Sleeping Giant

Hike Name: Sleeping Giant Location: south CT Length: 4 Submitted by: Jay Drew Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Connecticut trail reviews Connecticut national parks Connecticut state parks
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Description
Strenuous climbing, nearly vertical at times. About 4 miles, 3 hours. Avoid hiking this route if there is ice on the ground since the cliff lines become dangerous. Sorry, no mountain bikes allowed at the Giant, but this route isn't ridable anyway. Pick up an excellent trail map at the parking lot.

Hike west across the park's entrance road and continue along the road beside the picnic area, passing the restrooms. At the western end, find the violet trail, walk down some stairs, and turn right along the Quinnipiac River. At the second fork bear right onto the blue trail, crossing over a small bridge. Do a warm up climb, then dip to really climb. This is the toughest, steepest trail at Sleeping Giant. The first top has a promontory with views to west to the hills and south to New Haven and Long Island Sound. Rest, sweat profusely, catch your breath.

Then continue with the blue trail easterly a short way to a second overlook, the Giant's Chin, with views south and east. Enjoy the sights and explore along the shear edges.

Before finishing with the Chin, look east across the valley along a bearing of 075 degrees: eagle eyes can spot a large rock cairn near our next destination, the Giant's Chest. Ride the blue trail northerly and down, crossing the dirt road Tower Trail to continue on the blue footpath. Soon turn right at a white crossover trail. This trails' blazes have a pointy bottom. Head generally south, turning left at the intersection with the main (square-blazed) white trail. Raise the overlooks at the Giant's Chest.

Enjoy the views, then backtrack briefly along the white trail to your intersection with the crossover trail (blazed blue from this direction). Go left on the main (square-blazed) white trail and give up all your hard-earned elevation. Turn left briefly on the Tower Trail before going right on the white again, down to the picnic area and south to your waiting car. A hot bath is optional.

Directions to Hike
On Interstate 91 just north of New Haven CT, take exit 10 and head north on CT Rt. 40. At the end, turn right on Rt. 10 North for 1.3 miles toward Quinnipiac College. Turn right at Mount Carmel Avenue, and park at Sleeping Giant State Park a short distance on your left.

Contact Information
Sleeping Giant State Park
200 Mount Carmel Ave.
Hamden, Connecticut 06518
(203) 789-7498

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