I live a stone’s throw from West Rock State Park and get this view of the Sleeping Giant pretty often. Check out one of the best hiking destinations our state has to offer.
History:
Two miles of mountaintop resembling a large man lying in repose, the “sleeping giant”, gave Sleeping Giant State Park its name and is a popular feature of the south central Connecticut skyline. A 1 1/2 mile scenic trail leads to the stone observation tower on the peak of Mt. Carmel which provides an excellent view of Long Island Sound and the New Haven area.
Directions:
From I-91: take Exit 10. Then get onto Route 40 connector and stay on until the end. At the light, take a right onto Route 10N drive 1½ miles then take a right onto MT Carmel Avenue. The park entrance is on the left across from Quinnipiac University.
From Wilbur Cross Parkway: take Exit 61. Go north onto Whitney Avenue for 3 miles and take a right onto MT. Carmel Avenue. The park entrance is on the left across from Quinnipiac University.
From I-84 to Cheshire: take Route 70S onto Route 10 south drive 5 miles. Then take a left at the light onto MT. Carmel Avenue. The park entrance is on the left across from Quinnipiac University.
Download a printable map of Sleeping Giant State Park
View Sleeping Giant, Hamden in a larger map
