Regicides Trail, Hiking trail
Regicides Trail is a hiking path of about 7 miles that runs along the ridge of West Rock Ridge State Park near New Haven in Connecticut. The route climbs from the South Overlook at 375 feet to over 600 feet at its highest point, passing through forested areas and past Judges Cave before joining the Quinnipiac Trail.
The trail is named after William Goffe and Edward Whalley, two judges who fled to Judges Cave in 1661 and 1664 after signing the death warrant for King Charles I of England. The cave and trail preserve the memory of their escape to Connecticut during the 17th century.
Parking is available at West Rock State Park in Hamden, with a fee during certain seasons. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip and bring water, as some sections are steep and can become slippery in winter or icy conditions.
Along the ridge are old structures including water boundary markers and telecommunications remnants from earlier times that sometimes spark rumors about secret bunkers. A large paved rectangular area near the summit was once a park access road but was closed in the 1970s.
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