West Rock Ridge State Park preserves a prominent trap rock ridge spanning New Haven, Hamden, and Woodbridge, with high cliffs, wooded slopes, lakes, and sweeping views over New Haven and Long Island Sound. Part of the Metacomet Ridge, it is also linked to a notable colonial episode: in the 17th century, regicide judges Edward Whalley and William Goffe hid here in what became known as Judges Cave. Protection of the area began in 1826 with a land donation for a city park, later passing to the state in 1975. Today it remains a major recreation area, with extensive trails including the Regicides Trail along the ridgecrest.