Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden
Hiking Trail, Park

© Maurice Savage / Alamy Stock Photo
This mountain park’s unique name comes from the simple fact that it resembles a giant lying down. With views over New Haven and Long Island Sound, summer is the perfect time to birdwatch and admire the wild flowers in bloom, while the fall has the firestorm of foliage to appreciate. The park offers 23 different trails, which vary depending on difficulty, from the easiest green trail to the most difficult white. The Sleeping Giant Tower Trail is an easy 2mi (3km) and hikers are rewarded with spectacular views at the end.