Nope — not for the basic Giant Master program! You can take as much time as you’d like to complete each hike. There are no minimum or maximum time requirements. Feel free to go at your own pace, enjoy the views, explore the natural beauty, and take breaks as needed.

(For the Advanced Giant Master programs, time limits may apply — but don’t worry about that unless you’re working on those challenges.)

Nope! You can hike the trails in any order, from any starting location. Some people plan their hikes to minimize backtracking, and others opt to be shuttled between trailheads as a way of avoiding backtracking over already-completed trails – but that’s up to you. Just be sure to hike all the required trails.

Alternatively download the mobile-friendly trail map from Avenza – free app on your mobile. You can record your hikes and “fill in” the map as you go. More details available at: https://sgpa.org/trails-maps

You must use the Giant Master Log that was sent to you when you registered for the program. Within the log, record the date that you hiked each segment, using MM/DD/YYYY format. You do not need to record the time of day or duration of each hike, just the date. Be sure to include the year, as SGPA needs this information to verify your membership during the challenge, and you may (deliberately or not) take more than one year to complete the challenge.

The Giant Master Program is based strictly on the honor system. You are proving to yourself that you can take on this challenge. We will verify your log only for completeness, membership status, and let you know if you have missed any sections.

It is possible that some people falsify entries, but the completion of the program is an indication of personal accomplishment. It is not a competition, and falsifying a submission fools no one but yourself.

Yes, after we verify your log, you will receive a “Congratulations” email with your Giant Master number and a digital certificate of completion. You will also receive a patch via mail a few days later. In addition, your name will be added to the list of Giant Masters on the SGPA website and published in our periodical “Giant News”.

When submitting your log, please be sure to enter the name you want displayed on your certificate and SGPA’s website.

No. Once you have completed the regular Giant Master Challenge, you receive a Giant Master number, patch, and certificate, and are considered a Giant Master for life. If you are looking for another challenge, start logging your hikes as part of the Advanced Giant Master program.

Yes, the spur of the Blue Trail that goes out from Chestnut lane to the Hartford Turnpike near Wallingford is within the boundaries of the park and is part of the Giant Master challenge. It is Section VII of the Blue trail and must be completed.

You don’t need to be a fitness fanatic — most people in reasonably good health can complete the challenge. That said, some trails are more strenuous than others, so it’s wise to start with the easier ones if you’re new to hiking. Take your time, listen to your body, and gradually build up your endurance.

If you have any health concerns or haven’t been active in a while, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor before getting started.

No special gear is required, but being prepared will make your hikes safer and more enjoyable. We recommend:

• Seasonally appropriate clothing — including layers you can add or remove as the weather changes

• Sturdy hiking boots or shoes — good traction makes a big difference on rocky terrain

• A small backpack — perfect for carrying water, snacks, a map, and any essentials

• Plenty of water — especially important in warmer weather

Optional extras include a trail map, sunscreen, bug spray, and trekking poles — all helpful, but not mandatory.

There’s no single “best” route — part of the fun is planning your own! Many hikers enjoy sitting down with a Sleeping Giant trail map to chart out efficient routes and avoid unnecessary backtracking. If you have the option, getting dropped off or picked up at different trailheads can also help.

Just be sure to keep track of the smaller connector and crossover trails — it’s not uncommon to finish the challenge and realize you missed one in the middle of the park. Sometimes it takes longer to get back to that trail than to hike it!

While you can certainly hike the trails together, the Giant Master program is an individual challenge. Every participant must register individually, maintain their own log, and submit their log upon completion of the challenge. 

Pets are welcome to join you on your hikes, but cannot register for the program and will not be issued a Giant Master number, patch, or certificate. Please remember that pets must be leashed at all times, as required by law.

No you don’t have to hike them again, so long as you were a member while you were hiking. Please register as soon as possible. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with all the information and links needed for the program. Be sure to use the provided excel log when tracking your hikes and submitting your log.