Explore the most popular trails near New Haven with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
Great activity to burn a half day when in New Haven. Absolutely stunning views during autumn. After our hike we did some scenic driving which I recommend for anyone with some extra time who appreciates the color change. We visited some parks that had better views within an hours driving distance, but if you are in New Haven and looking for something close I highly recommend.
Start on the switchbacks and continue onto the stairs when you see them. Great workout ... they say there are 286 steps to the top ... some of the steps are steep and not always a railing to hold. If you have anxiety about being on the edge of steep cliffs ... it will start churning in your belly... but trust me ... the view up top of New Haven and Long Island Sound (and the gluts workout) is as absolutely worth it! Pack a lunch as there are plenty of picnic tables up top.
Awesome trail, loved every bit of it. Very scenic view of the elm city especially when you get to the top.
Great afternoon hike. Not terribly difficult, but the initial descent is pretty steep and rocky and has a fair amount of human trash. Be ready for lots of rocks, but the views and flowers and lack of people on the trail are worth it. There are places where the markers aren't great (especially when changing blazes) but overall a well-marked hike.
Great trail. Very easy hike. The blazes are a little difficult to find but still enjoyable
Enjoyable little hike, great for any fitness level. Wished the trails were a little better marked.
Great little hike, right on the outskirts of town. If you want the easier hike, go left at the bridge so you can take the switchbacks up, then go down the stairs. Going up them definitely would push this into a moderate hike and not one for the faint-of-heart or the out of shape.
Great trail enjoyed moderate in spots but easy overall
krista l. on Regicides Trail
Great afternoon hike! Took us about 2.5 hours at a good clip with a few pauses to take in the view. Pretty wildflowers. Will be back to explore more!
Some great views along the ridge! Trail is well marked. Go early and avoid weekends to get away from the crowds.
Beautiful day to hike with my wife and dog. Well marked trails with good views.
Beautiful setting but not very challenging
Nice hike! Do it CCW so you can enjoy the stairs :)
Simple and scenic. This hike is a good way to experience the area.
Once you get off the road, it's not too shabby. It's not too challenging though, I wouldn't say moderate, but it will get your HR up!
Went on a chilly, wet, April day. The giant steps were a good workout but a bit slippery. Beautiful view of New Haven.
Views are amazing though you basically hike up along the road the whole time, when I go for a hike I like to be out in the wilderness not seeing a bunch of cars
Just came back from hiking the regicide trail, my favorite in New Haven. Started at the Westville feeder trail. A great workout if done complete and back to where you started, about 14.2 miles according to my gps, 5hrs 45 min, with some short breaks thrown in. Saw a summer camp outing at Judges Cave. Looked like 10 to 12 year olds They hiked up there, impressed, the future hikers of tomorrow. Other than them, saw no one else the entire length
The Westville Feeder is just a quick out & back that you can easily fit into a morning or afternoon. As an add-on to this feeder trail, I recommend continuing onto the Regicides Trail which leads you up a short ways to Judges Cave where Edward Whalley and William Goffe hid out in the 1660s trying to evade retribution from Charles II whose father (King Charles I) they had sentenced to death in the 1640s.
Did a portion of this (the red blaze mostly), to see the views from the ridge, which were quite long-range and saw a little bit of Lake Wintergreen. A very nice hike.
Heavy traffic, beautiful views lots of wildlife
Always beautiful!
Jennifer C. on East Rock Loop Trail
Great view of new haven and surrounding areas- can see Long Island on a clear day! Also nice that you can choose to drive up or hike (or bike or run!) to the summit and there are plenty of trails that branch out around the park
Nice geocache at the top where the monument is and a nice letter box on a sister peak.
great view at the top and the giant steps are super fun.
Mahir R. on East Rock Loop Trail
Easy climb for a nice walk, jog, or run.
It's a great trail with good views. It's well marked. Give yourself a good challenge by doing the whole thing, out and back.
Ran this trail and made it into a loop by connecting with the red trail in West Rock State Park. The views are pretty spectacular for southern CT. Unfortunately, like many other beautiful locations with easy car access, there is a a fair amount of grafitti and broken glass near the south end. The trails are very well marked. A bit rocky.
I love running at East Rock. The trails are easy on my knees and sometimes I run on the access road because it isn't as steep going up.