The Sleeping Giant Head Blue And Violet Loop Trail Is A Challenging Hike In Connecticut That Will Make Your Stomach Drop
By Katie Lawrence|Published August 20, 2020
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Some people argue hiking isn’t a viable form of exercise, but we beg to differ. Sleeping Giant Head Blue and Violet Loop Trail is an 8-mile trek up Mount Carmel that promises to get your heart rate up. The breathtaking views all along the way are worth every bit of effort.
The longest hike at Sleeping Giant State Park, this 8-mile adventure is perfect for those days when you feel like logging some serious miles. It's an incredible diverse trail, with enough variances in terrain and unique vantage points to view the breathtaking scenery keep you interested for the entire duration.
You'll embark on a fairly steep climb, with an elevation gain of nearly 1,700 feet. Parts of the trail are borderline rock climbing as opposed to hiking—an incredible experience, but come prepared with snacks, water, and any gear you might need. Despite the challenge, you'll be in absolute awe of striking cliffside vistas like this.
A number of scenic overlooks serve a twofold purpose: to showcase sweeping panoramas of Hamden and its surrounding mountainscape, and allow exhausted hikers to stretch their legs for a spell. Perhaps you'll even consider packing a picnic lunch to enjoy while taking in the sights.
Giant rock formations covered in lush greenery jut out from the trail, their undulating hilltops extending far as the eye can see. You'll definitely want to whip out your camera right about here, because views this picturesque can't be found just anywhere.
In addition to the massive stone tower Sleeping Giant is known for, a smaller stone building is partially shrouded in a thick forest growth. This eerie ruin practically beckons for you to come explore—or at least use it as the backdrop of a photoshoot.
Although clearly weathered, the haunting structure hasn't succumbed to the elements just yet. Reminiscent of a scene from a horror movie, it adds quite a bit of character to the hike.
No matter what time of year you visit, rest-assured the views are always incredible. During autumn, eye-popping foliage presents a scene nothing short of magical.
