Spring Hiker's Hike
2025-03-16 11:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | 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’s 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. Out of consideration for other participants, dogs are not permitted on SGPA hikes.
Advanced registration is not required – simply meet us at the map board/kiosk near the main parking area at 10:45am and be ready to hit the trail at 11am.
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact SGPA’s hiking programs manager at hiking@sgpa.org.

Trail Crew 2025 - Every Sunday, April through November
2025-04-01 09:30 - 2025-11-30 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
2025-04-06 13:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | 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. Out of consideration for other participants, dogs are not permitted on SGPA hikes.
Advanced registration is required, and this hike 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. 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.

Giant Master Trail Series - Hike 1 (White & Violet)
2025-04-19 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
Join the Sleeping Giant Park Association for this guided hike series designed to help you complete the Giant Master Challenge*—or simply explore new trails at Sleeping Giant State Park! The Giant Master Program challenges hikers to traverse all 32 miles of blazed trails in the park, and this six-hike series will guide participants through every section of the Giant’s extensive trail system.
Each hike in the series will cover a different portion of the park, so if you complete all six, you will have successfully conquered the Giant Master Challenge*! Whether you’re working toward Giant Master status or just looking for a great day on the trails, these hikes offer a fantastic way to experience the park’s diverse landscapes, scenic viewpoints, and challenging terrain. Hikes will be led by SGPA Board Member and veteran hike leader, Mary Anne Hardy.
This hike will depart from the park’s main entrance at 9:00am (meet at 8:45am), and cover the White and Violet trails (6.5+ miles).
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.
Advanced registration is required.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER >>
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact the chair of SGPA’s Programs and Events Committee at hiking@sgpa.org.
*Participants interested in completing the Giant Master Challenge must 1) have a current membership with SGPA, and; 2) register for the Giant Master Program. Additional details about the Giant Master Program, including registration information, can be found HERE >>

The Founding of Sleeping Giant State Park
2025-04-29 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | North Haven Memorial Library, 17 Elm Street, North Haven, Connecticut, 06473
This event is presented by the North Haven Memorial Library:
In 2024, Sleeping Giant State Park turned 100 years old! Creating the park was not easy nor quick. This is a dynamic story of early 20th-century conflicting priorities and hard-reached resolutions: destructive commercial interests, the public’s passion for preservation, and thorny legal battles. The cast includes Mt. Carmel businessmen, Yale scholars, captains of industry, and the Park Association’s founding members whose love for the Giant ultimately prevailed. This talk will follow twenty-five years of fascinating twists and turns that culminated with the beautiful park we love today.
Trina Learned’s passion for Sleeping Giant State Park came out of a photography course, when assigned hikes led to curiosity led to curiosity about the origin of park buildings and the abandoned quarry. When not on the giant, Trina is the Executive Director of Creative Arts Workshop in New Haven and sits of the Sleeping Giant Park Association board.
Advanced registration is encouraged.
Click Here to Register >>

Early Bird Watchers' Hike
2025-05-04 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.
Advanced registration is required >>
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.

Giant Master Trail Series - Hike 2 (Red Circle & Red Square)
2025-05-24 09:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-11 09:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Sleeping Giant State Park – Tuttle Ave (Red Circle), Hamden, Connecticut, 06518
Join the Sleeping Giant Park Association for this guided hike series designed to help you complete the Giant Master Challenge*—or simply explore new trails at Sleeping Giant State Park! The Giant Master Program challenges hikers to traverse all 32 miles of blazed trails in the park, and this six-hike series will guide participants through every section of the Giant’s extensive trail system.
Each hike in the series will cover a different portion of the park, so if you complete all six, you will have successfully conquered the Giant Master Challenge*! Whether you’re working toward Giant Master status or just looking for a great day on the trails, these hikes offer a fantastic way to experience the park’s diverse landscapes, scenic viewpoints, and challenging terrain. Hikes will be led by SGPA Board Member and veteran hike leader, Mary Anne Hardy.
This hike will depart from the Tuttle Ave. parking lot for the Red Circle Trail at 9:00am (meet at 8:45am), and cover the Red Circle and Red Square trails (5 miles).
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.
Advanced registration is required.
Click HERE to Register >>
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact the chair of SGPA’s Programs and Events Committee at hiking@sgpa.org.
*Participants interested in completing the Giant Master Challenge must 1) have a current membership with SGPA, and; 2) register for the Giant Master Program. Additional details about the Giant Master Program, including registration information, can be found HERE >>

The Founding of Sleeping Giant State Park
2025-05-28 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Wallingford Public Library, 200 North Main Street, Wallingford, CT, 06492, United States
This event is presented by the Wallingford Public Library:
In 2024, Sleeping Giant State Park turned 100 years old! Creating the park was not easy nor quick. This is a dynamic story of early 20th-century conflicting priorities and hard-reached resolutions: destructive commercial interests, the public’s passion for preservation, and thorny legal battles. The cast includes Mt. Carmel businessmen, Yale scholars, captains of industry, and the Park Association’s founding members whose love for the Giant ultimately prevailed. This talk will follow twenty-five years of fascinating twists and turns that culminated with the beautiful park we love today.
Trina Learned’s passion for Sleeping Giant State Park came out of a photography course, when assigned hikes led to curiosity led to curiosity about the origin of park buildings and the abandoned quarry. When not on the giant, Trina is the Executive Director of Creative Arts Workshop in New Haven and sits of the Sleeping Giant Park Association board.
Advanced registration is encouraged.
Click Here to Register >>

CT Trails Day 2025 - 3 Hikes at Sleeping Giant!
2025-06-08 09:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
The Sleeping Giant Park Association is thrilled to again be participating in CT Trails Day, a statewide event that showcases the incredible trails that criss-cross our beautiful state. For 2025, SGPA has lined up three great hikes for those wanting to spend Trails Day on the Giant.
Additional details about each hike can be found in the links below.
Registration for all CT Trails Day hikes opens on May 14th.
Circumnavigate the Giant: 5.5 Miles, Hard. Departs at 9:30am
Learn more and register here: https://trailsday.org/events/circumnavigate-the-giant/
Intro to Hiking the Giant: 1.5 Miles, Moderate. Departs at 11:00am
Learn more and register here: https://trailsday.org/events/intro-to-hiking-the-giant/
Sleeping Giant History Hike: 1.25 Miles, Moderate. Departs at 1:30pm
Learn more and register here: https://trailsday.org/events/sleeping-giant-history-hike/

Giant Master Trail Series - Hike 3 (Orange, Green & Tower Path)
2025-06-28 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
Join the Sleeping Giant Park Association for this guided hike series designed to help you complete the Giant Master Challenge*—or simply explore new trails at Sleeping Giant State Park! The Giant Master Program challenges hikers to traverse all 32 miles of blazed trails in the park, and this six-hike series will guide participants through every section of the Giant’s extensive trail system.
Each hike in the series will cover a different portion of the park, so if you complete all six, you will have successfully conquered the Giant Master Challenge*! Whether you’re working toward Giant Master status or just looking for a great day on the trails, these hikes offer a fantastic way to experience the park’s diverse landscapes, scenic viewpoints, and challenging terrain. Hikes will be led by SGPA Board Member and veteran hike leader, Mary Anne Hardy.
This hike will depart from the park’s main entrance at 9:00am (meet at 8:45am), and cover the Orange and Green trails, plus the Tower Path (7 miles).
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.
Advanced registration is required. Click HERE to Register >>
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact the chair of SGPA’s Programs and Events Committee at hiking@sgpa.org.
*Participants interested in completing the Giant Master Challenge must 1) have a current membership with SGPA, and; 2) register for the Giant Master Program. Additional details about the Giant Master Program, including registration information, can be found HERE >>

Spring Forest Bathing - Shinrin Yoku
2025-06-29 10:00 - 12:30 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Tuttle Ave (Red Circle), Hamden, Connecticut, 06518
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.
Advanced registration is required – 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 10:00 AM at the northern end of the Red Circle Trail, along Tuttle Ave. 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.

Insect Life Hike
2025-08-24 10:00 - 12:00 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.
Advanced registration is required, and this hike 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. If cancelled due to weather, you will be contacted by email that morning.
REGISTER HERE >>
The hike will begin at 10:00 AM 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.

2025 Annual Meeting of Members
2025-09-09 18:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Online, United States
In accordance with its bylaws, the Sleeping Giant Park Association will hold the 2025 Annual Meeting of Members from 6:30pm – 7:00pm on Tuesday, September 9th.
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...

Giant Master Trail Series - Hike 4 (Red Diamond, Hexagon & Nature Trail)
2025-09-13 08:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
Join the Sleeping Giant Park Association for this guided hike series designed to help you complete the Giant Master Challenge*—or simply explore new trails at Sleeping Giant State Park! The Giant Master Program challenges hikers to traverse all 32 miles of blazed trails in the park, and this six-hike series will guide participants through every section of the Giant’s extensive trail system.
Each hike in the series will cover a different portion of the park, so if you complete all six, you will have successfully conquered the Giant Master Challenge*! Whether you’re working toward Giant Master status or just looking for a great day on the trails, these hikes offer a fantastic way to experience the park’s diverse landscapes, scenic viewpoints, and challenging terrain. Hikes will be led by SGPA Board Member and veteran hike leader, Mary Anne Hardy.
This hike will depart from the park’s main entrance at 8:30am (meet at 8:15am), and cover the Red Diamond, Red Hexagon, and Nature Trails (7.5+ miles).
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.
Advanced registration is required.
Click HERE to Register >>
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact the chair of SGPA’s Programs and Events Committee at hiking@sgpa.org.
*Participants interested in completing the Giant Master Challenge must 1) have a current membership with SGPA, and; 2) register for the Giant Master Program. Additional details about the Giant Master Program, including registration information, can be found HERE >>

Geology Hike
2025-09-21 13:00 - 15:00 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 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 Chestnut Lane trailhead. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact SGPA’s hiking programs manager at hiking@sgpa.org.

Giant Master Trail Series - Hike 5 (Eastern Blue, Yellow+Green Connectors)
2025-10-18 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Sleeping Giant State Park – East Parking, 400 Chestnut Lane, Hamden, CT, 06518
Join the Sleeping Giant Park Association for this guided hike series designed to help you complete the Giant Master Challenge*—or simply explore new trails at Sleeping Giant State Park! The Giant Master Program challenges hikers to traverse all 32 miles of blazed trails in the park, and this six-hike series will guide participants through every section of the Giant’s extensive trail system.
Each hike in the series will cover a different portion of the park, so if you complete all six, you will have successfully conquered the Giant Master Challenge*! Whether you’re working toward Giant Master status or just looking for a great day on the trails, these hikes offer a fantastic way to experience the park’s diverse landscapes, scenic viewpoints, and challenging terrain. Hikes will be led by SGPA Board Member and veteran hike leader, Mary Anne Hardy.
This hike will depart from the Chestnut Lane parking area at 9:00am (meet at 8:45am), and cover the eastern portion of the Blue trail, plus the Yellow/Green connector trails (6+ miles).
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.
Advanced registration is required.
Click HERE to register >>
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact the chair of SGPA’s Programs and Events Committee at hiking@sgpa.org.
*Participants interested in completing the Giant Master Challenge must 1) have a current membership with SGPA, and; 2) register for the Giant Master Program. Additional details about the Giant Master Program, including registration information, can be found HERE >>

Biodiversity Hike
2025-10-19 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 note that this hike will meet at and depart from the Chestnut Lane trailhead.
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.

Fall Foliage Hike
2025-10-26 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.

Giant Master Trail Series - Hike 6 (Blue & Yellow)
2025-11-01 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
Join the Sleeping Giant Park Association for this guided hike series designed to help you complete the Giant Master Challenge*—or simply explore new trails at Sleeping Giant State Park! The Giant Master Program challenges hikers to traverse all 32 miles of blazed trails in the park, and this six-hike series will guide participants through every section of the Giant’s extensive trail system.
Each hike in the series will cover a different portion of the park, so if you complete all six, you will have successfully conquered the Giant Master Challenge*! Whether you’re working toward Giant Master status or just looking for a great day on the trails, these hikes offer a fantastic way to experience the park’s diverse landscapes, scenic viewpoints, and challenging terrain. Hikes will be led by SGPA Board Member and veteran hike leader, Mary Anne Hardy.
This hike will depart from the park’s main entrance at 9:00am (meet at 8:45am), and cover the Blue and Yellow trails (6.5+ miles).
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.
Advanced registration is required.
Click HERE to Register >>
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact the chair of SGPA’s Programs and Events Committee at hiking@sgpa.org.
*Participants interested in completing the Giant Master Challenge must 1) have a current membership with SGPA, and; 2) register for the Giant Master Program. Additional details about the Giant Master Program, including registration information, can be found HERE >>

Fall Forest Bathing - Shinrin Yoku - CANCELLED
2025-11-16 10:00 - 12:30 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Tuttle Ave (Red Circle), Hamden, Connecticut, 06518
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED
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.
All hikers should bring water and have proper clothing and footwear for conditions. Children must be 16 or older. Sorry, no pets. Please note the meeting location on Tuttle Ave.
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.

Fall Hiker's Hike
2025-11-23 12:00 - 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 final guided hike of the fall.
Registration is NOT required for this hike – simply meet at the map board at 11:50am, and be ready to hit the trail for approximately 3 hours.
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 this or other hikes, please contact SGPA’s hiking programs manager at hiking@sgpa.org.

Pop Up Trading Post
2025-12-07 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Sleeping Giant State Park Pavilion, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, CT, 06518, United States
Looking for the perfect gift for the Giant-lover in your life—or maybe a little something for yourself? The Sleeping Giant Park Association will be hosting a special Pop-Up Trading Post where you can purchase merchandise in-person for one day only!
Throughout the year, SGPA gear is available online through our partnership with Campus Customs, but this pop-up event gives you the chance to see and purchase items on the spot. We’ll have a great selection of shirts, sweaters, hats, holiday ornaments, and more—the perfect way to show your local pride and celebrate your love for the Giant.
With the season in full swing, this is a wonderful opportunity to pick up a unique holiday gift for friends, family, or any fellow hikers. And the best part? A portion of all sales goes directly back to SGPA, supporting our mission to protect and care for Sleeping Giant. You can look good and support the park you love at the same time.
The Pop-Up Trading Post will take place at the same time and location as SGPA’s Holiday Hike & Social. We invite you to stop by the pavilion to browse merchandise, enjoy seasonal treats, and mingle with fellow Giant-lovers. Whether you join the hike, the social, the shopping—or all three—it’s a great way to welcome the holiday season.
We hope to see you at the pavilion for festive fun, community connection, and of course—plenty of Giant gear!

Holiday Hike and Social
2025-12-07 12:00 - 17:00 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park Pavilion, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, CT, 06518, United States
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: We’ll gather at noon for a group photo before setting off on a scenic hike through the Giant’s wintry landscape.
Holiday Party: After the hike, just us for a party at the pavilion. The SGPA trail crew will transform the pavilion into a cozy, festive retreat for all to enjoy.
Pop-Up Trading Post: A limited amount of Sleeping Giant merchandise will be available for purchase from our friend at Campus Customs. A portion of all sales go back to supporting SGPA’s mission, so you can stock up on holiday gifts while supporting the Giant at the same time. More details HERE >>

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!

New Year's Day Hike - CANCELED
2026-01-01 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
DUE TO ICY AND COLD/WINDY CONDITIONS, THIS HIKE HAS BEEN CANCELED.

Winter Animal Tracking (rescheduled)
2026-02-01 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.
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 >>
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, extra layers, and any other essentials is recommended. Out of consideration for other participants, dogs are not permitted on SGPA hikes.
NOTE: This hike will meet and depart from the Chestnut Lane parking area and trailhead.
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact SGPA’s hiking programs manager at hiking@sgpa.org.

Winter Tree Identification
2026-02-15 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 SGPA is offering a short, informative hike designed to explore the variety of trees and shrubs in their winter condition. Want to know 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 former US Forest Service Scientist, Chris Fagan.
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, 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.
The hike will begin at 1:00 PM and leave from the welcome center. 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
2026-03-15 11:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | 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’s 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. Out of consideration for other participants, dogs are not permitted on SGPA hikes.
Advanced registration is not required – simply meet us at the welcome center at 10:45am and be ready to hit the trail at 11am.
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact SGPA’s hiking programs manager at hiking@sgpa.org.

St. Patrick’s Day Green Trail Hike
2026-03-17 09:30 - 13:30 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
Join us for a joint AMC/SGPA St. Patrick’s Day loop of about 5 miles at Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden. We will travel on the Yellow & Green Trails (and a short bit of the Tower Path), though if there is interest we can extend the route by about a mile to include a side trip to the tower.
Depending upon conditions we walk at a pace of about 2 mph. We may need spikes and poles to navigate icy footing. Please bring water and snacks and dress appropriately for late winter hiking (hiking boots, layers, etc). Wearing festive St Patrick Day colors encouraged!
More information, including registration, can be found HERE >>
We will meet at 9:15 AM to start hiking promptly at 9:30 AM. The end time of this activity is only an estimate. We will meet at the main entrance of Sleeping Giant State Park on Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, CT.
For additional information about this or other hikes, please contact hike leader Mary Anne Hardy, HERE.

Trail Crew 2026 - Every Sunday, April through November
2026-04-01 09:30 - 2026-11-30 12:00 UTC | Sleeping Giant State Park – Main Parking, 200 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, 06518, United States
