West Rock Ridge State Park, Hamden and New Haven

Rising over 500 feet above sea level, West Rock Ridge is a prominent feature in the New Haven area topography. The ridge and sheltered areas along the base of the westward-facing cliffs were originally inhabited by Native Americans. Portions of the ridge were later acquired by the City of New Haven, and the area was established as a state park in 1982.

The state park encompasses an approximately 5-mile long portion of the ridge, and offers miles of trails and old roadways for hiking, biking, horseback riding and birdwatching. There are numerous scenic overlooks along the top of the ridgeline, accessible by foot, bicycle or horseback. The scenic roadway provides handicapped access to the top of the ridge, and is generally open to vehicles during the summer.

As a large, forested tract of land in a largely urban area, West Rock Ridge provides habitat for numerous species of birds during all seasons. The park supports many different varieties of birds during the spring and summer nesting season, and is a great spot to observe migrating hawks and warblers during the spring and fall migrations. Lake Wintergreen, located within West Rock State Park on the east side of the ridge, and Lake Watrous, Lake Dawson, and Konold’s Pond, located at the base of the cliffs to the west of the park, are also good places to spot water birds during all seasons, but especially during migration. Over 225 bird species have been recorded at West Rock Ridge and the adjacent water bodies. West Rock Ridge State Park does not have entry fees. The park’s trails can be accessed by taking Exit 60 off the Wilbur Cross Parkway (Rte 15).

Turn right off the exit ramp onto Dixwell Avenue/Rte 10 South. Take a right at the next light onto Benham Street and follow to the end. Turn left onto Main Street. At a sharp left, turn right into the parking lot for the Lake Wintergreen area. Or, for the main entrance, continue on Main Street to the end. Take a right onto Wintergreen Avenue and pass under the parkway. The main park entrance is on the right, and additional parking is available at West Rock Nature Center across the street.

Have a look at the field trips section of the newsletter for an upcoming walk at West Rock Ridge State Park. And check back with us after the walk at www. menunkatuck.org for photos and a list of sightings.

Submitted by Nina Levenduski