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| Head, Chin & Throat   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: Connecticut, United States, North America Route Type: Hike/Scramble Time Required: Less than two hours Difficulty: Class 2
| Route Quality: | | | | Loading...
| Page By: Aaron Johnson Created/Edited: Oct 13, 2003 / Sep 6, 2005 Object ID: 159058 Hits: 1576 Loading... Page Score: 85.92% - 1 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
Approach
From Whitney Avenue, also known as Route 10 in Hampden, go east on Mount Carmel Avenue and turn left (north) into the entrance to Sleeping Giant State Park.
During the summer season, you'll have to pay a fee at the entrance booth, but it's worth it. Be sure to get a trail map of the park. The fee is not collected during the "off season."
You can park in the main parking area or proceed to the beginning of this hike by bearing left to the picnic area loop. Half way through the loop, keep an eye out on your right for a foot bridge just beyond the picnic area parking. Park well off the single track road near this bridge.
Here is a good topo map of Sleeping Giant State Park.
Route Description
From the picnic loop, follow a narrow and sketchy trail that is marked with light blue rectangles, due roughly west. These marks, along with light blue arrows, are painted on trees and rocks throughout the length of the "head and chin" portion of this hike. A white square route that leads over the foot bridge to your right can also be the starting point for doing this route in reverse.
As you approach the still waters of the Mill River, you intercept a trail running north and south. Turn right. Shortly after this right turn, the trail splits. The alternate and easier route is marked with TWO light blue rectangles. This alternate route will shortly rendezvous with the main route to bypass a fun scramble over some rock.
To take the actual route, go left and climb sharply through the trees. The trail bears right, following the top of a rock rib. On this rib, you can look northeast and see most of the route clearly displayed as it climbs the steep and solid rock of the Sleeping Giant's head. A fun downclimb through a cleft of rock utilizes a tree root for a hand rail. The alternate route rejoins the trail just below the downclimb
The route immediately climbs up a fun series of climbing problems(Class 2) on very solid rock. The route flirts with the edge of some colorful orange cliffs on the southwest side of the "head" on the left. Difficulty can range from Class 2 to Class 4 depending on your route choices, and exposure on the left increases considerably as you climb. Light blue marks lead you directly up the rock. Easier alternatives are generally found to the right as you climb.
Once on top of the head, the trail leads across the giant's "face" to the "chin," where many dramatic and beautiful vistas of the Connecticut countryside can be enjoyed. Although this is a Class 1 area, the cliff edges are sudden and with the foilage, a misstep would be unfortunate. Be sure to safeguard children and the inexperienced on this route. Finding the "summit" of the head is a bit tricky in this wooded area, but it is just left (west) of the trail in this "face" section. Do not expect to see a view from the summit.
The trail leads to the northeast side of the head and chin, where a fun scramble down Class 2 rock gets you down the head and into the throat area. The trail will intersect with the Tower Trail, the main route on Sleeping Giant. The Tower Trail will take you back to the main parking lot, from which you'd walk the road back to the picnic area and your vehicle.
Prior to the Tower Trail, another trail marked with with squares goes to the right (south). Follow this easy trail through the throat, along the base of the cliffs that mark the giant's chin, through the forest and back to your vehicle just across the foot bridge. You might end up on another trail, but that's okay. You eventually find yourself back at the parking area or picnic loop.
As mentioned earlier, this route can be done in reverse, which is equally rewarding.
TIME: 1-2 hours, depending on your pace and stops.
GAIN: 450 feet
Round Trip Mileage: 1.6 miles
Essential Gear
If you are only doing this route and perhaps the Tower Trail, hiking boots are all you need. Tennis shoes are acceptable but do not offer the sturdy security of traction you will find useful on the climbing portions of this route.
Water is always a good idea, particularly on warm days, but the hike is short enough that water is not needed. Do take water along if you plan on spending your day exploring more of the trails on Sleeping Giant. Possible trail combinations are endless.
When to Climb
Do not attempt this route in the winter or whenever wet, snowy or icy conditions exist. Fatal falls from the "head ascent" are likely in such conditions. Rescues have been performed on this route.
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