East Rock

East Rock is a 366-foot summit in New Haven featuring steep cliffs of reddish diabase rock with forests covering much of its ridgeline. The mountain rises prominently above the surrounding area and offers expansive views across the city and coastal regions.

During the Revolutionary War, American forces used the summit as a lookout to track British naval movements along the coast. The mountain's height made it valuable for monitoring activities in and around New Haven Harbor.

A stone Soldiers and Sailors Monument sits at the summit, honoring local residents who served in major American wars. The memorial draws visitors seeking connection to New Haven's past and role in national events.

A network of trails runs through the park and reaches the summit via multiple marked pathways with varying difficulty levels. Morning or late afternoon visits offer the best experience, as crowds are lighter and light conditions for views are more favorable.

The mountain formed about 200 million years ago during the Triassic period when molten magma cooled and solidified beneath the earth's surface. This ancient geological origin explains the distinctive reddish color of the rock cliffs and makes it a fascinating example of deep-time geology.

Location: Connecticut

Made from material: igneous rock

GPS coordinates: 41.32711,-72.90433

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:46