Sleeping Giant Park Association

Invasive Plant Removal Workday
2024-06-23 09:30 - 11:30, 2024-04-07 09:30 - 11:30 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
SGPA’s Environmental Stewardship Committee helps to steward the park by removing invasive, non-native species (learn more, HERE). You can lend a hand to this important effort by joining as a volunteer. Projects will vary by week, but generally include pulling, cutting, and otherwise removing invasive plants from around the park.
Those looking for lighter work can assist by tending to the pollinator garden. This important oasis for pollinators needs to be weeded and watered throughout the growing season.
If you’d like to join, please meet at the main entrance of the park near the Ranger Shed by 9:30am. From there, we will move to specific work areas around the park, and conclude work at approximately 11:30am.
SGPA will supply any tools or equipment needed, and will provide training and oversight. Volunteers should wear sturdy shoes, dress appropriately for the weather, and bring work gloves and water.
Inclement weather cancels this workday.

Hike-A-Giant 2024: THREE HIKES OFFERED
2024-06-02 11:00 - 15:00 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
Join the Sleeping Giant Park Association for an annual tradition: Hike-A-Giant. Hosted each year on CT Trails Day, Hike-A-Giant is a fun way to celebrate CT trails at one of the state’s most beloved state parks.
This year, we will be offering three different hikes, described below. Registration via the CT Trails Day webpage is required.
Intro to Hiking the Giant: 11am – 1pm, 1.5 miles, moderate.
We will discuss the Sleeping Giant trail system at the map board near the main parking lot. Then we will hike up the orange trail, take a left on the white trail to the large rock overlook at the west end of the green trail. Then we will take the white trail down to the tower path and return to the parking lot.
More details and registration: https://trailsday.org/events/intro-to-hiking-the-giant/
Hike-a-Giant: 12pm – 3pm, 5 miles, hard.
Come hike the full length of the blue trail through Sleeping Giant State Park. Meet at the map board by noon. We will shuttle hikers back by car at the end of the hike.
More details and registration: https://trailsday.org/events/hike-a-giant/
History of the Giant: 1pm – 3pm, 1 mile, moderate.
Hike will start from the map board at the main entrance of Sleeping Giant State Park. The hike will go west to the Mill River and follow the red diamond trail up into the upper quarry, then down into the lower quarry and return by the same route.
More details and registration: https://trailsday.org/events/history-of-the-giant/
Unless noted otherwise, this hike will involve traveling over uneven terrain, with some possible rock scrambling. Participants should be in good physical condition, dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable, supportive shoes with good traction. A day pack with snacks, water, sunscreen and any other essentials is recommended.
For additional information about these or other hikes, please contact SGPA’s hiking programs manager at hiking@sgpa.org.

Early Bird Watchers' Hike
2024-05-05 08:00 - 10:00 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
Join the Sleeping Giant Park Association for our spring Early Bird hike. Participants will learn about some of the early migrant bird species making their way through the region, with a focus on those that use the Giant as a stopover area. This hike will be led by friend of SGPA, Jim Sirch.
This will be an easy to moderate hike, 2 hours or so with stops for discussion. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable, supportive shoes with good traction. A day pack with binoculars, snacks, water, sunscreen and any other essentials is recommended.
Participants other than leader and helpers will be limited to 30 hikers. Please register each hiker separately. There will be a wait list so please cancel if you find that you cannot attend. If cancelled due to weather, you will be contacted by email that morning.
REGISTER HERE >>
Out of consideration for other participants, dogs are not permitted on SGPA hikes. Children must be 8 or older. This hike leaves from the kiosk at the park’s main entrance at 8am. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact SGPA’s hiking programs manager at hiking@sgpa.org.

Hiroya Tsukamoto: A Journey Through Strings and Stories
2024-04-28 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Best Video Film & Cultural Center, 1842 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT, 06517, United States
Please join SGPA and Best Video Film and Cultural Center for a very special performance by award-winning, fingerstyle guitarist, Hiroya Tsukamoto: A Journey Through Strings and Stories, on Sunday, April 28th at 3pm at Best Video.
Tickets are $15 and 15% of the event’s proceeds will be donated to SGPA. The BVCoffee Bar will be open for beer, wine, and café drinks.
Among other songs, Hiroya will play his original work “Sleeping Giants (Hobbomock)”, which was inspired by Hiroya’s visit to Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden. View a prior recording of the song HERE.

About Hiroya Tsukamoto
Hiroya Tsukamoto is a Japanese-born fingerstyle guitarist who moved to the United States in 2000 to attend the Berklee College of Music. Needless to say, he’s not only a dizzyingly agile fingerpicker, but a soulful and transcendent performer, with compositions that combine instrumental guitar work with lyrical performance and spoken stories from his life.
Tsukamoto has been recognized for his talents on stages such as at Blue Note in New York City, Japanese National Television (NHK) and United Nations, and by scoring second place at the International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship both in 2018 and 2022.
Tsukamoto brings a blend of masterful fingerstyle guitar and evocative storytelling that transcends cultural barriers. His artistry, honed at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, has been celebrated on renowned stages like the Blue Note in NYC and the United Nations, and lauded for its “delicate, fluid, and beautifully detailed” style by Acoustic Guitar magazine.
Tsukamoto’s concerts are not just musical events; they are immersive experiences that weave lyrical narratives with intricate melodies. Recognized for his soulful performances that create an orchestra at his fingertips, he invites audiences into his world of musical exploration and emotional expression. This is a rare opportunity to witness a performer who has been celebrated for his ability to take listeners on an “impressionistic journey” (Boston Herald). Enchanting music that promises to resonate long after the final note is played.

What are folks saying about Hiroya:
“Hiroya Tsukamoto may play the guitar with the skill of a virtuoso, and he may write compelling music that draws from many different cultures and genres, but if I had to choose one word to describe him it would be orchestrator. ” – Acoustic Guitar Magazine
“Hiroya Tsukamoto takes us to an impressionistic journey ” -Boston Herald
“…chops, passion and warmth. Zealously recommended!” -Jazz Review.com
Website: www.hiroyatsukamoto.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/HiroyaMusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiroya_tsukamoto/

Spring Forest Bathing - Shinrin Yoku
2024-04-28 11:30 - 13:30 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
The Sleeping Giant Park Association invites you to experience Shinrin Yoku, also known a “forest bathing”, at Sleeping Giant State Park. The hike will be led by Dr. Jennifer Botwick, adjunct faculty at SCSU in the Dept. of Public Health teaching Stress Management, Wellness and Weight management. She is a former clinical supervisor at University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine, and guest lecturer at UCONN Medical School and Quinnipiac College.
Registration is required and will be limited to 10 participants. Please register each person in your group individually. There will be a wait list so please cancel if you find that you cannot attend.
REGISTER HERE >>
This will be an easy to moderate hike, less than 2 hours with introductory discussion. If cancelled due to weather, you will be contacted by email that morning. All hikers should bring water and have proper clothing and footwear for conditions. Children must be 8 or older. Sorry, no pets.
The hike will begin at 11:30 AM at the map board at the front of the park. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
Shinrin Yoku, also known as Forest Bathing is a “gateway drug”; i.e. a gateway to nourishing our hearts and mind as we walk mindfully and in silence together. Nature is often seen as something outside of us, but we are Nature, in need of more green time and less screen time. Green time is an essential part of Naturopathic protocols to attain and maintain wellness. Forest Bathing is an accessible and affordable way to reap the benefits of what movement, fresh air and no electronic devices have to offer.

Spring Wildflower Hike
2024-04-07 13:30 - 15:00 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
Join the Sleeping Giant Park Association for a guided hike about early spring wildflowers, led by SGPA Board Member and retired US Forest Service Scientist, Chris Fagan. Participants will learn how to identify some of the Giant’s ephemeral wildflowers, and the incredible ways they have evolved to thrive in the early spring.
This will be an easy to moderate hike, 2 hours or so with stops for discussion. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable, supportive shoes with good traction. A day pack with snacks, water, sunscreen and any other essentials is recommended.
Registration is required. Please register each hiker separately. There will be a wait list so please cancel if you find that you cannot attend. If cancelled due to weather, you will be contacted by email that morning.
REGISTER HERE >>
Out of consideration for other participants, dogs are not permitted on SGPA hikes. This hike leaves from the kiosk at the park’s main entrance at 1:30pm. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact SGPA’s hiking programs manager at hiking@sgpa.org.

Spring Hiker's Hike
2024-03-17 11:00 - 14:30 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
Join the Sleeping Giant Park Association for our first guided hike of the spring. This hike will be led SGPA own Mike Miller and his wife, Karen Marotta.
This hike will involve traveling over uneven terrain, with some possible rock scrambling. As such, participants should be in good physical condition, dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable, supportive shoes with good traction. A day pack with snacks, water, sunscreen and any other essentials is recommended.
Registration is not required – simply meet at the kiosk near the start of the Tower Path a few minutes before 11am. We’ll depart promptly at 11.
Out of consideration for other participants, dogs are not permitted on SGPA hikes. All hikes leave from the kiosk at the park’s main entrance, unless otherwise noted.
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact SGPA’s hiking programs manager at hiking@sgpa.org.

Winter Tree Identification
2024-02-18 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
Had enough with the winter blahs? The Sleeping Giant Park Association is offering a short, informative hike designed to explore the variety of trees and shrubs in their winter condition. Want to know how to tell the difference between an ash and a hickory, or a maple and a sycamore? We will discuss these and more and offer some simple keys to help you to know trees when their leaves are not present. This hike will be led by SGPA Board Member and US Forest Service Scientist, Chris Fagan.
This will be an easy to moderate hike, at most 3 hours. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable, supportive shoes with good traction. A day pack with snacks, water, and any other essentials is recommended. Out of consideration for other participants, dogs are not permitted on SGPA hikes.
Registration is required. Please register each hiker separately. There will be a wait list so please cancel if you find that you cannot attend. If cancelled due to weather, you will be contacted by email that morning.
Register Here >>
The hike will begin at 1:00 PM from the map board at the front of the park. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact SGPA’s hiking programs manager at hiking@sgpa.org.

Winter Animal Tracking
2024-01-21 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – East Parking, 400 Chestnut Lane, Hamden, CT, 06518
Join the Sleeping Giant Park Association for a guided hike about winter tracking, led by SGPA Naturalist, Gail Cameron. Lots of critters are active, even during the dead of winter. Participants will learn some of the tips and tricks to locate winter tracks and identify the animals that created them.
Advanced registration is required, and each hiker should register separately. There will be a wait list so please cancel if you find that you cannot attend. If cancelled due to weather, you will be contacted by email that morning.
Register Here >>
Participants should be prepared for an easy to moderate hike (up to two hours), dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable, supportive shoes with good traction. A day pack with snacks, water, sunscreen and any other essentials is recommended.
The hike will begin at 1:00 PM from the trailhead on Chestnut Lane at the eastern end of the park. Going east on Mount Carmel Avenue from the front of the park, Chestnut is the only left turn. Drive up the hill and the trailhead is at the second bend in the road. There is parking along the road. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
Out of consideration for other participants, dogs are not permitted on SGPA hikes.
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact SGPA’s hiking programs manager at hiking@sgpa.org.

New Year's Day Hike
2024-01-01 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
Get your new year started off on the right foot! Join the Sleeping Giant Park Association for the first hike of 2024, on new year’s day.
This hike will involve traveling over uneven terrain, with some possible rock scrambling. As such, participants should be in good physical condition, dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable, supportive shoes with good traction. A day pack with snacks, water, sunscreen and any other essentials is recommended.
Out of consideration for other participants, dogs are not permitted on SGPA hikes. All hikes leave from the kiosk at the park’s main entrance, unless otherwise noted.

Pop Up Trading Post
2023-12-08 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
Ever wanted an awesome Sleeping Giant t-shirt? Need some postcards of your favorite hiking spot? Want to show your support for the Giant with a decal? The Pop-Up Trading Post is a great opportunity to stock up on Sleeping Giant and SPGA gear, or pick up the perfect holiday gift for a fellow Giant-lover.
Proceeds from purchases go to support SGPA’s continued work to protect and care for the Sleeping Giant.
Explore Our Exclusive Merchandise:

Embroidered Caps: A stylish way to commemorate your visit.
Trail Map Bandanas: Navigate the trails with ease and style.
T-Shirts: A unique design celebrating Sleeping Giant.
Postcards, Ornaments, Patches & Stickers: Perfect for gifts or mementos.
Posters: Take a piece of the park’s beauty back home.

Please note: At this time, we can only accept cash or check payments.

Holiday Hike and Social - CANCELLED
2023-12-03 12:00 - 17:00 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
DUE TO THE FORECAST FOR HEAVY RAINS, THE 2023 HOLIDAY HIKE AND SOCIAL HAS BEEN CANCELLED. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT AN UPCOMING HIKE OR OTHER SGPA EVENT.
Join the Sleeping Giant Park Association family for our most festive event of the year! Our Annual Holiday Hike & Party is a time-honored tradition that brings together the community of Giant-lovers to enjoy the winter wonder of the park and the joy of the season.
Event Details:

Pre-Party Hike: Gather at the parking lot kiosk at noon for a group photo before setting off on a scenic hike through the Giant’s wintry landscape. The hike begins at 12:00 PM sharp, so don’t be late!
Holiday Party: The party kicks off at 1:00 PM at the pavilion, right after our hikers return. The SGPA trail crew will transform the pavilion into a cozy, festive retreat for all to enjoy.

Festivities Include:

Live Music: Our very own Tom Morse and Chris Fagan will be providing the soundtrack for the day with live holiday music to get everyone in the spirit.
Food: We’ll be lighting up the camp stoves and stringing the lights as we come together over delicious food. Feel free to contribute your favorite holiday dish to our communal feast!
Merriment: Share laughs, stories, and the warmth of community as we welcome the holiday season in the company of friends and the legendary Hobbomock spirit.

While bringing a dish is not required, any shared food is greatly appreciated and adds to the array of delights!
Be Prepared:
Please come dressed for the weather. Severe weather will cancel the event, and we’ll post any updates on our facebook page. Please check there for updates. Otherwise, we hope to see you there!

Fall Hiker's Hike - CANCELLED
2023-11-12 11:00 - 14:00 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the fall hiker’s hike has been cancelled. We look forward to seeing you at future event.

Fall Forest Bathing - Shinrin Yoku
2023-11-05 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
The Sleeping Giant Park Association invites you to experience Shinrin Yoku “forest bathing” at Sleeping Giant Park. The hike will be led by Dr. Jennifer Botwick, adjunct faculty at SCSU in the Dept. of Public Health teaching Stress Management, Wellness and Weight management, former clinical supervisor at UBCNM, and guest lecturer at UCONN Medical School and Quinnipiac College.
Shinrin Yoku, AKA Forest Bathing is a “gateway drug”; i.e. a gateway to nourishing our hearts and mind as we walk mindfully and in silence together. Nature is often seen as something outside of us, but we are Nature, in need of more green time and less screen time. Green time is an essential part of Naturopathic protocols to attain and maintain wellness. Forest Bathing is an accessible and affordable way to reap the benefits of what movement, fresh air and no electronic devices have to offer.
REGISTER HERE >>
Participants other than leader and helpers will be limited to 15 hikers. This will be an easy to moderate hike, less than 2 hours with introductory discussion.
Please register each hiker separately. There will be a wait list so please cancel if you find that you cannot attend. If cancelled due to weather, you will be contacted by email that morning.
All hikers should bring water and have proper clothing and footwear for conditions. Children must be 16 or older. Sorry, no pets.
The hike will begin at 1:00 PM at the map board at the front of the park. Please arrive 15 minutes early.

Biodiversity Hike
2023-11-04 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
The Sleeping Giant Park Association invites you to join us to learn about the biodiversity of Sleeping Giant Park, why biodiversity is important and how we can help to preserve it. The hike will be led by JP Barsky and Gail Cameron, the previous and current SGPA Naturalists.
Participants other than leader and helpers will be limited to 25 hikers. Please register each hiker separately. There will be a wait list so please cancel if you find that you cannot attend.
REGISTER HERE >>
This will be an easy to moderate hike, 2 hours or so with stops for discussion. All hikers should bring water and have proper clothing and footwear for conditions. Children must be 8 or older. Sorry, no pets.
The hike will begin at 1:00 PM at the map board at the front of the park. Please arrive 15 minutes early. If cancelled due to weather, you will be contacted by email that morning.
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact SGPA’s hiking programs manager at hiking@sgpa.org.

Fall Introductory Hike
2023-10-29 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
The Sleeping Giant Park Association invites you to join us to learn about hiking on the Giant. We will discuss the 30+ miles of trails, how to read trail markers, access to the trails and general information for beginner hikers.
Participants other than leader and helpers will be limited to 20 hikers. This will be an easy to moderate hike, 2 hours or so with stops for discussion.
REGISTER HERE >>
Please register each hiker separately. There will be a wait list so please cancel if you find that you cannot attend. If cancelled due to weather, you will be contacted by email that morning.
All hikers should bring water and have proper clothing and footwear for conditions. Children must be 8 or older. Sorry, no pets.
The hike will begin at 1:00 PM at the map board at the front of the park. Please arrive 15 minutes early.

Fall Foliage Hike
2023-10-22 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
The Sleeping Giant Park Association invites you to join us to explore the fall foliage of Sleeping Giant Park. The hike will be led by Chris Fagan who is an expert on the trees and flowers of this area.
Participants other than leader and helpers will be limited to 25 hikers. This will be an easy to moderate hike, 2 hours or so with stops for discussion.
Please register each hiker separately. There will be a wait list so please cancel if you find that you cannot attend. If cancelled due to weather, you will be contacted by email that morning.
REGISTER HERE >>
All hikers should bring water and have proper clothing and footwear for conditions. Children must be 8 or older. Sorry, no pets.
The hike will begin at 1:00 PM at the map board at the front of the park. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact SGPA’s hiking programs manager at hiking@sgpa.org.

Invasive Plant Removal Workday
2023-10-15 09:30 - 11:30, 2023-09-17 09:30 - 11:30, 2023-08-13 09:30 - 11:30, 2023-07-16 09:30 - 11:30, 2023-05-14 09:30 - 11:30 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
SGPA’s Environmental Stewardship Committee helps to steward the park by removing invasive, non-native species (learn more, HERE). You can lend a hand to this important effort by joining as a volunteer. Projects will vary by week, but generally include pulling, cutting, and otherwise removing invasive plants from around the park.
If you’d like to join, please meet at the main entrance of the park near the Ranger Shed by 9:30am. From there, we will move to specific work areas around the park, and conclude work at approximately 11:30am.
SGPA will supply any tools or equipment needed, and will provide training and oversight. Volunteers should wear sturdy shoes, dress appropriately for the weather, and bring work gloves and water.

Fall History Hike
2023-10-08 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
Join the Sleeping Giant Park Association for a guided hike exploring the history of Sleeping Giant State Park. This hike will be led by Julie Hulten and Trina Learned, who have each done extensive research into the history of the park and the Association. Both will talk about the construction of the tower and the quarrying that gave rise to the movement to save the Giant a century ago.
Participants other than leader and helpers will be limited to 30 hikers. Advanced registration is required and each hiker should register separately. There will be a wait list so please cancel if you find that you cannot attend.
REGISTER HERE >>
This will be a moderate hike – 2 hours or so with stops for discussion. All hikers should bring water and have proper clothing and footwear for conditions. Children must be 8 or older. Sorry, no pets.
The hike will begin at 1:00 PM at the map board at the front of the park. Please arrive 15 minutes early. If cancelled due to weather, you will be contacted by email that morning.
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact SGPA’s hiking programs manager at hiking@sgpa.org.

Interpretive Panel Unveiling
2023-09-20 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
Please join CT DEEP and the Sleeping Giant Park Association at the Sleeping Giant Interpretive Panel Unveiling:
All are welcome to join the unveiling of an interpretive panel explaining the significance and history of Sleeping Giant. The interpretive panel was developed to fulfill the obligations of the Sleeping Giant State Park Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which resolved the adverse effects to this Traditional Cultural Property under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1996.
The Interpretive Panel Unveiling will include a recognition of the importance of Sleeping Giant as a “Traditional Cultural Property” to the Quinnipiac and other southern New England tribes, including the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut.
We look forward to seeing you at this event!

Geology Hike
2023-09-17 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
The Sleeping Giant Park Association invites you to join us to learn about the geology of the Giant. David Sherwood will lead the hike. David has a degree in geology, worked on the staff at the Peabody Museum and has led geology trips in Connecticut and Arizona. He also authored the Guide to the Geology of Sleeping Giant State Park.
Participants other than leader and helpers will be limited to 30 hikers. Please register each hiker separately. There will be a wait list so please cancel if you find that you cannot attend.
REGISTER HERE >>
This will be an easy to moderate hike, 2 hours or so with stops for discussion. If cancelled due to weather, you will be contacted by email that morning.
All hikers should bring water and have proper clothing and footwear for conditions. Children must be 8 or older. Sorry, no pets.
The hike will begin at 1:00 PM at the map board at the front of the park. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact SGPA’s hiking programs manager at hiking@sgpa.org.

2023 Annual Meeting of Members
2023-06-13 18:45 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Online, United States
In accordance with its bylaws, the Sleeping Giant Park Association will hold the 2023 Annual Meeting of Members from 6:45pm – 7:00pm on Tuesday, June 13th.
There are no elections or items for vote. The Board President will deliver a brief report and update, and members will be given the opportunity to present a question or comment relative to the objectives of the Association.
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Interested members must register for the meeting using the registration form below. Upon registering, a confirmation email will be sent containing the Zoom meeting link.
If the registration form does not load, please refresh your browser. For any additional questions, please contact admin@sgpa.org.

Register...

Insect Life Hike
2023-06-11 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
The Sleeping Giant Park Association invites you to join us in learning about insects on the Giant – this hike will introduce participants to some of the many insects that call the Giant “home”, and their incredible adaptations and diversity. Raymond Simpson, the President of the CT Entomological Society, will lead the hike. Ray used to work at the Peabody Museum in Entomology.
Registration is required, and will be limited to 20 hikers. Please register each hiker separately. There will be a wait list, so please cancel if you find that you cannot attend. If cancelled due to weather, you will be contacted by email that morning.
>> REGISTER HERE <<
This will be an easy to moderate hike – 2 hours or so with stops for discussion. All hikers should bring water and have proper clothing and footwear for conditions. Children must be 8 or older. Sorry, no pets.
The hike will begin at 1:00 PM at the map board at the front of the park. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact SGPA’s hiking programs manager at hiking@sgpa.org.

Hike-A-Giant 2023
2023-06-04 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
Join the Sleeping Giant Park Association for an annual tradition: Hike-A-Giant. Hosted each year on CT Trails Day, Hike-A-Giant is a fun way to celebrate trails in Connecticut, at one of the state’s more beloved state parks.
The main hike will start at 11 AM and you can register and see details HERE. We envision this being a moderate hike of 4-5 miles along the yellow, green, and/or orange trails
Additionally, we have rescheduled two hikes from earlier in the year, which were rained out.

Early Bird Hike: Beginning at 8 AM, this easy hike is a great introduction to birding at the Giant. Additional details and registration are available HERE.
History of the Giant Hike: Beginning at 1 PM, this easy hike will teach participants about some of the Giant’s incredible history, and SGPA’s involvement in conserving the park. Additional details and registration are available HERE.

If you haven’t already signed up for either, contact hiking@sgpa.org after checking the details here:
Unless noted otherwise, this hike will involve traveling over uneven terrain, with some possible rock scrambling. As such, participants should be in good physical condition, dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable, supportive shoes with good traction. A day pack with snacks, water, sunscreen and any other essentials is recommended.
Out of consideration for other participants, dogs are not permitted on SGPA hikes. All hikes leave from the kiosk at the park’s main entrance, unless otherwise noted.
For additional information about these or other hikes, please contact SGPA’s hiking programs manager at hiking@sgpa.org.

Spring Introductory Hike
2023-05-21 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
New to hiking on the Giant? Looking to explore some of the backcountry trails? Join the Sleeping Giant Park Association for a guided hike designed specifically for hikers who want to know more about the trails on the Giant. Led by SGPA board member, Mick Martucci, this hike will take it easy, and teach participants about the extensive trail system, where to park, and insider information about specific trails and sights to see.
This hike will be limited to 20 participants, and advanced registration is required. Please register each hiker separately. There will be a wait list so please cancel if you find that you cannot attend. If cancelled due to weather, you will be contacted by email that morning.
>> REGISTER HERE <<
This will be an easy to moderate hike, 2 hours or so with stops for discussion. All hikers should bring water and have proper clothing and footwear for conditions. Children must be 8 or older. Sorry, no pets.
The hike will begin at 1:00 PM at the map board at the front of the park. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
