Two miles of mountaintop resembling a sleeping giant give this park its name, and make it a distinguishing feature on Connecticut's skyline. The Sleeping Giant Park Association was formed in 1924 to acquire land on and around the series of ridges in Mount Carmel, Connecticut known as the Sleeping Giant for use as a state park. SGPA is an all-volunteer organization whose mission is to protect and enlarge Sleeping Giant State Park. SGPA maintains over thirty miles of trails in the park, sponsors over 15 guided hikes each year, acquires land to add to the park, publishes the Giant News, a newsletter about the Giant, prints and distributes trail maps and maintains a self-guided nature trail with printed guide.

Sleeping Giant is beautiful state park only 20 minutes outside of downtown New Haven. There are a ton of trails, designated picnic areas at the base, a castle at the top, a hidden cave, climbing routes, and so much more. Red trails go North and South. Colored trails go east and west. Blue is the hardest and goes straight up the face. Total elevation 739ft. The main entrance is directly across the street from Quinnipiac University. There is onsite paid parking, but the lot closes at sunset. The park service can be strict about ticketing cars still parked in the lot after dark, so pay attention to the time. You've been warned. Some trails can be difficult, so be prepared and bring some water and a snack as well as durable hiking clothes. A camera is always a plus.