State and Local Parks in New Haven Connecticut

Sleeping Giant State Park

200 Mount Carmel Avenue Hamden, CT, 06518 Phone: 203-287-5658

This park gets its name for a two-mile-long ridge of mountaintop that looks like a giant at rest. A two- mile walking trail leads to the observation tower on the peak of Mount Carmel, where hikers can experience an excellent view of Long Island Sound and New Haven. - Hiking Map (PDF)

Hammonasset Beach State Park

1288 Boston Post Road Madison, CT, 06443 Phone: 203-245-2785

Connecticut's largest shoreline park offers over two miles of beach to enjoy swimming, strolling along the boardwalk, or just relaxing in the sun and surf. Activities include saltwater swimming, fishing, picnicking, hiking, fishing, paddling, bicycling, and camping. The Meigs Point Nature Center offers programs and activities for park visitors on a limited year round basis. Facilities include bathrooms, boardwalk, car top boat launch, concessions, nature center, picnic shelters, picnic tables, showers. - Hiking Map (PDF) - Camping Map (PDF)

Lighthouse Point State Park - New Haven, CT - Photo Credit Shutterstock

Lighthouse Point Park

2 Lighthouse Road New Haven, CT, 06512 Phone:

Lighthouse Point in New Haven is on New Haven Harbor. The park attracts visitors for swimming, fishing, boating (from a public boat launch), and picnicking. Lifeguards are on duty during summer.
The park is one of the most popular spots for bird watching along the East Coast. The East Shore Ranger program leads group tours of the lighthouse and offers programs about marine ecology, sailing history, and the history of the forts.
The Lighthouse Park Carousel is one of less than 100 in use today. The Lighthouse Park Splashpad is a series of fresh water fountains.
Hours: Open year-round, 7a.m. to sunset; Peak Season is from April to November.
Parking: New Haven registered vehicles admitted free ; Non-resident vehicles $25/day or $100/season.

East Rock Park

41 Cold Spring Street New Haven, CT, 06511 Phone: 203-946-6086

This 425-acre park offers nature and walking and bicycling trails, playgrounds, recreational areas, a bird sanctuary, and a spectacular view of Long Island Sound. Recreational opportunities include baseball fields and basketball courts; bicycling on paved roads; paddling on the Mill River; fishing and crabbing; football and soccer fields; ice skating; picnicking and playgrounds; an 800-foot self-guided nature trail; sledding. The park is open sunrise to sunset.
Highlights of the park are climbing to the Summit of East Rock, which is accessible by foot, bicycle or car; the Trowbridge Environmental Center; the Pardee Rose Garden and Greenhouse (203-946-8142); and the Soldiers & Sailors Monument. - Park Map (PDF)

West Rock Ridge State Park

1134 Wintergreen Avenue New Haven, CT, 06514 Phone:

West Rock Ridge is a major feature of the New Haven region skyline, offering vast views of New Haven harbor and Long Island Sound. This small state park has areas for paddling, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, and picnicking. - Park Map (PDF)

Edgewood Park

Edgewood Avenue New Haven, CT, 06511 Phone: 203-946-8028

Edgewood Park is an important and well-loved outdoor resource for the people and visitors of New Haven. The park offers places to walk and jog, watch birds, do some cross-country skiing, play tennis, skateboard at Coogan Pavilion, or just relax by a lovely pond. The park has the Coogan Pavilion & Gazebo, a playground, several ponds and the city's West River, many walking trails and a sensory trail, a skate park, a dog run, and wetlands viewing station, and more.
Hours: Open year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset.

State

Fairfield Southwest

Hartford Central

Litchfield Northwest

Mystic Eastern

Connecticut's New Haven region has fine state and local parks