East Rock Park
East Rock Park
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
185 reviews
Excellent
93
Very good
67
Average
22
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Daniel Yoon
134 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Multiple paths to the summit, providing nature enthusiasts with ample photo opportunities. The trail is relatively quiet, especially considering the declining popularity of outdoors activities, especially hiking. The summit offers a better view of New Haven, though the skyline is not particularly remarkable. One path is steep and challenging, leading to a unique photo spot that most hikers may avoid due to the difficulty.
Full Review:
The park and the path up is a hidden gem for nature lovers seeking a peaceful hiking experience. The trail to the summit offers several paths, each with its own charm and difficulty level. During our visit, we found the trail to be refreshingly free of crowds, a rarity in today's world. One positive outcome of the declining popularity of outdoor activities, I suppose.
As we ascended, we were treated to a variety of scenic spots perfect for capturing the beauty of nature. From lush greenery to rocky outcrops, there was no shortage of photo opportunities along the way. However, the real highlight was reaching the summit. Perched high above New Haven, the vista provided a unique perspective of the city, even if its skyline didn't boast any particularly iconic features.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the trail was a steep, challenging path that few seemed willing to tackle. This route led to a secluded area with a breathtaking view, but its harsh incline and narrow steps made it a less popular choice. For those seeking a bit of adventure, this path offered a rewarding challenge and a chance to capture a truly unique photo.
Our experience was a positive one. While it may not appeal to everyone, it is sure to delight nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers alike. If you're in the area and up for a bit of activity, I recommend this spot.
Full Review:
The park and the path up is a hidden gem for nature lovers seeking a peaceful hiking experience. The trail to the summit offers several paths, each with its own charm and difficulty level. During our visit, we found the trail to be refreshingly free of crowds, a rarity in today's world. One positive outcome of the declining popularity of outdoor activities, I suppose.
As we ascended, we were treated to a variety of scenic spots perfect for capturing the beauty of nature. From lush greenery to rocky outcrops, there was no shortage of photo opportunities along the way. However, the real highlight was reaching the summit. Perched high above New Haven, the vista provided a unique perspective of the city, even if its skyline didn't boast any particularly iconic features.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the trail was a steep, challenging path that few seemed willing to tackle. This route led to a secluded area with a breathtaking view, but its harsh incline and narrow steps made it a less popular choice. For those seeking a bit of adventure, this path offered a rewarding challenge and a chance to capture a truly unique photo.
Our experience was a positive one. While it may not appeal to everyone, it is sure to delight nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers alike. If you're in the area and up for a bit of activity, I recommend this spot.
Written March 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MusicMan
2 contributions
Mar 2021 • Solo
It’s a nice park up top. Why do state parks allow you to hike up to the top anytime during the day, but lock the gate to drive up? Don’t say Covid or social distancing, because for one, it’s outdoors and two, there probably are several hikes up top all together. I know it’s the tail end of winter but the road is paved and not a dirt road.
Written March 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karina Chaidez
Las Vegas, NV87 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Easy hike thru road, moderate hike thru steps. Came to visit my neother to New Haven and got to do this quick 45 minutes hike going up and 20 mins coming down thru the steps trail. We had such a great time, we missed the sunset for just a few minutes but you get to see a beautiful New Haven scenery from the top!
Written August 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NanLon
11 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We walked up to the summit and the path are all paved. The path are surrounded by autumn foliage. When you get to the top, the view of the valley in it’s glorious colors await you. There is a shorter way to the top, if you prefer a shorter walk, which we did not know about until we passed a parking lot with lots of cars. The total distance for round trip was about 3.8 miles. It was a beautiful walk and shaded most of the way.
Written October 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keith G.
Cheshire, CT485 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
So my wife and I were in the mood to take a walk as it was warmer than usual. We usually walk the Farmington trail, but decided to be different. Overall park is very nice with some amazing views. Able to spend a good amount of time exploring the park and all the different vantage points. We did see a good amount of garbage around, but as it was off season, we doubt the park is monitored.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dustythoughts
Manchester, CT2,098 contributions
Jul 2019
My husband and I love coming to this park, both for the views and for the various trail options available. There are more challenging trails and easier trails, and if you climb to the top, the views of the Greater New Haven area are breathtaking. Some of the trails are pretty narrow, so be ready in case the park is crowded. It's a big park, though, so there should be plenty of space for everyone. There's also a road if you want to drive to the top instead of hike. There's also a large picnic area, a playground, sports fields, and fishing spots.
Written May 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
catherineS
Milford, CT63 contributions
Apr 2019 • Solo
I grew up going to this park and when the weather is right it's a real treasure. It's too bad the city of New Haven doesn't keep it clean though. Sometimes there is trash and broken bottles littering the facilities which is really sad. And occasionally you'll find people begging for food or money, or others there to get wasted.
Written July 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
irunnoft
Cherokee, NC473 contributions
Apr 2016 • Family
We'd seen this video in a New Haven / Yale cross promotional ad and it was a big letdown to see it in person. Wow! There was a lot of garbage thrown around at the scenic overlook as well as graffiti. The highlight was coming across two junkies who'd just gotten high on our walk on one of the paths. We felt saddened because this could be a special place, but we also felt lied to by the propaganda video we'd seen. We've been to beautiful national parks and this "park" is near a dangerous part of town, is full of druggies, litter and profanity carved into the wooden benches. I would not go there at night and still didn't feel safe in broad daylight.
Written April 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josue C
New Haven, CT509 contributions
Mar 2014 • Friends
East Rock is one the largest city parks in New Haven. It is located off Exit 6 in the Cedar Hill neighborhood. As a local I have enjoyed East Rock Park for its many trails, that either go to the top of the rock, Rice Field (Baseball field), or to the Eli Whitney Museum. The Park offers basketball courts, a nature center, a river for kayaking or canoeing, and a 450 ft. view of the New Haven and Long Island Sound. At the summit there is a towering memorial, dedicated to Sailors and Soldier whom fought in past wars, such as, Civil War. This monument is visible for miles, it was recently restored. The park those have wildlife. Overall East Rock is great for all age groups and party sizes. You can take a hike, have a family gathering, play ball, bird watch, kayak, or admire the view from the top.
Written August 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark
21 contributions
Aug 2019
Not only is the view second-to-none, East Rock Park is home to the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial which is among the finest military monuments in the country--it was just refurbished a few years ago and is immaculate. The road leading to the top of East Rock is a great bike ride more than amply rewarded by the view from the top--and the exciting ride back down! From the edge of East Rock Park you can see all of New Haven, as well as the New Haven Harbor and Long Island Sound. At sunset it is a romantic spot where you can sit watching birds doing acrobatics. Considering how close it is to the business district and Yale, it offers wildlife, lessons in history, geology and geography and is always free and accessible. For the adventurous, seek out "Giant Steps" which is a steep path leading down the rock face--big fun and exciting! East Rock Park is often active, but never over-populated, with families picnicking, groups doing Yoga and hikers and bikers galore. I've been going for years and in my experience it is safe, friendly and a wonderful place to spend an hour--or an afternoon.
Written August 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What address should I put in gps to reach the summit.. ?? No proper address given.i had to return henceforth
CiCi8742
Wallingford, CT21 contributions
Does have pics or has anyone seen the covered bridge at East Rock Park in New Haven, CT? I heard there was one but I’ve never seen. Thank you for your help. 😎
Angelica K
43 contributions
How many miles of a hike it?
E C
New Haven, CT104 contributions
There r many hikes you can take at the park. Most are gradual climbs. You can extend a hike by connecting to other hikes; but you are able to complete many in 45-75 minutes. Enjoy!
Can we visit / go up during mid Dec?
Tisha H
Anchorage, AK79 contributions
Looks like the other 2 travelers are more familiar with the area; I was visiting in October. Trails/paths seem to be well maintained...
How much is the entrance?
April R
New Haven, CT27 contributions
No charge!
I was just hiking there this morning. Great day for it!
I go to East Rock (trails, College Woods park, the park at the summit) frequently and haven't encountered any problem with safety, as suggested by the reviewer above.
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Claim your listingEast Rock Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about East Rock Park
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