WEST ROCK

'West Rock' is a traprock hill, elevation about 400 feet, located northwest of downtown New Haven, Connecticut. It consists largely of reddish and blackish diabase -- much like its sister formation East Rock. The hill forms the southern tip of the longer West Rock ridge, which runs north-northwest out of New Haven. The ridge forms the boundary between the towns of Woodbridge and Hamden. West Rock has been designated a public park by the city of New Haven. North of the city park is West Rock Ridge State Park. The parks contain trails and extensive forests. In the 17th century, West Rock served as the hideout for the "Regicide judges" who were fleeing persecution by Charles II of England; their ostensible hideout is preserved at ''Three Judges' Cave''. Those who are familiar to the area will recognize the judges' names from street signs: Whalley, Goffe, and Dixwell.
The 'West Rock Tunnel', also known as the 'Heroes Tunnel', was bored through West Rock in order to make passage for the Wilbur Cross Parkway. Other human alterations to the hill include the construction of a radio tower on its crest, as well as encroachment on its cliffsides by residential development. During exceedingly dry months, it is not uncommon for forest fires to break out on West Rock.

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External links

★ Judges' Cave at Haunted Connecticut

References