintergreen. Use the Red Trail and the Red-White Trail to complete the circuit. There are two steep sections: crossing the West Rock Tunnel and the final ascent to the Quinnipiac Trail near York Mountain. This climb is not recommended in icy conditions due to the steep terrain. The return along the Red Trail is flat and easy.
|
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Orange fungus called chicken of the woods provides a colorful contrast to a brown and grey log.
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That's some beautiful chicken of the woods in that last shot... tasty stuff!
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