State and Local Parks
Connecticut's New Haven region has fine state and local parks
6 listings
Hamden, CT
Sleeping Giant State Park
200 Mount Carmel Avenue 203-287-5658This 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)
New Haven, CT
Lighthouse Point Park
2 Lighthouse RoadLighthouse 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.
New Haven, CT
Edgewood Park
Edgewood Avenue 203-946-8028Edgewood 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.
New Haven, CT
East Rock Park
41 Cold Spring Street 203-946-6086This 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)
Madison, CT
Hammonasset Beach State Park
1288 Boston Post Road 203-245-2785Connecticut'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)
New Haven, CT
West Rock Ridge State Park
1134 Wintergreen AvenueWest 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)