This a beautiful, scenic park on a mountainous top outside of downtown New Haven and it offers…read moreopportunities for hiking, biking, picnicking, leisurely strolls, etc. It's a big area and on the day of my visit, the paved road going inside the park was closed, so we had to walk a decent amount to get to spots like Soldiers and Sailors Monument and scenic overlook vista points. The hike to the monument and scenic vista point on the paved road trail (one-way) can take up to 30 minutes if not longer. There is a (sort of short-cut) trail that goes through the woods that has rocky steps and is a rigorous hiking route. It was a nice weather day and a perfect way to work-off the delicious New Haven pizzas we ate beforehand. We enjoyed our visit here while checking out the beautiful scenic views and the monument. I am not giving it full five stars because the park lacked proper direction signage for the trail(s) and as far as I could tell, I did not find any bathrooms or port-o-potty services.

I'm from out of state and I personally didn't like my experience here very much. The views of New…read moreHaven from the top were amazing, but I cut my visit short, because there were a few people at the top who looked scary to me and who were doing wheelies on motorcycles and some kind of motorized carts. Not to mention the mufflers were very loud. As a person who gets overwhelmed easily and gets sensory overload and walks alone a lot, it's scary for me and anything could have happened to me if I were the only one there. So after I took a few quick pictures, I walked quickly to keep up with the only small group of people who looked safe to me. I personally think there should be a little police booth at the top and more security in general. I think everyone deserves to be able to feel safe!

Lake Saltonstall is one of the recreational areas available year round with a permit through the…read moreRegional Water Authority. Permits are about $25 per year and include parking pass codes, maps, and a quarterly event update. Be sure to bring a camera--there is also a photo contest every year. Lake Saltonstall is quite beautiful. There are two parking lots. The one at 400 Hosley Ave is mainly situated for hikers. The one farther down the street is for people who want to fish in small boats. I entered the gated lot for hikers. There are a series of interconnected trails (white triangle for parking, white rectangle for general movement towards the lake, and then you have your choice of the dead ended red trail that is approximately 3 miles with scenic overlooks, or the green circle trail approximately 4 miles, that wraps itself around the opposite side of the lake. The green circle trail will loop around the lake and to the other side (according to the map). My hiking partner and I went down most of the green trail that surrounds the lake, but then the trail turned into a shaded bugfest (or bug feast, whichever side you're thinking of). We quickly turned around and headed back towards the area we had previously trod upon. The debris and heavy limbs post-Irene have definitely been cleared away, but the water is still somewhat high at points. Bring plenty of bug spray for the woodsy areas.

As stated before, you need to purchase a New Haven Regional Water Authority recreation permit for…read moreaccess to this area. It is patrolled by their police officers so you need to have your pass with you. The property is gated with a combination lock which you receive the code to when you get your pass. It costs $25 for an individual yearly permit or $35 for a family permit. Your permit will also get you access to 8 other properties the RWA owns. Lake Saltonstall is stocked annually by the state with trout and the RWA also has been stocking walleye for a number of years in the lake, too. There are also crappie, carp, perch, bluegills, and largemouth bass to be caught. If you want to fish here, you will also need at CT Fishing License if you are 16 years old or older. There is no swimming allowed and no dogs are allowed. Boats are available to rent for fishing since you cannot bring your own boat. They are trying to keep out Zebra Mussels. There are miles of maintained hiking trails where you often see some great wildlife. You are allowed to mountain bike and snowshoe here, too.

We needed a break on our drive from MA to NJ and this was just about the mid-point for us and just…read moreoff the highway. It is a pretty state park for a short visit if you're in the area. Lots of college students throughout the park from nearby Quinnipiac University. There are plenty of open space, picnic tables and trails for everyone to enjoy. Lots of different trail options but the tower trail is the most popular. Not much shade on the tower trail and a fairly decent elevation change in a short distance. Make sure to check the weather and bring water. Beautiful views from the highest point in the park and you can go inside the tower.

This was such a nice and beautiful hike! We went here end of October when foliage season was coming…read moreto an end quickly. We got to see amazing views and lots of foliage. The hike was not bad and it was super busy. Huge parking lot and lots of people that day. The views at the tower were awesome and it's definitely a nice spot for pictures. A local gem.

This trail is about 4miles give or take there and back. There are benches along the way and two…read morebridges going over the water and one tunnel under the highway. It does flood under that bridge if raining a lot. There is a sign that says flood zone turn around don't drown or something like that. I can walk the whole thing in about 45 minutes. And there are a few little tails off it into the woods but they don't really loop and you have to turn around and come right back. You cal also park at either end.

"Oh, Suzie Q Baby, I love you, Suzie Q"…read more(Creedence Clearwater Revival) The indigenous people's word "Quinnipiac" roughly translates into English as "long-water people". The Q River is 38 miles long, and you'll get a gorgeous view of it from the bridge on the Quinnipiac Linear Trail. We had a lovely hike on the trail today, as did dozens of friendly walkers who smiled and waved to us as we walked from the main parking lot to the bridge and back. It was a very easy low impact walk of about two miles round trip. The trail is flat, paved, and very wide -at least fifteen feet wide. There were a few side trails marked by fresh mulch or wood shavings if you want to go off the beaten path. We saw plenty of interesting things on our walk - basketball courts, a wood walkway over some wetlands, several informational kiosks, a Lending library with a box of Narcan Nasal Spray prominently on display up front, a labyrinth, and scenic views of the Merrit Parkway which at times seemed about 50 feet from the trail. One other interesting but infuriating thing we saw was a collection of red, black, and blue knotted bags of dog doody that was neatly stacked around a Pet Waste station just under a sign that read "Please Keep This Area Clean".

Enjoy my time. nice views. Well sized beach playground included. good time to bring your kids to…read more Momaguin area.

Little did I know that when I wrote my review of East Shore Park 8+ years ago that I would move/buy…read morea house right across from the street from it. In those 8 years I have had 3 different dogs and all loved East Shore Park. My current dog thinks the park is all for him: he would go there multiple times a day if I let him, but we usually aim for once or twice a day at most. There are multiple areas to explore including tennis courts, a playground, several ball fields and overgrown bocce courts. Unfortunately the sewage treatment plant smell still lingers. Definitely a down fall to living in this neighborhood. But the water views and park itself can't be beat.

The Air Line State Park Tail is really quite spectacular, one of the best biking trails, scenery…read morewise, that I've been on. It's a rails to trails project, and the southern section of the trail starts at Main Street in East Hampton, and runs all the way to Windham, all off road (except for one short section going under Highway 2.) The path is all gravel/dirt, so it's good for hikers as well as cyclists. There seem to be a lot of trails that have sections that utilize the Air Line Trail, on the day we rode there were quite a few people, but not so many that it was a traffic issue. The first section from the Cranberry Bog down to Salmon River is mostly downhill, which is of course fun going one way, but a little challenging on the way back, just something to keep in mind difficulty wise. There's a fantastic variety of scenery along the way, from cuts blasted through rock with water dripping, to high-level viaducts, and marshy bog areas, and tree lined paths. The time of year we rode was early spring, but I imagine it is pretty gorgeous in the autumn when the colors are turning. There's lots of parking all along the route, so if you're someone who likes to hike/ride sections of trail, you'll have plenty of places to go from. My only main complaint and the reason for 4 stars instead of five is that there is not a single bathroom along the trail at all. Not even a porta at one of the larger parking lots. This is a huge oversight in my opinion, and something the State Parks should really consider remedying.

Wonderful place to get fresh air, exercise-whether jogging, walking, biking, snow shoeing! The…read morelength of the course is perfect for the "weekend warrior" (and can be tailored to your fitness level). Whenever I went biking, there were always families, more serious athletes, and recreational folks like me just wanting to get fresh air and exercise. It seems to be well kept in that new gravel is laid down annually, as well as trees are cut to keep the trail safe and free of debris. The scenery is breath taking, especially in the fall where you can see the pretty colors. You can Chart how far you want to stay on the trail as it continues to Windham.

I absolutely love this trail! I just bought a new bike and I look forward to riding it most days…read morenow that the weather has been nicer. It's a paved trail that is nicely maintained, and most areas are secluded away from traffic so I can just enjoy my ride. I live in Hamden and I think the trail is safer and prettier going north towards Cheshire vs going towards New Haven which goes behind graffitied warehouses (and the vibe doesn't feel as safe). There are also free parking lots along certain parts of the trail (such as at the entrance by Quinnipiac). I definitely recommend coming here for a walk, run, or bike ride!!

As far as recreation paths go, this one is pretty nice for a short bike ride. It's paved, so…read morepersonally, I think it's not great for jogging, but it isn't incredibly long either, as yet, so it makes for sort of a short ride. Maybe 12 mi at most, back and forth, out of Hamden, past Sleeping Giant and on north. It crosses a few quiet roads and even though there are stop signs for the trail-users, traffic invariably stops for you. It's definitely a place to zone out, enjoy the green and the fresh air. UPDATE: A note from the locals suggests that path-users should be aware of surroundings, as there are incidents of crime on the path. So don't zone out too much. The trail has more dips and swells than a rails-to-trails trail, but it doesn't have any real changes in elevation. The "canal" element means that it's a bit buggy . . . and there is a well-placed water fountain! I can't figure out how the distances are marked (it looks like they have multiple systems going) but maybe someday it will all make sense to me . . . There's a great route - pretty, low-traffic, with good shoulders - from town to the southern tip of the trail, at bikely.com. The trail is pretty heavily used, though, especially in the after-work hours (less so on a summer weekend!) so you have to watch out for walkers, joggers and in-line skaters. UPDATE: And people who park their ass in the middle of the path to chit chat. And kids who stop and don't know any better. As always, it helps if bicyclists pass on the left and hail when passing! The address here for the Association is not where you'd start the trail, I don't think. But there are a few places throughout Hamden where you can pick it up. There are lots of signs around and there's a map at the website.

Great hiking trails. There are around 5 different trails you can hike depending on the time you…read morehave and your hiking fitness. There is also pavilions you can rent for parties, picnic areas you can use for your gatherings, corn hole games, volleyball courts and a ball field. Overall great place for escaping the hum drum of the city. Great for nature walks with the kids where you can visit the vernal pools and if lucky see a hawk or an eagle flying in the area above.

Main gates close at 430pm, but the small upper parking lot is still available…read more Beach is closed due to water conditions. Seems like a pretty nice park. We arrived late afternoon, so didn't get to explore a whole lot, but it seemed that there were some trails to explore. There are paved roads and walkways for biking also. Note, there is no power and no open bathrooms since power has not been restored. Only a few (?2) port a potties are available.