Sleeping Giant Park Association

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 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Invasive Plant Removal Workday
2024-04-07 09:30 - 11:30, 2024-06-23 09:30 - 11:30, 2024-07-21 09:30 - 11:30, 2024-08-18 09:30 - 11:30, 2024-09-22 09:30 - 11:30, 2024-10-20 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.

Trail Crew 2024 - Every Sunday, April through November
2024-04-07 09:30 - 2024-12-01 21:30 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
The Trail Crew always welcomes new members!
Volunteers meet in the parking lot at 9:30 on Sunday mornings, April through November. The work sessions usually last for about two hours (weather permitting), and there are a variety of tasks suited for all abilities. Trail Crew projects typically involve clearing fallen trees, removing litter, repainting trail markers, constructing trail infrastructure to prevent erosion and increase accessibility, and otherwise improving or relocating trails.
SGPA will supply any tools or equipment needed. Volunteers should wear sturdy shoes, dress appropriately for the weather, and bring work gloves and water.
For additional information, please contact the Trail Crew leader at trailcrew@sgpa.org.

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 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.

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/

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.

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.

Insect Life Hike
2024-08-25 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, former President of the CT Entomological Society, will lead the hike. Ray used to work at the Peabody Museum in Entomology.
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.
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 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.

2024 Annual Meeting of Members
2024-09-14 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Sleeping Giant State Park Pavilion, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, CT, 06518, United States
Save the Date!
The Sleeping Giant Park Association will host its 100th Annual Meeting of Members on September 14th, 2024. All are welcome to attend to learn about SGPA's current projects and programs, as well as plans for the organization's next 100 years.
This year is an election year, so current SGPA members will also have the opportunity to elect new and renewing members of the SGPA Board of Directors. The following slate is presented to the membership for their consideration:
Officers:

President - Luis Arata
Vice President - Aaron Lefland
Treasurer - Lonny Gee
Secretary - Tom Morse

Directors:

Jeff Borne
Gail Cameron
Justine Compton
Chris Fagan
Eric Hansen
Trina Learned
Thornton Lockwood
Mick Martucci
Chuck Maynard
Mike Miller
Manju Prabhu
Gil Spencer
Kari Vecchitto
Matt Viens

We welcome attendees to join us after the meeting to continue conversation, share stories, and enjoy the company of fellow giant-lovers. Light refreshments will be provided.

Geology Hike
2024-09-15 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 20 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.

Sleeping Giant Pale Ale Release Party 🍺
2024-10-04 16:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Counter Weight Brewing Company, 7 Diana Ct, Cheshire, CT, 06410, United States
In celebration of Sleeping Giant State Park’s centennial, SGPA teamed up with our friends at Counter Weight Brewing Company to brew something special—Sleeping Giant Pale Ale! This limited-release beer promises to be a smooth, easy-drinking brew—perfect for raising a glass in honor of the Giant’s first 100 years.
We invite all of our supporters to join us at Counter Weight on October 4, when the first pour of Sleeping Giant Pale Ale will be available.
SGPA will have a table set up with details about the park, the upcoming Centennial Celebration, and all the ways you can support our mission of protecting and caring for the Giant. Limited-edition centennial merchandise will also be available for purchase. Proceeds from the sale of beer and merchandise will go directly to support SGPA’s ongoing conservation and stewardship efforts at the park.

Biodiversity Hike
2024-10-05 11:00 - 13:00 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – East Parking, 400 Chestnut Lane, Hamden, CT, 06518
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.
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.
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 >>
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact SGPA’s hiking programs manager at hiking@sgpa.org.

Centennial Celebration
2024-10-12 10:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
Celebrate 100 Years of Sleeping Giant State Park!
Join us on Saturday, October 12, 2024, for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration marking the centennial of Sleeping Giant State Park—exactly 100 years to the day since this beloved landmark first opened its gates to the public!
The Sleeping Giant Park Association (SGPA), in cooperation with the State of Connecticut, is thrilled to host this community-wide event, honoring the rich history and vibrant future of the park. SGPA was founded in 1924 with a singular mission: to acquire land and create Sleeping Giant State Park. Over the past century, we've remained dedicated to this cause, continually seeking opportunities to expand and preserve this natural treasure for generations to come.
This celebration is not just a reflection on the past 100 years but also a look forward to the future of Sleeping Giant State Park. It’s a day to connect with nature, enjoy time with family and friends, and be a part of the legacy of conservation that SGPA has championed for the past century.

10:00 - 11:00amRemarks and Honors
Hear from elected and appointed officials as they reflect on the park’s past, present, and future. Confirmed speakers include:

Luis Arata, President, Sleeping Giant Park Association
Brenda Greer, Vice Chairwoman, Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation
Michelle Piper-Mitchell, Chairwoman, Golden Hill Paugussett Tribal Nation
Mike Lambert, Bureau Chief, Outdoor Recreation, CT DEEP
Jeremy Hall, Assistant Division Director of Operations, CT State Parks
Josh Elliott, State Representative, CT's 88th District
Lauren Garrett, Mayor, Town of Hamden

11:00am - 4:00pmConcurrent Activities and Programs

Guided Hikes: What better way to celebrate the park's centennial than by hitting the trails. Three hikes of varying difficulties will be offered:

Advanced Hike: 4.0 miles, ~3 hours–Departs at 11:30 from well near pavilion–Route: Blue up and over the Giant’s head, to Red Circle. Return to picnic area on Orange.

Intermediate Hike: 3.5 miles, ~2.5 hours–Departs at 11:30am from well near pavilion–Route: Violet past the quarry, to Red Triangle, to the Tower. Return to picnic area on Red Triangle and Yellow

Introductory Hike: 1.5 miles, ~1.5 hours–Departs at 12:30pm from map board near start of Tower Path–Route: Orange to Red Hexagon to Violet to Red Diamond. Return to picnic area on Red Diamond.

History Hike: 1.2 miles, ~1.5 hours–Departs at 12:30pm from well near pavilion–Route: Blue/White to the upper quarry, then lower quarry. Return the same route.

Sleeping Giant History & Info: Stop by the Sleeping Giant Park Association table for information about the park, its history, and ways to get involved.
Trading Post: Stock up with limited edition merchandise from Campus Customs, commemorating the park's centennial. Proceeds will support SGPA's ongoing efforts to protect and care for the park, so you can feel good and look good, too!
Beer Garden: Stop by the beer garden and enjoy a pint of Sleeping Giant Hazy Pale Ale, brewed in collaboration with Counterweight Brewing Company in honor of the Centennial.
Food Trucks: Grab a bite to eat from one of these local vendors: CT Chowder Co.'s Get Stuffed Food Truck, Caseus's Crispy Melty Food Truck, and Moon Rock Cookies. All food trucks will be located in the parking area the pavilion, serving up tasty treats for hungry hikers and attendees.
Hamden Fire Department Demonstration (2pm): Head over to the quarry for a demonstration of high-angle rescue (rescue and rappel techniques for cliff-side emergencies) from the Hamden Fire Department.
Community Partner Tables: Learn more about other local organizations that care about Sleeping Giant State Park. Partner organizations will be set up at the pavilion with information and activities, perfect for visitors of all ages and interests.
Live Music: Enjoy live performances from the QU a capella group "Legends" and QU professor rock band, "Rhythm Doctors"
And More: Additional plans are in the works to make this a memorable and special day. We'll continue to update this page as additional activities and programs are confirmed - stay tuned!

Important Parking Information: Parking will be available at Sleeping Giant State Park on a first-come-first-served basis, and we've partnered with Quinnipiac University to secure additional parking at their North Lots, free of charge. Signage and parking attendants will help you navigate upon your arrival.
Mark your calendars and join us for this historic event! Whether you’re a longtime supporter of the park or discovering it for the first time, there’s something for everyone.

Giant Brunch @ Mikro
2024-10-13 11:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Mikro Depot, 0 Depot Ave, Hamden, CT, 06518, United States

Fall Foliage Hike
2024-10-27 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, retired staff of the US Forest Service and an expert on the trees and flowers of this area. In addition to enjoying the beauty of autumn, Chris will explain the science behind our trees’ miraculous transformation.
All hikers should bring water and have proper clothing and footwear for conditions. Children must be 8 or older. Sorry, no pets.
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 >>
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact SGPA’s hiking programs manager at hiking@sgpa.org.

The Founding of Sleeping Giant State Park
2024-10-30 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT, 06510, United States
This event is presented by the New Haven Museum:
This year, Sleeping Giant State Park turns 100 years old! Creating the park was not easy or quick. This is a dynamic story of early 20th century confliction priorities and hard-reached resolutions: destructive commercial interests, the public’s passion for preservation, and thorny legal battles. The cast includes neighboring businessmen, Yale scholars, captains of industry, and the Park Association’s founding members whose love for the Giant ultimately prevailed. This talk by Trina Mace Learned will follow twenty-five years of fascinating twists and turns that culminated in the beautiful park we love today.
Trina Mace Learned’s passion for Sleeping Giant State Park came out of a graduate photography course, taken at Wesleyan University during the pandemic. Weekly assigned hikes led to the discovery of structures in the west end of the park; curiosity led to a master’s thesis inspired by the origin of those buildings and the adjacent abandoned quarry. When not snapping pictures of the Giant, Trina is the Executive Director of Creative Arts Workshop in New Haven, chairs the city’s Historic District Commission, and sits on the boards of the New Haven Museum and the Sleeping Giant Park Association.
Advanced registration is strongly encouraged.
Click Here to Register >>
