East Rock Park — Giant Steps Trail
Greater New Haven / New Haven, Connecticut
Activity
Hiking / Urban Summit
Distance
1.5 mi round trip
Elevation gain
~285 ft
Route
Out & back / loop option
The adventure
Climb New Haven's steep Giant Steps to a traprock summit overlooking the city and Long Island Sound. Take the steep way up East Rock, climbing the Giant Steps to the summit and one of the biggest views in New Haven.
Start near Rice Field and find the red-triangle Giant Steps Trail at the English Drive gate. Take the steep route up East Rock, climb the rocky steps through the traprock hillside, reach the summit beside the Soldiers & Sailors Monument, step out to the New Haven overlook.
What to expect
- Take the steep way up East Rock, climbing the Giant Steps to the summit and one of the biggest views in New Haven.
- Enter East Rock Park from the Cold Spring Street and Orange Street side and head toward the Rice Field/English Drive area. The Giant Steps begins at the English Drive gate along the north side of Rice Field and is marked with red triangles. Follow the steep stair-like trail uphill until it reaches the summit area. Walk to the Soldiers & Sailors Monument and summit overlook, then return by the Giant Steps or use a gentler park trail or road for the descent.
Good to know
- THE STEEP WAY
- The Giant Steps make a concentrated 285-foot climb from the English Drive side of East Rock to the summit.
- MOUNTAIN IN THE CITY
- East Rock rises more than 350 feet above the Mill River valley even though you're only minutes from downtown New Haven.
- BIG CITY VIEW
- The summit overlooks downtown New Haven, the harbor and Long Island Sound.
- SUMMIT FACILITIES
- Seasonal portable toilets are available at the summit and other park facilities have seasonal drinking water.
- FIND THE 112-FOOT MONUMENT
- Once your legs stop negotiating with you, walk over to the Soldiers & Sailors Monument at the summit. The 112-foot tower has been watching New Haven since 1887.
- Fee
- Free — no required entrance or parking fee.
- Dogs
- allowed-on-leash.
- Season
- The lower park remains accessible year-round, but snow and ice can make the steep Giant Steps substantially more difficult.
Photos
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