East Rock Park Directions and Parking: East Rock Was Formed 200 Million Years Ago As the from I-91: Take Willow Street Exit (Exit 6) to End of Ramp

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East Rock Park Directions and Parking: East Rock was formed 200 million years ago as the From I-91: Take Willow Street Exit (Exit 6) to end of ramp. continents were in the process of moving away from each Turn right onto Willow Street. At second light turn right on other. Molten rock from deep in the earth surged through Mitchell Drive. Follow to first traffic light. The Park will be on stress cracks formed in the sandstone bedrock of the New your right with street parking near the entrance. Haven area. The molten rock cooled to form dolerite, From Wilbur Cross Pkwy (15): Take Whitney Avenue Exit also known as basalt or traprock. Dolerite is much more (Exit 61) towards New Haven. Pass the reservoir on your left resistant to erosion than the surrounding sandstone. As and continue one mile to the flashing light at Cold Spring glacial action and the forces of weather eroded away the Street. Turn left onto Cold Spring Street. The Park will be on softer sandstone, East Rock (and other traprock ridges such your left. Parking areas are also located at the top of the as West Rock) became more prominent. East Rock Peak and near North Meadow. The summit of East Rock Park now rises more than 350 feet Permitted/Prohibited Activities: above the floor of the Mill River Valley at its base. The summit of East Rock is accessible by foot, bicycle, or car East Rock park is a year-round park. Trails are for hiking and provides views of New Haven, the Harbor and Long only. Swimming in the Mill River is prohibited. Rock climb- Island Sound. ing is prohibited. Dogs are permitted on leash. Please East Rock Park offers over 10 miles of hiking trails. The bag and pick up all animal waste. Giant Steps Trail provides a spectacular 285-foot climb to the Summit. It is designated with red triangle trail markers and starts at the English Drive gate along the north side of Rice Field. East Rock Park includes many special features including the Trowbridge Environmental Center and the Pardee Rose Garden. The Trowbridge Environmental Center is a nature center which is open to the general public and features displays and information about the local flora and fauna. The Pardee Rose Garden and Greenhouse is a favorite location for wedding photos that features extensive rose gardens and other flowering plants from early spring until mid fall. The garden has a unique raised tiered structure that resembles the top of a wedding cake. The park is Photo by CT Weekender open all year round. Total Trails Length: Approx. 11.97 miles Red (Giant Steps Trail): 2.13 miles. Moderate Hike Yellow Trail: 1.26 miles. Moderate Hike Orange Trail: 0.88 miles. Easy Hike Blue Trail: 0.65 miles. Easy to Moderate Hike White Trail: 1.77 miles. Easy Hike to Moderate Hike Grey (Fire Access Roads): 2.75 miles. Easy Hike to Moderate Hike Unblazed Trails: 2.07 miles. Easy Hike to Moderate Hike

Photo by Emmeline Alaconis, SCRCOG

Trail Description: Easy Walk to Moderate Hike East Rock park offers something for everyone. In addtion to a picnic For more information about this area and scenic overlooks, there are trails of various difficulties for location, contact: hikers to try. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument near the summit City of New Haven honors New Haven men who gave their lives in four wars. Department of Parks, Recreation & Total trails distance is approx. 11.97 miles Trees (203) 946-6086 Batti Rd North Davis St

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