QUINNIPIAC TRAIL

'The Quinnipiac Trail' is the oldest of Connecticut's Blue Trail system.
From its southestern trailhead, (41°23'52.97"N 72°52'6.66"W)
Its easternmost leg runs northward, paralleling the west bank of the Quinnipiac River through the entire length of Quinnipiac River State Park in North Haven.
Diverging westward from the river at the Toelles Rd. bridge at Old Hartford Turnpike in North Haven, the Quinnipiac Trail traverses the entire length of the Sleeping Giant State Park (5.1 miles east/west).
Within the Sleeping Giant park, the true "Blue Trail", with its light blue blazes, passes such dramatic overlooks as Hezekiah's Knob (41°26'3.00"N 72°52'25.89"W) and the Stone Tower (739 feet). The giant's "chin" (670 feet) offers steep climbs, sweeping southwesterly views of the Quinnipiac University campus and beyond to Long Island Sound. The trail descends along an abandoned quarry to the Mill River, west along Mt. Carmel Ave. in Hamden, intersecting with both Whitney Avenue (Route 10), and the Farmington Canal Greenway.
Between Whitney Avenue westward to Shepard Avenue (1.3 miles), the trail ascends Rocky Top, site of the Quinnipiac University hockey/basketball arena, the TD Banknorth Sports Center, opened in January, 2007 (also accessible by vehicle from Sherman Avenue). Since the clearing of surrounding land in 2007, the pinnacle of this 200-acre, future-campus site rises well above the stadium structures, affording 360 degree views.
To the northeast, the distinctive Metacomet Ridge is visible in Meriden, 14.4 miles from this point. To the ENE is a view of the traprock quarry on the east side (or "top") of the Sleeping Giant's head. To the east lies the original Quinnipiac University campus, with its signature white steeple.
Due south is the familiar landmark of East Rock (6.1 miles). Dutch explorers in the 1600s called it "Rotenburg" for its red rocky cliffs. Atop East Rock stands the Soldiers and Sailors Monument with its tall, thin column of the Angel of Victory, refurbished in 2006. The New Haven skyline is silhouetted against its shimmering harbor on the Sound. Beyond, (31 miles) across the Sound lie the distant dunes of North Shore Beach in Long Island.
To the south-southwest can be seen the undulating forests of West Rock Ridge State Park, site of the Regicides Trail. At its southwest extremity, the QT connects with the Regicides Trail, along the West Rock Ridge. A cell tower marks the approximate location of Judges' Cave.