West Rock Ridge State Park

Know Before you Go

• Boating and Paddling
• Paddling in Connecticut
• Padding Safety

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Before heading out, be sure to check the latest water conditions and fishing regulations. 

• Licenses and permits, current regulations, and more
• Connecticut is Fishy Interactive fishing application
• Freshwater Fishing in Connecticut’s State Parks

West Rock Ridge rises from 400 feet of elevation at the South Summit in New Haven to 700 feet of elevation at High Rock in Bethany on the Hamden border. The six-mile-long ridge is traversed by the seven-mile-long, Blue-Blazed Regicides Trail, which connects to the Quinnipiac Trail at High Rock.

At the South Overlook, views include New Haven and the Harbor, Long Island Sound, East Rock Park, and the Sleeping Giant. Along the Regicides Trail, one can see forested water company lands to the west of the ridge, including Lake Dawson and Lake Watrous. Baldwin Drive, constructed in the 1930s as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project, extends 5.6 miles along the ridge and offers walkers and bicyclists a car-free experience.

The Regicides Edward Whalley and William Goffe sought refuge in the cave in 1661 and 1664 from agents of King Charles II of England, who was seeking their capture and execution.