West Rock Ridge State Park, New Haven

1943 - During war time, my sister and I would walk to the foot of West Rock to get wood for the coal furnace. We didn�t have any brothers so it was our chore. I continued walking my dog, Boy up on my mountain, that�s what I called it. I walked every day until I was 18. It was wonderful. I have such beautiful memories climbing up to 3 judges cave. I had my own path. All the different animals, birds, and ledges to sit on. Memories of walking in the brook at the foot of West Rock by Valley Street in Westville. I walked in the water, on the rocks when the brook was frozen, and fell in it, and sat in it in the summer and loved it. West Rock was my solitude,my private world.

I was always fascinated with West Rock. And at 62yrs I'm just as fascinated. It was wonderful to reach the summit. The cave always scared me a bit. It was a great place to park!!! Oh! and 3 Judges Restaurant was the place to go and eat after. Best fried onion rings. I moved to Virginia in 1962 but when I visit CT West Rock is always a stop or at least a ride by.

Well, I wouldn't really recommend going at night. Its against the law, and the Police will chase you out. But if your like me, and you don't care, its a great place to go. Take the left Path, and it takes you to a great view, a nice hike, and a pleasent place to have a picnic. Take the right path, and it will lead to a 8 mile long "Road", the term being used lightly since after about 3 or 4 miles, the road turns to gravel. Then, there is also the lake half, which has some beautiful paths through the woods and a man made waterfall.

This beautiful place gives you everything you could want in outdoor recreation even more than it's eastern counterpart, just ashamed the roads to it's most scenic areas aren't readily available to vehicles, that's why I bring my mountain bike. Nice Trails, Great Views.