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 ridge is traversed by the Blue-Blazed Regicides Trail, which connects to the Quinnipiac Trail at High Rock. There are impressive vistas along the ridge, with estimates that a person can see approximately 200 square miles from various locations.
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 Regicide Drive offers seasonal motor vehicle access to the South Overlook and Judges Cave. The Regicides Edward Whalley and William Goffe sought refuge at the cave in 1661 and 1664 from agents of King Charles II of England, who was seeking their capture and execution.
This property was developed with the assistance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
This park is managed by the following CT DEEP Park Headquarters:
From the Wilbur Cross Parkway (Route 15), take Exit 60, and turn right to head south on Route 10 (Dixwell Avenue) for 0.3 miles. At the next traffic light past the parkway, turn right on Benham Street and take this to the end (2 miles). Then turn left on Main Street and head south for 0.9 miles. At the turn in the road, turn right into the parking area.
From Wilbur Cross Parkway (Route 15) South, take Exit 60, and then turn right to head south on Route 10 (Dixwell Avenue) for 0.3 miles. At the next traffic light past the parkway, turn right on Benham Street and take this to the end (2 miles). Turn left onto Main Street and head south for 1.1 miles, continuing around the curve past the parking lot for Lake Wintergreen and up a short hill to Wintergreen Avenue. Turn right at the stop sign on Wintergreen Avenue and go 1.2 miles. Head down the hill and around the two sharp curves, passing under the Route 15 overpass. The main entrance is on the right 0.1 miles past the overpass.
Alternatively, from Wilbur Cross Parkway (Route 15) north, take Exit 59, and turn right to head south on Route 69 to the merge with Route 63 South. Continue to Blake Street for about 1.1 miles. Turn left on Blake Street and go 0.3 miles, then left again on Springside Avenue at the light for 0.8 miles. Turn left on Wintergreen Avenue at the stop sign and go 0.2 miles. The park entrance is on the left.
If the gate is closed (see "Hours" information), park at the Lake Wintergreen parking lot.
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