Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden, CT

Blue Trail and Tower Trail

Sleeping Giant overall is a great hike in the New Haven/Hamden area. Located about 10-15 minutes away from the city of New Haven, the park provides a somewhat paved beginner trail and a couple of steeper, difficult hiking/trail running trails. Both the Blue Trail and the Tower Trail finish at a viewing tower at the top. The park is mostly used for hiking though I have heard (not seen) that you can rock climb there as well.

The Sleeping Giant Tower Trail is a 3.2 mile out and back (3.2 miles total) walking trail that starts out as somewhat paved. It is also only a 616 feet elevation gain and is gradual. This trail is heavily trafficked on season (May to October) that provides accessibility for younger kids and pets. During the fall this trail is perfect for viewing the famous Northeastern Fall foliage. From the tower at the top you will see a 360 degree view that includes a view of the city of New Haven, the Long Island Sound, and fall foliage (late September to November).

The Sleeping Giant Head Blue trail is where you can truly see the beauty of the park. Often done with the Violet Loop trail, this loop is 6.4 miles with 1,610 feet of elevation gain. It can be heavily trafficked but not nearly as much as the Tower Trail. You can find the trailhead at the back left hand corner of the parking lot.

When I lived in the area I often would trail run it and it was perfect! Along the Blue trail you will see a river (the name escapes me though!) , a view of a gorge and rock outcrops, and decent exposure as you scramble up some loose rocks about a half mile in. It can be quite steep but it is absolutely worth the struggle. The video down below is of the Blue trail when my roommates and I completed it a couple years ago.