Sleeping Giant State Park, a Connecticut State Park located near Ansonia, Berlin and Branford

SLEEPING GIANT STATE PARK

SLEEPING GIANT STATE PARK
200 Mount Carmel Avenue
Hamden, Connecticut 06518

Phone: 203-789-7498
Toll Free: 866-287-2757

Email:

Two miles of mountaintop resembling a sleeping giant give this park its name, and make it a distinguishing feature on Connecticut's skyline

History of the Area

Two miles of mountaintop resembling a large man lying in repose, the "sleeping giant", is a popular feature of the south central Connecticut skyline. A 1 1/2 mile scenic trail leads to the stone observation tower on the peak of Mt. Carmel which provides an excellent view of Long Island Sound and the New Haven area.

Passes

Connecticut has made state parks, forests, trails, historic sites and beaches more accessible to our residents so they can enjoy the many attractions and beauty they offer. Under the Passport to the Parks program, parking fees are now eliminated at Connecticut State Parks for those with Connecticut registered vehicles. You can view the CONNECTICUT PASSPORT TO THE PARKS web page to learn more.

Fishing

Sleeping Giant State Park is a designated Trout Management Area.

Location

Sleeping Giant State Park is located near Ansonia, Berlin and Branford

Nearby Parks

Quinnipiac River State Park

Wharton Brook State Park

Naugatuck State Forest

Trimountain State Park

West Peak State Park

West Rock Ridge State Park

Farm River State Park

Black Pond State Wildlife Area

Cockaponset State Forest

Kensington Atlantic State Fishing Hatchery

Picnicking

Sleeping Giant State Park offers scenic picnicking spots with tables and grills, near hiking trails and panoramic views. No reservations required.

Birding

Offers diverse habitats like woodlands, streams, and cliffs attracting varied bird species. Popular for spring warbler migration. Year-round residents include Pileated Woodpeckers and Barred Owls. Seasonal visitors such as Broad-winged Hawks can be seen during fall migrations. Birdwatchers may spot Eastern Bluebirds near open fields in the park.

Things To Do in the Area

RiverQuest-Connecticut River Expeditions - Haddam, CT

Boating

Explore the Connecticut River aboard the R/V River Quest, an environmentally friendly 64', 60 passenger vessel docked at Eagle Landing State Park, Haddam, CT.

WEBSITE |

DIRECTIONS

17.8 miles from park*

CT Bike Tours.Com, LLC - GUILFORD, CT

Family Outting

Our Shoreline Bike Boat Tour is a leisurely paced guided ride along the coast on gently rolling hills. We combine it with a narrated 45 minute boat tour of the lovely Thimble Islands. If you have your own bikes and helmets, bring them. Custom guided rides are also available. Minimum age allowed is 16 yrs. old. The bicycle guide, boat tour, bikes, helmets and refreshments are all provided, all you need is your energy

WEBSITE |

DIRECTIONS

3.8 miles from park*

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews

March 9 Best hiking trails! by Karen Veronica Hampe

Sleeping giant has some great hiking trails that are treacherous, adventurous, and a great workout while having fun! The view on top of the mountain is excellent. There are also easier/wide hiking trails for familys. You can enjoy fishing at the creeks and small running rivers. There is lots of privacy as well. A great place to spend your day and pack a picnic!

November 24 All Time Favorite CT Park! by Nathan Testerman

This park a great! This park use to be a quarry and many of the old structures from the mining company still stand (follow blue to purple trail). This park has 3 freat features; 1) The stream/waterfall/creek is very peaceful (great during all seasons), the fishing is pretty good, and the swiming is a blast as well. 2) The Tower gives you a view of Long Island Sound, The City of New Haven, and Qin.-University. 3) The blue trail (The hardest trail in the park) will lead you on a winding tail pretty much straight up the face of the old quarry, there are some sections that timid hikers may find themselves crawling. Overall this park has something for everybody; the view, the peacefulness, and the challenge all make for an amazing park!

May 6 A PLACE TO TAKE A CAT NAP IN PEACE by ETOWER99

I HAVE WALKED MANY TIMES TO THE TOWER WALKED BY THE BROOK AND JUST HANG OUT IF I HAVE EXTRA TIME. ITS QUIET PEACEFULL AND NO ONE WILL BUG YOU IF YOU ARE THERE TO GET A SMALL CAT NAP

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Area Campgrounds

Lake Compounce Campground
185 Enterprise Drive
Bristol, CT
860-583-3300

Totoket Valley RV Park
244 Foxon Road
North Branford, CT
203-484-0099

Nearby Hotels

Booking.com

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Directions

From I-91: take Exit 10. Then get onto Route 40 connector and stay on until the end. At the light, take a right onto Route 10N drive 1? miles then take a right onto MT Carmel Avenue. The park entrance is on the left across from Quinnipiac University.

From Wilbur Cross Parkway: take Exit 61. Go north onto Whitney Avenue for 3 miles and take a right onto MT. Carmel Avenue. The park entrance is on the left across from Quinnipiac University.

From I-84 to Cheshire: take Route 70S onto Route 10 south drive 5 miles. Then take a left at the light onto MT. Carmel Avenue. The park entrance is on the left across from Quinnipiac University.