West Rock Vistas

 

Lake Watrous in Woodbridge is framed by fall foliage in this view from a rock face on the Regicides Trail in October 2020.

Whatever you choose to call them: vistas, overlooks, or viewpoints, places from which there is a view are an important characteristic that makes a hiking area worth visiting. 

 

As a trap rock ridge, West Rock certainly has plenty of vistas from which to enjoy the view. These vistas are mostly located on the Blue-Blazed Regicides Trail and the Red Trail. There are two overlooks on the Blue-Blazed Quinnipiac Trail within the confines of West Rock Ridge State Park, along with two viewpoints on the Westville Feeder Trail, and one minor vista on the Purple Trail. State workers cleared two viewpoints on Regicide Drive along the road to the South Overlook in July 2022, views that are shared with the adjacent Regicides Trail, adding to the existing view at the South Overlook.

This list of West Rock’s vistas features more than just viewpoints from high places, and includes views of the four bodies of water in the park: Lake Wintergreen, Farm Brook Reservoir, the Belden Brook Diversion Pond, and the West River. There are also views of the ridge from lower ground.

 

Certainly, one of the best viewpoints in the park is at the end of Regicide Drive at the South Overlook, but the Red Trail can partially claim that one because the southern trailhead for this trail is located at the stone wall. The other top vistas at West Rock are the Regicides Trail over Lake Watrous, the Red Trail over Farm Brook Reservoir, and the Quinnipiac Trail rock face on the slope above Brooks Road.

 

These vistas are all safe to visit with no fear of falling off the edge, provided someone is aware of their surroundings. Some vistas are on open rock faces where it is possible to get too close to the edge and to take a plunge of several hundred feet. Stay away from the edge and they are perfectly safe.

 

This is the list of vistas by location with detailed information below the bulleted list. These hikes are listed to bring people to the vista as quickly as possible from the nearest parking area. The last options include a long hike that covers many of the vistas in one loop, or two shorter options that cover most of the vistas in two loops.

 

Baldwin Drive is mentioned on this list only in connection with the screened viewpoint toward Glen Lake in Woodbridge. Any other wide spot along Baldwin Drive can be presumed to be a place where there once was a vista where the trees have grown back. Most of these former vistas have a better option on the Regicides Trail, which are only a short distance off the road, a tenth of a mile or less of walking. At the bottom of this list of vistas is an essay on the Baldwin Drive overlooks, why they are not cleared any longer, and why that is actually a positive thing for park users.

 

There are three views along Regicide Drive: two at pull-offs on the way to the South Overlook and the South Overlook itself. The pull-offs provide views to the west over New Haven into West Haven and one also looks south over downtown to New Haven Harbor and the Long Island Sound.

 

Downtown New Haven and New Haven Harbor are visible in this view from the South Overlook in  January 2021. Off camera to the left are the Sleeping Giant and East Rock; to the right is West Haven.

 Red Trail

•  At the South Overlook, where the Red Trail meets Regicide Drive, there is a panoramic view over southern Connecticut, ranging from the Sleeping Giant to the east to East Rock, New Haven, the harbor and Long Island Sound to the south, and West Haven to the west
• At two turns in the trail along the steep climb to the South Overlook, one facing north toward Pine Rock and the other facing southeast toward New Haven
• At the northern and southern end of Lake Wintergreen over the lake, and along the top of the dam for Lake Wintergreen, looking toward the lake and ridge (with some of this view from the Red-White Trail)
• The spillway to Lake Wintergreen, likely the location of the historic Wintergreen Falls (not to be confused with the Wintergreen Falls on Wintergreen Avenue at the West Rock Nature Center).
• North of Mountain Road toward Belden Brook Diversion Pond and the ridge
• Off Hill Street over the Field of Dreams toward the ridge with a view in the other direction over Farm Brook Reservoir
• From the top of the ridge over Farm Brook Reservoir and the Field of Dreams, along the length of the ridge toward New Haven.

 

New Haven Harbor, West Haven, and Konolds Pond are all visible from the viewpoint on the Regicides Trail at the west end of the Orange Trail, as seen in March 2020.

Regicides Trail

·      Just north of the South Overlook and the pavilion, there is a rock face slightly off trail protected by a metal railing, with a view south to New Haven and the Harbor, west into West Haven, and somewhat north toward Woodbridge.

·      Adjacent to the two pull-offs on Regicides Drive, a short distance north of the South Overlook; at the first viewpoint when driving up from the entrance, there is a mild view west and north; at the second viewpoint, there is a good view toward New Haven Harbor and a modest view west toward West Haven

·      By the junction with the Orange Trail, south toward New Haven, west over Konolds Pond, and north into Woodbridge

·      Slightly off trail south of the Lake Dawson dam, west to Woodbridge and north to Lake Dawson

·      Slightly off trail on Baldwin Drive, there is a limited view west to Glen Lake

·      At the powerline cut north of Lake Dawson and south of Lake Watrous, there is a view west toward Woodbridge with a partial view of Glen Lake

·      North of Lake Watrous, there is a view west and south

·      Just before the junction with the Quinnipiac Trail on York Mountain (High Rock), there is a view west.

Lake Watrous and Woodbridge are visible in this view from a rock face just off the Quinnipiac Trail, west of the Regicides Trail, as seen in Oct. 2019.

Quinnipiac Trail

·      Midway between the Regicides Trail and Brooks Road on York Mountain (High Rock), slightly off trail is a rock outcrop with a view west and south

·      East of the Regicides Trail over the Laurel View Country Club, also on York Mountain

 

Fall colors frame the ridge in this view of Amrhyn Field from the Westville Feeder Trail, as seen in Oct. 2021.

Westville Feeder Trail

·      The southwest face of the ridge with Amrhyn Field in the foreground

·      The West River from both the footbridge and along the river north of the bridge

 

Purple Trail

·      View east, just past the junction with the Purple-Orange Trail

 

Regicides Drive

·      The South Overlook with its panoramic view of southern Connecticut

·      Two pull-offs on the way to the South Overlook: when driving from the main entrance, the first overlook has a modest view west and north; the second one has a good view of the harbor and toward West Haven

Downtown New Haven is only part of the panoramic view from the South Overlook where the Red Trail meets Regicide Drive, as seen in Sept. 2019.

Trail and Road: Red Trail at Regicide Drive

Location: South Overlook

View toward: There is a truly panoramic view toward the east, south and west. From the left (east), start with the Sleeping Giant, with the distant ridgeline of the ridge, including Tri-Mountain in Wallingford and Totoket Mountain in North Branford, beyond the Giant’s feet. Much closer is East Rock Park, topped by the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. To the right and east of East Rock are downtown New Haven and New Haven Harbor. The channeled section of the West River can be seen approaching the harbor. Near the river is the Yale Bowl and the Westville Music Bowl (formerly the Connecticut Tennis Center). Southern Connecticut State University is near the base of West Rock, along with Amrhyn Field. To the right and west is the city of West Haven, which has a few high points.

Other views along the way: Along the Red Trail, there are two turns in the trail on the steep climb to the South Overlook, one facing west toward Pine Rock and the other facing southeast toward New Haven.

On the Westville Feeder Trail, there is a view of the southwest face of West Rock and the West River.

 

Directions: There are multiple ways to reach the South Overlook, one of which is by car.

Using Regicide Drive (2.5 miles with 300 feet of elevation gain)

From the main entrance at 1134 Wintergreen Avenue, New Haven, follow Regicide Drive, the paved road to the top of the ridge, bearing left at the split where the right fork goes to Judges Cave. Return the way you came.

The road is open to motor vehicles from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to the last Sunday in October, daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For bicycles or walkers, park at the nearby West Rock Nature Center and cut through the parking lot with the chain across it to access Regicide Drive.

From the parking lot behind 495 Blake St., in New Haven, there are two ways to hike to this location. The more gradual approach is to take the Westville Feeder Trail to the Regicides Trail, which also gives some mild views to the west. The steeper and more direct approach is to take the Teal-White Trail to the Teal Trail to the Red Trail.

 

Using the Westville Feeder Trail (2.4 miles with 500 feet of elevation gain)

From the footbridge, turn left and walk along the Blue-Yellow Westville Feeder Trail. This trail provides a look over the West River near the start from the footbridge and along the first part of the trail. Be sure to stop in the field and view the southwest face of the ridge with Amrhyn Field in the foreground.

Follow the trail steadily uphill for 0.7 miles, then turn right on the Blue-Blazed Regicides Trail, heading south for 0.5 miles where there are some screened views to the west over New Haven through the trees. At the end of the Regicides Trail by the pavilion, continue along the road to the stone wall and the vista.

For a shorter return of 1.7 miles, instead of backtracking, follow the Red Trail down from the stone wall, for a steep descent with a set of stone steps at the top. Near the bottom of the descent, continue straight on the unblazed trail (where the Red Trail turns left) for about 200 feet, then turn right on the Teal Trail at 1.4 miles. At the split, turn left to follow the Teal-White Trail back to the ballfield at 1.55 miles (when there is no ball game taking place) and walk across the field back to the footbridge to the parking lot at mile 1.7. The return is only 0.5 miles. If there is a game taking place, bear right to stay on the Teal Trail, then turn left on the Blue-Yellow Westville Feeder Trail with the return totaling 0.9 miles.

 

Using the Teal-White Trail, Teal Trail, and Red Trail (1.2 miles with 200 feet of elevation gain): If the baseball field is not being used, simply cut across the field to access the Teal-White Trail behind the dugout and backstop. Be sure to stop in the field and view the southwest face of the ridge with Amrhyn Field in the foreground.

Follow the Teal-White Trail up the hill, which merges with the Teal Trail at the top of the hill. Continue straight on the Teal Trail for another 0.15 miles. At the junction with two unmarked trails (where the right turn leads out to Springside Avenue), turn left and this trail merges almost immediately with the Red Trail. Continue straight up the steep climb, which has a series of larges stone slabs as steps near the top. Along the way, there are some partial views to the south and east.

If a baseball game or practice is taking place, the best approach is to turn left on the Westville Feeder Trail after the footbridge. In 0.2 miles, turn right on the Teal Trail, following this for 0.4 miles, turning left on the unblazed trail leading to the Red Trail, and following the Red Trail to the South Overlook. The total distance is 0.9 miles.

For a less steep return that is 1.2 miles long, yielding a hike of 2.4 miles, access the Regicides Trail heading north at the stone wall by the pavilion and hike for 0.5 miles, then turn left on the Blue-Yellow Westville Feeder Trail for a steady descent for 0.7 miles back to the footbridge and parking lot.

From the Lake Wintergreen parking lot (5.2 miles with 480 feet of elevation gain): Follow the Red Trail south from the Lake Wintergreen parking lot with its many twists and turns and assorted junctions with other trails and a section along Baldwin Drive, arriving at the South Overlook at 2.6 miles. Retrace your route for a 5.2 mile hike.

Instead of returning the same way, follow the Regicides Trail north for 2.4 miles, then turn right to descend off the ridge on the Blue-White Trail, following this back to the parking lot for 0.6 miles, yielding a 5.6 mile hike with 550 feet of elevation gain.

 

The locations on the Red Trail will be described with the South Overlook as being mile 0.0. Describing locations with mileage from the South Overlook may be a bit confusing for places south of Lake Wintergreen because people are likely to be hiking from other locations, such as Lake Wintergreen.

Pine Rock, Southern Connecticut State University and Mill Rock are all visible from this vista on the slope of the Red Trail midway up the climb to the South Overlook, as seen in July 2018. To the right of Mill Rock is East Rock, which is not seen in this photo, the view is so panoramic.

Trail: Red Trail

Location: At two turns in the trail along the steep climb to the South Overlook, one facing west toward Pine Rock and the other facing southeast toward New Haven, 0.1 miles east of the South Overlook.

View toward: One viewpoint is located at an open rock face just before a slight scramble over a craggy rock. The view is south over the former quarry between the ridge and the Teal Trail, toward Southern Connecticut State University and the Westville section of New Haven.

Further up the trail, there is a rock ledge facing west just before the stone steps begin. This view is toward Sleeping Giant and to the right of the Giant close to West Rock is Pine Rock, a small trap rock formation that has been partially quarried and is now used as the Hamden Transfer Station. To the right of Pine Rock is Southern Connecticut State University and further away is Mill Rock, a rock formation with houses, and East Rock, site of East Rock Park.

There is a parallel bootleg trail along the edge of the former quarry, but staying on the Red Trail is preferred because the bootleg trail is heavily eroded (not that the Red Trail isn’t in this area) and the more use that trail receives, the more it continues to erode. If it were left alone, plants might grow on it, retaining soil. The bootleg trail offers continuous views, but the same views are available at the first overlook on the trail.

Other views along the way: None

Directions: From the turn where the Red Trail ascends steeply upslope to the South Overlook, the open rock face is 0.1 miles further and the rock ledge is 0.2 miles.

 

Fall foliage reflects in the water at the northern end of Lake Wintergreen, as seen in Oct. 2020 in this view from the Red Trail.

 

Trail: Red Trail

Location: The south and north ends, and the west side of Lake Wintergreen

View toward: There are three views of Lake Wintergreen from the Red Trail.

At the southern end of the lake where the Red, Red-White, and White Trails meet, there is a short walk on an unmarked path to the edge of the lake for a view north of the lake, 1.9 miles north of the South Overlook.

At the low point on the Red Trail, there is a short bridge that crosses the spillway to Lake Wintergreen, 2.1 miles north of the South Overlook. The top of the spillway is likely the location of the historic Wintergreen Falls (not to be confused with the Wintergreen Falls on Wintergreen Avenue at the West Rock Nature Center). Even though it has a concrete base, the spillway still somewhat resembles a waterfall.

The best view of the lake is along the top of the dam where most of the lake can be seen, framed by the ridge to the west, 2.3 miles north of the South Overlook. Most of this view is along the Red-White Trail, which starts at the wide area with the railing where people commonly fish.

At the northern end of the lake by the culvert where Wintergreen Brook enters the lake, there is a view of the northern end of the lake, 2.7 miles north of the South Overlook. Only a small section of the lake can be seen from this point because the lake has a narrow section where it turns and any further view south is blocked by trees.

Other views along the way: None

Directions: From the Lake Wintergreen parking lot, walk past the gate down to the edge of the lake by the footbridge for the first view. Then head south on the Red Trail along the lake. The lake comes into view at the Red-White Trail junction, 0.3 miles south of the parking lot. Continue south along the Red Trail where the spillway is visible at bridge at mile 0.5. At the end of the lake where the Red Trail meets the Red-White and White Trails at mile 0.75, turn right onto the wide path to walk about 100 feet down to the lake.

The return could be along the Red-White Trail to the Red Trail to get the full view of the lake and ridge along the top of the dam, yielding a hike of 1.5 miles with 90 feet of elevation gain.

The other option would be to continue onto the White Trail to loop around the entire lake. At mile 1.05, there is another short unmarked path to the edge of the lake for a view of the southern end of the lake. Otherwise, there are no views of the lake along the White Trail. At the northern end of the lake, turn right on the gravel path across the culvert between Wintergreen Brook and Lake Wintergreen for a final view of the lake. The loop is 1.6 miles with 100 feet of elevation gain.

 

 

Trail: Red Trail

Location: North of Mountain Road, 4.3 miles north of the South Overlook.

View toward: Belden Brook Diversion Pond and the ridge; the pond is small, but pleasant and a small section of the ridge can be seen at its far edge. 

Other views along the way: The Red Trail parallels Wintergreen Brook, which comes out of the pond, but honestly the brook is not much to look at because it was channeled into a straight and even canal by the water company that formerly owned the land. There is a farm along both sides of the trail between Mountain Road and the pond.

Directions: From the Lake Wintergreen parking lot, walk past the gate and turn right on the Red Trail heading north, just before the culvert where Wintergreen Brook enters the lake. The Red Trail is a wide woods road until Mountain Road, once a water company access road. At 0.65 miles, the Red Trail, turns left, then right at a culvert where the Red Trail crosses the Purple Trail. At 1.5 miles, continue straight across Mountain Road. The pond is visible at the metal bridge across the spillway at mile 1.65. Returning the same way yields an essentially flat walk of 3.3 miles with 130 feet of elevation gain.

For a more interesting return, after crossing Mountain Road, turn right on the White Trail, which is mostly a foot path, and follow that back to Lake Wintergreen, briefly overlapping the Purple Trail at 2.9 miles. At Lake Wintergreen, turn left on the gravel road and follow that back to the parking lot. There are some mild hills on the White Trail, resulting in a 3.6 mile walk with 200 feet of elevation gain. 

Trail: Red Trail

Location: At the edge of the Field of Dreams by Farm Brook Reservoir, north of Mountain Road and south of Hill Street, 6.0 miles north of the South Overlook.

View toward: Off Hill Street over the Field of Dreams toward the ridge with a view in the other direction over Farm Brook Reservoir

Other views along the way: There are screened views of Farm Brook Reservoir within the woods.

Directions: From the Hill Street parking lot, follow the Red-White Trail across the field and into the woods. Just before the larger field at mile 0.1, turn left on the Red Trail and follow that in the woods near the edge of the field. The trail briefly enters the field before coming to a wide gravel road by the Farm Brook Reservoir dam at 0.4 miles. This essentially flat hike of 0.8 miles has 40 feet of elevation gain.

The vista to the ridge opens up to the right, as one hikes along the gravel road. Taking the left over the Farm Brook Reservoir dam provides views of this flood control pond. The dam is not a trail and access to Hill Street is blocked by private propethe yards of houses.

Someone is likely doing this as part of a longer hike. To extend this walk, backtrack on the Red Trail and follow that up to the vista over the reservoir and field as detailed below.

East Rock and downtown New Haven in the distance, and Farm Brook Reservoir and the Field of Dreams are among the views seen in June 2018, from the overlook on the Red Trail just before its northern terminus with the Regicides Trail.

Trail: Red Trail

Location: The top of the ridge over Farm Brook Reservoir and the Field of Dreams, 6.6 miles north of the South Overlook.

View toward: From the top of the ridge over Farm Brook Reservoir, this is one of the few vistas along the east side of the ridge. Straight ahead is the field and beyond that is Farm Brook Reservoir and Laurel View Country Club, which is a golf course. Further in the distance is East Rock, downtown New Haven, and New Haven Harbor. To the right, one can see along the entire length of the West Rock Ridge toward New Haven, including the dip by the West Rock Tunnel near the two large antennas.

Other views along the way: As someone ascends from the field, there are glimpses of this view, which are partially screened by the trees.

Directions: From the Hill Street parking lot, follow the Red-White Trail across the field and into the woods. Just before the larger field at mile 0.1, turn right on the Red Trail and follow that up the ridge, twice crossing the Red-White Trail. The open ledge appears 0.5 miles from the parking lot, a short distance before the Red Trail ends at the Regicides Trail.

 

 

Downtown New Haven, the harbor and Long Island Sound are among the views seen from the rock face, just off the Regicides Trail, about 200 feet north of the stone wall by the pavilion at the South Overlook. There are views to the west and north not seen in this photo taken in Aug. 2022.

Trail: Regicides Trail

Location: Rock face, 200 feet north of the South Overlook, just past the pavilion

View toward: There is an impressive view south over Amrhyn Field toward downtown New Haven and the Harbor, west over the city into West Haven, and north toward Woodbridge.

Other views along the way: The South Overlook

Directions: From the pavilion at the South Overlook, head north on the Regicides Trail, and just past the pavilion, descend a short, unmarked rocky path off the trail to a rock face protected by a metal railing. This trail section is likely to be part of a longer hike, such as a loop from Westville or Lake Wintergreen.

 

A limited view to New Haven Harbor is visible from the pull-off on Regicide Drive closer to the South Overlook in this photo taken in Aug. 2022.

Trail: Regicides Trail

Location: By two pull-offs on Regicides Drive, 0.12 and 0.19 miles north of the South Overlook, where the road and trail are only separated by a stone wall

View toward: The viewpoint at mile 0.12 has a good view toward New Haven Harbor and a modest view west toward West Haven; the viewpoint at mile 0.19 has a mild view west and north.

For those on the trail, these locations offer a more limited view of what they just saw at the vista with the railing (if headed north or will soon see if headed south). The views are slightly better from the road since it is maybe 10 feet higher than the trail. Since the view from the rock face by the pavilion is so much more interesting, there is little benefit to leaving the trail to walk up to the road.

Other views along the way: The view off-trail, just north of the pavilion, if heading south. When headed north, the trail moves away from the edge of the ridge, offering no views, but the traffic noise from the city fades.

Directions: From the pavilion at the South Overlook, head north on the Regicides Trail. The views appear as you are hiking with the stone wall by the road to the right, 0.12 and 0.19 miles from the South Overlook. This trail section is likely to be part of a longer hike, such as a loop from Westville or Lake Wintergreen.

 

Konolds Pond in Woodbridge lies directly to the west of the overlook at the junction of the Regicides and Orange Trails, as seen in March 2020. This visita includes views to the south to New Haven and to the north into Woodbridge.

Trail: Regicides Trail

Location: By the junction with the Orange Trail, 1.8 miles north of the South Overlook

View toward: With a view south toward New Haven, west over Konolds Pond, and north into Woodbridge, this is an impressive vista right at the edge of a quarried section of the ridge. Be very careful at this location because the edge is abrupt and in one location there is a cut-out, putting the opening even closer to the rock ledge.

There is a bootleg trail right along the edge of this quarry south of the Orange Trail, but the views are the same as from the Orange Trail. Since the trail is not safe to walk due to its proximity to the edge and it is not an official trail, this is the only information provided here about that trail.

Other views along the way: There are view of Lake Wintergreen and the ridge from the Red Trail. Someone making this a loop hike by continuing north on the Regicides Trail will have some additional limited, screened views west toward Woodbridge.

Directions: From the Lake Wintergreen parking lot, turn left to head south along the Red Trail. At mile 0.35, bear right onto the Red-White Trail. At the base of the lake where the Red Trail turns left to continue south, turn right at mile 0.75 on the White Trail and at the turn in the trail at mile 0.8, turn left to ascend the Orange Trail to the top of the ridge. Orange merges with the Blue-Blazed Regicides Trail just before they cross Baldwin Drive. The viewpoint is located a short distance after crossing Baldwin Drive, just past the end of the Orange Trail at mile 1.05 of your hike with a total elevation gain of 200 feet.

To make this a loop hike, continue north on the Regicides Trail until mile 1.7, then turn right on the Blue-White Trail, crossing Baldwin Drive, then passing the fenced area with the water tank, ending along the gravel road portion of the trail, descending back to Lake Wintergreen for a total hike of 2.3 miles with 270 feet of elevation gain.

 

Lake Dawson can be seen from a rock face near the Regicides Trail, as seen in January 2020.

 

Trail: Regicides Trail

Location: This vista is accessed by descending about 75 feet off the trail onto an open rock face, slightly off trail south of the Lake Dawson dam, 2.9 miles north of the South Overlook. Be cautious about not wandering too close to the edge.

View toward: The view is west and south into Woodbridge over the watershed land and north to the southern portion of Lake Dawson. Few houses are visible, even on the residential portion west of Route 69.

Other views along the way: When hiking from Lake Wintergreen, there are views of the lake.

Directions: From the Lake Wintergreen parking lot, descend the hill, crossing the culvert by the lake and continue along the gravel road on the Blue-White Trail. At the fence for the water tank, turn left on the Blue-White Trail where it narrows to a footpath at mile 0.40 and steeply ascend to Baldwin Drive. Cross the road, and turn right on the Regicides Trail heading north at mile 0.60. The viewpoint is just before the Lake Dawson dam at mile 1.1.

To make this a loop hike, continue north on the Regicides Trail, turning right on the Purple-Orange Trail at mile 1.3. Turn right on Baldwin Drive at mile 1.40, and a short distance later, turn left to stay on Purple-Orange at mile 1.45. At the end of the Purple-Orange Trail at mile 1.55, turn left on the Purple Trail for the vista to the east, and then return to the Purple Trail to descend from the ridge. Continue straight on the Purple-White Trail at mile 1.75 (where the Purple Trail turns left), then turn right on the White Trail at mile 1.90 to return to Lake Wintergreen. At the Blue-White Trail start, turn left on the gravel road at mile 2.30 to return to the parking lot. This 2.4 mile loop has 320 feet of elevation gain.

 

 

Trail: Regicides Trail / Baldwin Drive

Location: Along Baldwin Drive there is a wide area to the west where the Regicides Trail crosses, 3.5 miles north of the South Overlook.

View toward: There is a limited view west over the northern end of Lake Dawson to Glen Lake.

Other views along the way: There are screened views to the west through the trees. If doing the full loop, this passes another vista on the Purple Trail.

Directions: From the Lake Wintergreen parking lot, follow the notes for the Lake Dawson vista, but instead of turning back on the Purple-Orange Trail continue north until mile 1.60. The Regicides Trail crosses this wide paved area. At this area, turn left to follow the pavement to the edge of this area for the screened view to Glen Lake in Woodbridge.

To return to Lake Wintergreen, cross Baldwin Drive to the Purple Trail and follow this trail south and east. At mile 2.0, just before the Purple-Orange Trail, there is a modest vista toward the east with views toward Hamden. Just past the vista, turn left on the Purple Trail (where the Purple-Orange Trail is on the right). At mile 2.25, continue straight on the Purple-White Trail where Purple turns left. Turn right on the White Trail at mile 2.40 to return to Lake Wintergreen. At the Blue-White Trail start, turn left on the gravel road at mile 2.80 to return to the parking lot. This 2.9 mile loop has 340 feet of elevation gain.

 

 

There is a limited view west from the Regicides Trail where it crosses a powerline cut north of Lake Dawson, as seen in Jan. 2017.

Trail: Regicides Trail

Location: The powerline cut, north of Lake Dawson and south of Lake Watrous, 3.9 miles north of the South Overlook.

View toward: There is a modest view to the west into Woodbridge to the next ridgeline with a partial view of Glen Lake. The view is marred by the overhead powerlines.

Other views along the way: The Lake Dawson view is to the south at mile 2.9 and the Lake Watrous view is to the north at mile 5.4.

Directions: Incorporate this view into a longer hike on the Regicide Trail. It is not worth seeking out on its own.

 

 

West Rock Ridge and Lake Watrous are among the views from the Regicides Trail north of Lake Watrous, as seen in Oct. 2014.

Trail: Regicides Trail

Location: North of Lake Watrous, 5.4 miles north of the South Overlook.

View toward: There is a panoramic view south toward the middle part of the ridge and over Lake Watrous, west over the watershed into Woodbridge, and north toward Bethany. This view is almost all wooded with few houses visible on the west side of Route 69.

Other views along the way: Following the loop as detailed here, one passes by the Farm Brook Reservoir overlook on the Red Trail, and the vista over the Field of Dreams and the reservoir.

Directions: From the Hill Street parking lot, follow the Red-White Trail across the field and into the woods. Just before the larger field at mile 0.1, turn right on the Red Trail and follow that up the ridge, twice crossing the Red-White Trail. The open ledge across the Field of Dreams and the Farm Brook Reservoir appears 0.5 miles from the parking lot.

After enjoying the vista, continue on the Red Trail, then turn left on the Regicides Trail at 0.55 miles. Cross Baldwin Drive at 0.8 miles on the Regicides Trail. Arrive at the Lake Watrous overlook at 1.1 miles. One option is to backtrack, yielding a 2.2 mile hike with 350 feet of elevation gain.

To make this a loop, descend the hill on the Regicides Trail, briefly following Baldwin Drive at 1.15 miles, before turning left onto the trail. The trail again crosses Baldwin Drive at 1.6 miles. Turn left at 1.8 miles on the Yellow Trail to descend off the ridge. Turn left on Baldwin Drive at 1.9 miles where the Yellow Trail follows the road, then turn right at mile 2.0 to follow the Yellow Trail down from the ridge. At mile 2.3, turn left to follow the Yellow Trail along Mountain Road, which is a quiet road, but be aware of the occasional car and the limited sightlines. At mile 2.65, turn left on the Red Trail by the gate and follow this gravel road. At mile 3.4, the trail comes to the Farm Brook Reservoir dam. For the full view of the pond, turn right to follow the unblazed path across the top of the dam, and then return to this spot to follow the Red Trail along the edge of the pond. At mile 3.65, turn right on the Red-White Trail and follow this back to the parking area. This 3.8 mile loop has 500 feet of elevation gain.

 

 

Trail: Regicides Trail

Location: Just before the junction with the Quinnipiac Trail on York Mountain (High Rock), 6.7 miles north of the South Overlook.

View toward: There is a limited view west and north. This viewpoint is limited enough that is it not worth going out of the way to see it, but is easily included as part of a longer hike, such as to the impressive Quinnipiac Trail vista listed below.

Other views along the way: None

Directions: Park by the gate on West Shepard Avenue at the junction with Rayzoe Terrace. Walk up the road past the gate and continue straight on the gravel road at mile 0.25 where the road turns left and is blocked by a berm. At mile 0.30, turn right on the Regicides Trail where it meets the Sanford Feeder Trail. After descending through a low spot, the Regicides Trail climbs steeply through a series of switchbacks. The viewpoint is on the left at the top of the last switchback at mile 0.5. The 1.0 mile out and back hike has 170 feet of elevation gain.

 

 

Fall colors in Woodbridge in Oct. 2014 are among the views from the Quinnipiac Trail vista west of the Regicides Trail.

 

Trail: Quinnipiac Trail

Location: This rock outcrop is west of the Regicides Trail and slightly off trail, shortly before the Quinnipiac Trail begins its descent to Brooks Road, on York Mountain (High Rock)

View toward: There is view west and south and a partial view to the east. In the east, East Rock, downtown New Haven and the harbor are visible. To the south a higher section of West Rock Ridge dominates the view and to the southwest, there is a partial view of Lake Watrous, framed by the woods of water company land. To the west is Woodridge and Bethany, including the next ridgeline with only a few houses visible.

Other views along the way: There is a limited view south and west from the Regicides Trail, just before the junction with the Quinnipiac Trail.

Directions: Park by the gate on West Shepard Avenue at the junction with Rayzoe Terrace. Walk up the road past the gate and continue straight on the gravel road at mile 0.25 where the road turns left and is blocked by a berm. At mile 0.30, turn right on the Regicides Trail where it meets the Sanford Feeder Trail. After descending through a low spot, the Regicides Trail climbs steeply through a series of switchbacks. The Regicides Trail viewpoint is on the left at the top of the last switchback at mile 0.5.

Continue past the switchback and turn left on the Blue-Blazed Quinnipiac Trail at mile 0.55. The rock outcrop is slightly off the trail where it turns at mile 1.15. After enjoying the view, turn right on the Quinnipiac Trail to return the way you came. To see the other Quinnipiac Trail vista (described below), continue past the Regicides Trail at mile 1.8, arriving at the screened view at 2.15 miles. Return by turning left and descending on the Regicides Trail, then left on the gravel road where the Sanford-Feeder Trail is on the right. Continue straight on the paved West Shepard Avenue to return to the road by the gate. This full loop is 3 miles with 400 feet of climbing.

 

 

Trail: Quinnipiac Trail

Location: East of the Regicides Trail, midway to Paradise Avenue, on York Mountain (High Rock)

View toward: There is a screened view south over the Laurel View Country Club, which is a golf course. Since the view is limited, this is best enjoyed as part of hike to other vistas. In particular, first stop at the vista 0.6 miles west of the Regicides Trail, then hike east to see this viewpoint.

Other views along the way: There is a limited view south and west from the Regicides Trail, just before the junction with the Quinnipiac Trail, as noted above.

Directions: Park by the gate on West Shepard Avenue at the junction with Rayzoe Terrace. Walk up the road past the gate and continue straight on the gravel road at mile 0.25 where the road turns left and is blocked by a berm. At mile 0.30, turn right on the Regicides Trail where it meets the Sanford Feeder Trail. After descending through a low spot, the Regicides Trail climbs steeply through a series of switchbacks. The Regicides Trail viewpoint is on the left at the top of the last switchback at mile 0.5.

Continue past the view and turn right on the Blue-Blazed Quinnipiac Trail at mile 0.55. The vista can be seen at mile 0.90. Backtrack the way you came, yielding a 3-mile hike with 300 feet of climbing.

 

 

The West River parallels the Westville Feeder Trail, as seen in July 2011.

Trail: Westville Feeder Trail

Location: Amrhyn Field and the West River in the Westville section of New Haven

View toward: One is the southwest face of the ridge with Amrhyn Field in the foreground and the other is the West River from both the footbridge and along the river north of the bridge.

Other views along the way: None

Directions: From the parking lot behind 495 Blake Street, walk onto the footbridge for the vista of the river. After crossing the bridge, enjoy the view of the southwest face of West Rock. Turn left on the Westville Feeder Trail and walk a tenth of a mile for further views of the river. An unblazed trail continues a short distance along the river where the Westville Feeder Trail bears right and ascends the ridge. This walk is short (about 0.2 miles) and essentially flat.

 

 

A limited view east over Hamden is visible in March 2020 from the Purple Trail, just north of its junction with the Purple-Orange Trail.

Trail: Purple Trail

Location: 100 feet north of the junction with the Purple-Orange Trail, 1 mile north of Lake Wintergreen

View toward: From a partially open rock face, there is a screened view east toward Hamden with a rock ledge in the foreground. Since the view is limited, this is definitely one vista that is not worth making a special effort to visit and is best seen as part of a longer hike.

Other views along the way: The view over the northern cove of Lake Wintergreen

Directions: From the parking area, descend the hill and turn right on the White Trail heading north. Where the White Trail turns right and the Purple Trail turns left at mile 0.70, follow the Purple Trail up the ridge. After the switchback section of the Purple Trail, continue straight on Purple where the Purple-Orange Trail goes left at mile 1.0. The viewpoint is on the right about 100 feet past the junction.

To return to the start, a hiker could backtrack this route. Alternatively, after descending on the Purple Trail, continue past the White Trail, then turn right on the Red Trail heading south at mile 1.45. At Lake Wintergreen, turn left to return to the parking lot. The 2.15 mile hike has 210 feet of elevation gain.

 

A limited view west toward New Haven and West Haven is visible over the Regicides Trail from the first pull-off encountered when using Regicide Drive headed to the South Overlook.

Trail: Regicide Drive

Location: There are three vistas along Regicide Drive, the road used to access Judges Cave and the South Overlook. When driving, bicycling, or walking up the road, there are two pull-offs on the right after turning left toward the South Overlook, and then there is the overlook at the end of the road. 

The first pull-off is 1.20 miles from the entrance and the second is 1.25 miles from the entrance, both about a third of a mile past the left turn where the road splits. The South Overlook is 1.4 miles from the entrance.

The road is open to motor vehicles daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to the last Sunday in October. Bicyclists and walkers can use the road year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset.

View toward: The viewpoint at mile 1.05 has a good view toward New Haven Harbor and a modest view west toward West Haven; the viewpoint at mile 1.15 has a mild view west and north. There is one picnic table at each pull-off for those who wish to sit for a time to take in the view.

For a better view than these two combined, walk from the South Overlook north on the Regicides Drive for 200 feet, and descend the short, rocky path to the rock face. This is fully described under Regicides Trail.

The view at the South Overlook is a truly panoramic view toward the east, south and west. From the left (east), start with the Sleeping Giant, with the distant ridgeline of the ridge, including Tri-Mountain in Wallingford and Totoket Mountain in North Branford, beyond the Giant’s feet. Much closer is East Rock Park, topped by the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. To the right and east of East Rock are downtown New Haven and New Haven Harbor. The channeled section of the West River can be seen approaching the harbor. Near the river is the Yale Bowl and the Westville Music Bowl (formerly the Connecticut Tennis Center). Southern Connecticut State University is near the base of West Rock, along with Amrhyn Field. To the right and west is the city of West Haven, which has a few high points.

Other views along the way: The two pull-offs, as described above.

Directions: From the main entrance at 1184 Wintergreen Ave., drive up Regicide Drive, turning left where the gated access to Baldwin Drive is on the right. At the split where right leads to Judges Cave at mile 0.90, turn left. The pull-offs are on the right, about a third of a mile past the spilt. There is room to park a few cars at each pull-off. The drive has 140 feet of elevation gain, a number that is meaningful to those who bicycle or walk the road.

 

 

West Rock Ridge and Lake Watrous can be seen from this vista on the Regicides Trail north of the lake, as seen in Feb. 2022.

Longer Hiking Options to See Multiple Vistas

Three options are presented here. The first is a 12.5 mile hike to see most of the view points. The others are a 7.4 mile hike to visit the viewpoints in the southern part of the park and the other is a 6.3 mile hike to access the vistas in the northern part of the park.

 

Grand Tour of Most Vistas

This 12.5-mile grand tour with 1,100 feet of elevation gain covers most of the vistas. This loop misses only the view on the Purple Trail, the view from York Mountain on the Regicides and Quinnipiac Trails, and the viewpoints on the Westville Feeder Trail.

 

Follow the Red Trail south from the Lake Wintergreen parking lot with the first vista at mile 0.30 from the top of the dam over the lake to the ridge. Continue along the Red Trail with its many twists and turns and assorted junctions with other trails and a section along Baldwin Drive, arriving at the South Overlook at 2.6 miles. Hike north on the Regicides Trail, starting at the stone wall by the pavilion. The rock face viewpoint is at mile 2.7. The two mild viewpoints by the Regicide Drive pull-offs are 2.8 and 2.85 miles from the stone wall. The Konolds Pond overlook is at mile 4.5. The Lake Dawson vista is at mile 5.6. The powerline cut view is at mile 6.65. The Lake Watrous viewpoint is at mile 8.1. At mile 8.5 turn right on the Red Trail, arriving at the Farm Brook Reservoir vista at mile 8.6. Continue on the Red Trail and descend off the ridge, passing the Field of Dreams and Farm Brook Reservoir vistas at mile 9.2. Follow the Red Trail back to the parking lot, stopping to see the northern section of Lake Wintergreen at mile 12.5.

 

The following two options split this hike into two more manageable excursions.

 

West Rock Southern Vistas

This 7.4-mile hike with 725 feet of elevation gain includes most of the southern vistas including the South Overlook, the Konolds Pond and Lake Dawson overlooks, up to the Glen Lake screened view, and also adds the minor viewpoint on the Purple Trail.

Follow the Red Trail south from the Lake Wintergreen parking lot with the first vista at mile 0.30 from the top of the dam over the lake to the ridge. Continue along the Red Trail with its many twists and turns and assorted junctions with other trails and a section along Baldwin Drive, arriving at the South Overlook at 2.6 miles. Hike north on the Regicides Trail, starting at the stone wall by the pavilion. The rock face viewpoint is at mile 2.7. The two mild viewpoints by the Regicide Drive pull-offs are 2.8 and 2.85 miles from the stone wall.  The Konolds Pond overlook is at mile 4.5. The Lake Dawson vista is at mile 5.6. The screened view of Glen Lake is at mile 6.15.

From the Glen Lake vista, walk to the east side of Baldwin Drive from that paved pull-off and head south on the Purple Trail, passing the minor view to the west at mile 6.55. Continue straight on the Purple-White Trail at mile 6.75, then turn right on the White Trail at mile 6.90. Turn left on the gravel road (where the Blue-White Trail is on the right) at mile 7.30 and pass the view of the northern end of Lake Wintergreen before returning to the parking lot.

 

West Rock Northern Vistas

This 6.3-mile hike with 800 feet of elevation gain includes most of the northern vistas, including the Lake Watrous overlook, the view from the Regicides Trail on York Mountain, the Quinnipiac Trail view from the open ledge, and the views of the Field of Dreams and the Farm Brook Reservoir.

Follow the Red-White Trail across the field from the Hill Street parking lot. In 0.15 miles, turn left on the Red Trail, heading south. At mile 0.40, enjoy the view west over the Field of Dreams to the ridge and northeast over Farm Brook Reservoir before following the gravel road portion of the Red Trail heading south. At mile 1.1, turn right on Mountain Road (open to traffic), following the Yellow blazes where the Red Trail turns left. At mile 1.45, turn right on the Yellow Trail into the woods and ascend the ridge. At Baldwin Drive at mile 1.80, turn left for a short distance south to follow the Yellow Trail, then turn right on the Yellow Trail, which meets the Regicides Trail at mile 1.95.

Turn right on the Regicides Trail heading north. After crossing Baldwin Drive the second time, the Lake Watrous overlook is on the left at mile 2.65. Cross Baldwin Drive again and soon arrive at the Red Trail at mile 3.2. Turn right on the Red Trail, arriving at the overlook for the Field of Dreams and Farm Brook Reservoir at mile 3.3.

Return to the Regicides Trail and turn right to head north at mile 3.4. Cross the Sanford Feeder Trail at mile 3.9 and soon ascend York Mountain. The view to the west is at mile 4.1, just before the junction with the Quinnipiac Trail. Turn left on the Quinnipiac Trail at mile 4.2, arriving at the rock ledge with its excellent vista at mile 4.75. 

From this vista, turn right on the Quinnipiac Trail, then right on the Regicides Trail at mile 5.35. Turn left on the gravel road (where the Sanford Feeder Trail is on the right) at mile 5.60. Continue straight on the paved West Shepard Avenue at mile 5.7. The road is open to traffic past the gate at mile 5.9. Turn right on Hill Street at mile 6.1, returning to the parking lot at mile 6.25.

 

 

Bicycle Access to the Vistas

South Overlook

The South Overlook is simple to access by bicycle because it is along a road. The climb is steady from the entrance, but never especially steep. Along the way, there are the two viewpoints from the pull-offs just before the South Overlook.

 

Regicides Trail

Some of the vistas along the Regicides Trail are close enough to the road that they can easily be accessed by bicycle, even though the trail is foot traffic only. A cyclist could either lock their bicycle to a tree and walk the short distance, or push the bicycle along the trail to access the viewpoint. Please do not bicycle on the Regicides Trail, which is closed to bicycles, as are most Blue-Blazed Trails, because the thin soils are easily eroded, particularly in steep sections.

For the viewpoint on the rock face, just north of the pavilion, it is only 200 feet to walk the bike along the trail. The viewpoints by the pull-offs are better scene from the road than the trail and certainly easier to access from the road.

For the viewpoints off Baldwin Drive, the Konolds Pond overlook is reached from the west side of the road where the Orange and Regicides Trail crosses the road. Simply walk the short distance up the slope to the viewpoint.

The Lake Dawson vista is accessed from a wide spot on the west side of the road where a large glacial erratic is visible from the road. Turn left on the trail from the road, descend a short, steep slope, and the open rock face is on the right.

The Lake Watrous vista is accessed where the Regicides Trail crosses from west to east. Walk up the moderate slope on the west side of the road about a tenth of a mile. The vista appears where the trail turns right to head north.

 

Southern Connecticut State University in the foreground and East Rock Park in the background are among the views from this rock slab midway up the climb to the South Overlook, as seen in Feb. 2015. This section of trail is nearly impossible to bicycle.

Red Trail

Although the Red Trail is officially open to bicycles for its entire length, the southern and northern ends are steep and challenging enough that bicycling is not advised in these locations. The last quarter mile of the Red Trail ascending to the South Overlook is quite steep, heavily eroded, and has a series of stone steps that make it nearly impossible to bicycle. The easier access is to bicycle up Regicide Drive from the main entrance.

The last quarter mile ascending to the Farm Brook Reservoir viewpoint is steep with sharp switchbacks, making it difficult to bicycle, and bicycling is not advised due to the erosion would cause on the dirt portions of the trail. The better option is to leave the bicycle in the car or lock it to the guardrail at the Hill Street parking lot and walk up the trail.

The other vistas are readily accessible along the trail: by Lake Wintergreen, the Belden Brook Diversion Pond, and the Field of Dreams and Farm Brook Reservoir.

 

Westville Feeder Trail

As a Blue-Blazed Trail, the Westville Feeder is not open to bicycles. However, the views of the southwest face of the ridge with Amrhyn Field in the foreground and the West River are easily seen by leaving the bicycle in the car in the Blake Street parking lot, and walking the short distance along the trail for the two vistas as described in the section on the Westville Feeder.

 

Trees block the view east from Baldwin Drive, four miles north of the main entrance, in March 2020, at the location of a wide spot in the road, presumably once an overlook, but now heavily overgrown with invasive plant species, much of which have been cut back by volunteers in multiple work events.

 

Restoration of Baldwin Drive Former Overlooks Suggested

In 2018, I was contacted by a Woodbridge resident who was interested in seeing the historic Baldwin Drive overlooks restored by cutting back the trees that have grown since the road was constructed in the 1930s.

This idea did not receive support from any organization associated with the park, including the park supervisor, the West Rock Ridge Park Association, and the West Rock Advisory Council. The state does not even have the staffing to mow the fields at West Rock, let alone cut and maintain vistas along Baldwin Drive. The state does periodically cut back the viewpoint at the South Overlook on Regicide Drive.

In July 2022, state workers cut open the two viewpoints by the pull-offs on Regicide Drive, just before the South Overlook. This work reinforced the concerns I raise in this essay about the negative aspects outweighing the view the clearing created.

 

In analyzing the concept, I came up with the following thoughts and reflections.

 

Factors to Consider:

The original overlooks were intended with cars in mind, but the road has been closed to vehicle traffic since 1982.

Any effort to cut down and prune native trees and shrubs would be better spent on removing invasive plant species.

This proposal should be given a thoughtful and thorough review by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the West Rock Ridge State Park Advisory Council, and the West Rock Ridge Park Association.

The following overlooks exist near the Regicides Trail a short walk off Baldwin Drive:

• Konolds Pond
• Lake Dawson Dam
• Powerline clearcut
• North side of Lake Watrous
• Farm Brook Reservoir

 

I did not include the South Overlook because that is off Regicide Drive, which has seasonal motor vehicle access, and offers a unique view not available anywhere else.

 

Reflection Questions:

·      What records are accessible to indicate the locations and sizes of these overlooks?

·      Would the park user benefit from having one or more of these overlooks pruned open?

·      Are all overlooks worth restoring, i.e., are the views in 2018 (at the time I wrote this reflection) as desirable as those in 1938?

·      If pruning takes place, how wide and deep should the pruning be?

·      How much work is involved in clearing and then maintaining these overlooks?

 

Park records

·      In reading through 100 years of park records, I could find no listing of any of the Baldwin Drive overlooks. One can easily infer that the wide sections of Baldwin Drive were created to give cars a place to park and enjoy the view.

 

What modern views exist and are they worth restoring?

·      There has been considerable development in the area around West Rock since the 1930s, both residential and commercial. The views are likely less wooded than in 1938.

 

How much pruning is involved and how much work is required to maintain these overlooks?

·      I do not have a specific answer to this question, but it would likely involve cutting down many trees, some of which may date back to the 1930s. Work would be required every few years to cut what grows in the cleared area.

 

Benefits (ecological and park user experience):

·      With additional light in the forest, there may be more blooming of mountain laurel, and more production of blueberries and huckleberries.

·      Snakes will have more areas in which to sun themselves.

·      In one or more cases, walkers and cyclists on Baldwin Drive will have enjoyable views they do not currently have.

 

Drawbacks (ecological):

·      Trees and shrubs will be killed, or severely cut back.

·      Wide areas along the road where overlooks presumably once existed are currently a wall of invasive plants: autumn olive, multi-flora rose, winged euonymus, Japanese barberry, Asiatic bittersweet vines, and Japanese honeysuckle vines; Japanese knotweed represents a serious habitat threat to West Rock Ridge and is attempting to establish itself. Any cutting back of native plants gives a boost to invasive plants, which typically benefit from full sunlight.

·      The loss of shade means the ridge will be hotter and drier. What effect might this have on the ecosystem?

·      With a hotter and drier ridge, and fuel from the cut trees and shrubs, there is a greater risk of wildfires.

·      Removal of trees and shrubs could have a negative effect on animals that use these areas as a habitat.

·      Loss of trees and shrubs means less carbon storage.

 

Drawbacks (park experience):

·      Cutting back trees means that some areas along Baldwin Drive and the Regicides Trail will no longer be shaded, heating up the road and trail and its users, making walking and cycling (road only) less comfortable in warmer weather.

·      Baldwin Drive will be more visible from the Regicides Trail.

 

A patch of highly invasive privet has displaced most native plants at this viewpoint from the Regicides Trail from the first pull-off of Baldwin Drive when coming from the main entrance in Aug. 2022. Even when cut to the ground on a yearly basis, this patch aggressively resprouts and reclaims the area.

Discussion of the July 2022 Clearing Along Regicide Drive

In July 2022, state park workers cleared the viewpoints from the two pull-offs along Regicide Drive, on the way to the South Overlook. While park visitors now have a view they previously did not have, there are definite drawbacks to this change. I was pruning back and reblazing the Regicides Trail on a sunny, hot summer day in August 2022, shortly after the clearing had taken place.

The sound of traffic coming up from the city, particularly the roar of motorcycles was quite loud and intrusive. The sun was baking the area, further drying out the soil on an already dry ridge. I was uncomfortably warm from the merciless rays of the sun and stepping into the nearby shade just down the trail was a tremendous difference with regards to comfort. There are already has too many invasive plants, particularly a patch of privet west of the trail that I cut back every year, and vines that grow up along the stonewalls. In any cleared area like this, the invasives will aggressively return, needing to be cut on a regular basis, while the native plants will rebound much more slowly.

A better view already exists on the Regicides Trail a short distance away, just north of the pavilion. The main beneficiary is people with mobility issues who are unable to walk down to this Regicides Trail vista. Most of the view is already available to them at the South Overlook, excepting the view west over New Haven, which is not especially interesting.

 

 

Chart of Potential Baldwin Drive Overlooks

Mileage starts at the Baldwin Drive gate near the main entrance on Wintergreen Ave.

 

West Side	East Side	Description
	1.3	Wide area on east side, between Konolds Pond and Lake Wintergreen, toward Lake Wintergreen
2.0		Wide area on west side, south of Lake Dawson, toward the base of the lake and the water company land to the south
2.7		Semi-circle parking area on west side, opposite Glen Lake
3.1		Powerline cut: no real view from the road due to the terrain
	4.0	Wide area on east side at the midpoint of Lake Watrous, toward Autumn Ridge Road
	4.6	Wide area on east side north of Lake Watrous, in the direction of Farm Brook Reservoir