Each hike must be logged by date (month, day, and year). This will provide an accurate record of when you hiked any given trail or portion of it.

No, providing time of day or duration of hike is not necessary. Only the date is required.

No, you can hike the trails in whatever order you prefer as long as you eventually complete all sections of all blazed trails in the park and fill in each section of the hiking log.

No, you can hike an entire blazed trail end-to-end or just a portion of it. If your hike covers only portions of a trail, we suggest that you keep a separate record of your hikes End-to-End. This is optional but will help you keep track of incomplete sections.

An example:
(01/01/23 ) Main Parking Lot >> Tower (N) >> White (E) >> Green (E) >> Triangle (N) >> Tower(S) >> White(S) >> Parking
In this example, the completed sections would be: White( I )  and Green (III), and you would record these in your Log. All of the other sections would need to be completed at a later date. You may want to highlight them on your map and plan to complete these sections on your next hike/s.

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/

Yes, any given trail can be completed in sections as long as you eventually complete the entire trail. However if you complete trail sections on multiple days, record only the last day in your submission log .

No, the log that you submit 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 and let you know if you have missed any sections.

That being said, one should always consider both the potential dangers of solo backcountry hiking as well as the pleasures inherent in sharing your on-trail experiences with a companion. There is safety in numbers.

Undoubtedly yes. But the certificate and the patch are meant as tributes to a personal accomplishment. It is not a competition. So falsifying a log entry fools no one but yourself.

No, you can start from any trailhead across the park or even start a particular trail within the park where it intersects with another trail.

There is no obligation to start any hike from a particular trailhead and nothing wrong with being dropped off and picked up by car. In fact, some people arrange their hikes that way to avoid having to backtrack over already-completed trails in order to reach other trails. However, hiking across the Giant’s trail system should be fun and every time one travels over a trail, new sights will be revealed.

Time constraints only apply to the Advanced Giant Master programs.

Once you embark on the Basic Giant Master program, you may take as much time as you need. Take your time, enjoy the vistas, observe the flora and fauna, and experience all that Giant offers. You may wish to set a target date for completion and create a plan to keep the momentum going, but this is not required.

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. It is Section VII of the Blue trail and must be completed as a part of the program requirements.

You must be a member of the SGPA while completing the required hikes and at the time of application for a Giant Master certificate.

Yes, you can pick up where you left off. However, trails hiked while you are not a member of the SGPA will not count toward your certificate.

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 the patch via mail a few days later. The patch can be stuck or sewn onto your cap or backpack, or looks great on “Giant Master” cap, available on our Trading post.

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, as well as the correct email address and mailing address.

It is open to all SGPA members who are in good enough physical condition to participate in the rigorous physical activity required to hike all of the trails in the park.

Certainly not. Most people in reasonably good physical condition should be able to hike all of the trails within the park; however, individuals with only limited hiking experience should not tackle the more difficult trails until they have gained some experience on less-rigorous terrain. Hikers should use common sense in recognizing their physical limitations and gain experience in slow and discrete steps…slowly working toward conditioning themselves for the more difficult trails. Moreover, hikers should be mindful of their physical condition and not stress themselves beyond their limitations. Certainly, no one should embark on a Giant Master program if not in good physical condition. If anyone has questions or doubts about his or her physical capacity to participate safely  in such a program, a physician should be consulted prior to beginning.

Seasonally appropriate clothing, including layers that can be removed in colder seasons, is important. A good pair of hiking boots is imperative for safe hiking. While sneakers may suffice for easier trails, they are a poor substitute for hiking boots. A light daypack or backpack will enable you to carry water and snacks, as needed. Water is essential for safe hiking, especially during the warmer months.

No, you must be a member of the SGPA while hiking the trails.

There is no one-best-way to cover all of the trails without any backtracking. You can have someone drop you off and/or pick you up by car at particular trailheads. Many people have said that they get immense enjoyment from sitting at the kitchen table in the evening with the Sleeping Giant trail map to figure out the best way to cover all of the trails with the least amount of backtracking. What you don’t want to happen is to complete all of your hikes, only to discover that you forgot to do one of the crossover trails out in the middle of the park. It may take longer to get back to that point than to hike the actual trail.

You can take your dog or any other pet along while hiking. However, we will not register pets for the program, nor will we issue them a certificate.

Enjoy the hike with your dog or pet following all the safety guide lines of CT DEEP. Always keep your pet on leash while in the park to ensure the safety of your pet as well as that of other hikers and wildlife.