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West Rock Ridge State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 889 Google reviews · Running trail in New Haven, Connecticut · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from West Rock Ridge State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
A 627-ft. ridge offers views of New Haven Harbor & Long Island Sound, with hiking, fishing & more.
What runners say about West Rock Ridge State Park
“Stunning views throughout the park, especially from the top.”
Awesome hike. The overlook which is on the RED trail and the tree shelters were awesome. The Judge's Cave was a big few rocks with a few passages between them. Great for kids. Walked about 5 or 6 miles and it felt easy.
Beaitiful Hiking place. 🌲I love it! The parking area today was full. 🍁 I'm happy to see families and friends enjoying the outdoors. 🌲 West Rock Ridge State Park is a public recreation area located in New Haven, Hamden, and Woodbridge, Connecticut.
What a wonderful place for a hike. Minutes from downtown New Haven and yet you feel as if you are really in the woods. Beautiful lake, cliffs, and overlooks. We will be back after Memorial Day so that we can take the drive to the top.
Great lightly challenging hike to do with little kids. We hiked the blue ridge trail then cut down to the lake. Gorgeous this time of year. Hiked for 2.5 hours or so and there are more trails to do.
Trail conditions & character
“The trail around the lake is tame enough we can bring our toddler or do something with a little more elevation gain to get some nice views.”
“The trail around the lake is tame enough we can bring our toddler or do something with a little more elevation gain to get some nice views.”
“There are caves if you go up to the left or you can loop it around and go to the top towards the right side.”
“its very rough and rocky,i recomend hiking boots a must.”
Plan your run at West Rock Ridge State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitectparks.com
- Phone(860) 424-3000
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near New Haven
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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