West Rock Ridge State Park

West Rock Ridge State Park is a 1,533-acre park that includes the cities of New Haven, Woodbridge and Hamden, Connecticut. Its name comes from the West Rock Ridge, a traprock basalt ridge formed 200 million years ago by volcanic action, which rises up to 700 feet above sea level. The park is at the apex of the ridge and offers breathtaking views of the city of New Haven and its suburbs. It is said that one can see nearly 200 miles from some locations at the top of the ridge.

Judges' Cave

The star of West Rock Ridge State Park is Judges' Cave, a rock shelter that served as a hideout for two of the “regicide judges” who signed the death warrant against King Charles I of England. In 1660, Edward Whalley and William Goffe, aided in large measure by the New Haven population and its leaders, found this spot a safe retreat from the king's officers and royal bounty hunters until they were put on the run by a panther crying at the mouth of the cave, according to legend. The 7-mile Regicide Trail that runs along the ridgecrest also commemorates this historic event.

Activities

West Rock Ridge State Park offers excellent opportunities for recreation for outdoor lovers. Rock climbing, cross-country skiing, picnicking, dog-walking, camping and photography, as well as fishing and car-top boating on Lake Wintergreen, are just a fraction of the park's recreational uses. Mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed on certain trails. A network of trails gives hikers the opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of the place. Primary among them are the Regicide Trail at the top of the ridge, the Red Trail at the base of the ridge and the White Trail along the shore of Lake Wintergreen.

With its natural beauty and historical landmarks, West Rock Ridge State Park is a Connecticut treasure that no history buff or outdoor lover should miss.