Sat. Jun 6
09:00 am
-
11:00 am
1 mile
30 Open Spots
Join two Connecticut scholars as we stroll along the Regicides Trail, take in wonderful views, and learn about the intertwined stories of Anglo-American constitutional history and the history of native peoples. In the seventeenth century, English fugitives who sentenced King Charles I to death took refuge in the impressive traprock formation known today as Judges Cave. They were sheltered there by their Puritan sympathizers in New Haven. How did they survive? And how did the bloody controversy in which they took part lay the basis for the American system of government and the American Constitution? Likewise, how did the fugitives and their compatriots interact with the native peoples of the region? And who were those Algonquin-speaking peoples, and what were their societies like?
The tour begins with a panoramic view of New Haven and the Mill River Valley, setting our scene. It then continues on a largely level yet rocky 0.6 path to Judges Cave. After we admire the cave together—with historical documents!—participants may either return to their vehicles parked at the South Overlook or continue northward on their own down the blue-blazed trail. The Regicides Trail soon joins the Quinnipiac Trail, which was the first trail in the state’s blue-blazed trail system, so we’ll also take the opportunity at Judges Cave to contemplate the exciting history and variety of this jewel of Connecticut.
Participants in wheelchairs are warmly invited to join us at the South Overlook parking lot and at the parking area directly in front of the cave, but the trail is rocky and not suitable for wheelchairs.
Event Leader(s)
Mark S. Weiner
marksweiner1@gmail.comJames T. Powers
marksweiner1@gmail.comRain Date
Meeting Location Details
West Rock Ridge State Park, enter on 1134 Wintergreen Avenue, meet at South Overlook
To reach the South Overlook, enter West Rock Park from Wintergreen Avenue. Follow Regicide Drive until you come to a junction. Turn left, following the arrow on the brown-and-yellow sign toward the South Overlook. Follow the street until the parking lot at the very end (you will pass two picnic table turn-off points). If you find yourself at Judges Cave, you have missed the left-hand turnoff—turn around to the junction and turn right.
Click on the red map pin for the event address.
CFPA Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail
Families In The Park (Formerly Great Park Pursuit)
Leashed Dogs Permitted