Maps & Routes
We ask that all Rock to Rock participants
respect important government and public
health guidance about social distancing.
Rock to Rock is working to keep our riders and whole community safe and healthy.
We're inviting participants to do Rock to Rock in small groups at staggered starts. In 2023 you can ride one of two Family Rides, a 12-, 20-, 40- or 60-mile ride in a loop starting and ending in East Rock Park. You also are welcome to hike around the base of East Rock. Common Ground is offering a West Rock hike as well. If you are not comfortable getting out with us you can take 5 actions on behalf of our environment on your own. You can ride a stationary bike or set a new milestone for your home exercise routine.
However you are celebrating Rock to Rock, please post videos and photos on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter using the hashtags #MyRockToRock and #RockToRock2023.
All of the rides start and end in East Rock Park. Scroll to the bottom of this page to see the WALKING options for Rock to Rock in 2023.
Family Rides at 10:30 am- Both routes stay within East Rock Park and are great for inexperienced riders of all ages.
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1-mile ride (concludes with an optional kid bike rodeo)
Longer Rides- These routes travel on roads shared with vehicles.
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10 am: 12-mile ride (Rock to Rock to Rock-- (to West Rock and back)
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9 am: 20-mile ride (goes to West Rock, Sleeping Giant)
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8:30 am: 40-mile ride (follows 20-mile then goes to Lighthouse Point)
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7am to 8 am: metric century rides (60 mi- goes to Sleeping Giant and out to the shoreline)
Two Family-Friendly Rides
In 2023 we will have two family-friendly routes
within East Rock Park. One is a 1-mile loop that can
be repeated and end at a kid bike derby. This route
will be great for families with young riders. It's flat,
safe, and stays on park roads. For a bigger
challenge, riders may choose the second family
ride option, which is a ride to the summit of East
Rock Park (5-mile loop). The rides will depart at
10:30 am. We will travel insmall groups. There will
not be a police escort for either of these rides.
View map details here:
1 mile ride: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/4841827915
5 mile ride: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/4841822737
12-Mile Route
The 12-mile ride is perfect for experienced riders who want to stay within the New Haven city limits. This ride has one rest stop- at Common Ground, where you can take a breather and explore the urban farm and environmental art created by Common Ground students. This route has been updated in 2023 to accommodate suggestions from 2022. The 2023 map can be found here: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/5448176569/
Rest Stop at Common Ground High School.
20-Mile Route
Looking for a bigger challenge? Our 20-mile route travels from East Rock, to West Rock, to Sleeping Giant, and back to East Rock. 20 mile rides leave from roughly 9am to 10am. We are updating this route slightly from last year. View details here: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/4878583303
Rest Stop at Quinnipiac University - Corner Mt Carmel and New Road
40-Mile Route
We will be hosting the 40-mile this year, which travels from East Rock, to Sleeping Giant, down to Lighthouse Point, and back to East Rock. View details here: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/4878593281
Rest Stop at Sleeping Giant State Park.
Metric Century
Our beautiful metric century -- 66 miles long -- is for those up for an even more serious ride. We have had problems with inexperienced riders returning after the end of the event, so we are offering slower riders the opportunity to leave as early as 7am to make sure to return by 1pm to experience the Green Fair, live music, food trucks. Again, this ride is for serious cyclists only. You must be an adult with a road bike -- no mountain bikes allowed on this ride. 60 mile rides leave at 8am with slower riders invited to leave with ride marshalls as early as 7 am. The riders will travel in small groups. View details here: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/4878604870
Rest Stops at Sleeping Giant State Park and Guilford Recreation Center.
Rock to Rock Park Walks
For non-cyclists, Rock to Rock will offer walks in West Rock Park and East Rock Park. Bring binoculars and water! Masks are optional. The walks are open to all ages. Walkers are welcome to register and fundraise.
Common Ground will host a summit hike in West Rock Park. The hike starts at Common Ground High School (358 Springside Ave New Haven) at 10:30 a.m. and takes about an hour to complete with stunning views at the top.
Two walks in East Rock Park (Check back for updates in April):
Connecticut Land Conservation Council and Gather New Haven will lead a birding walk at 8:30 a.m. CLCC will bring binoculars for all participants. This hike will be flat and about an hour in length. Meet at the College Woods Ranger Station (Orange and Cold Spring Streets) at 8:30 a.m.
New Haven Leon SCP organizes an easy walk in East Rock Park. You can get details here.
Our route takes the river loop trail from East Rock Park to the Eli Whitney Museum, through the covered bridge, and back to East Rock Park on the other side. This walk is on flat ground and takes approximately an hour. It's beautiful and has the perfect terrain and length for a family excursion. We will meet at the College Woods Ranger Station (Orange and Cold Spring Streets) at 11 a.m.
