East Rock Park
1
Hikers can climb up to East Rock for picnics and a scenic view of New Haven. At the top is a man-made bridge and a tower. Part of the beauty of East Rock is being able to see the historical plaques at the top of the trail. The park can be reached from State Street, Orange Street or Whitney Avenue.
Pond LilyNature Preserve
2
The Pond Lily Nature Preserve, located on East Ramsdell Street, was recently revived by the New Haven Land Trust. Located there is a dam from a former factory, and a small library to visit. At the library, leave a book or choose one to go. It’s a quiet area for walking and listening to the sounds of nature.
Sleeping Giant State Park
3
Sleeping Giant is a state park on Mount Carmel Avenue, across from Quinnipiac University in Hamden. It is about a 20-minute drive from the SCSU campus. The hike is about an hour and 30 minutes. At the top, there is a castle and views all the way to Cheshire. Hikers can picnic there and take a map to multiple trails leading to the top of the mountain.
Long Wharf Nature Preserve
4
Long Wharf Nature Preserve is a 1.6-mile waterside trail close to Long Wharf Drive, owned by the New Haven Land Trust. A small wooden bridge overlooks a field of tall grass on the path to the beach. There are informational signs informing hikers about the area.
West Rock Ridge State Park
5
Located at 1134 Wintergreen Ave., adjacent to campus, West Rock Ridge State Park is the closest place for great hiking after class. Old, yet historical, the park features the Judges Cave, where in 1661 colonial parliament officers hid from the British.
By Sofia Rositani
