Escaping to the outdoors; local sights to see

New Haven has plenty of options for those interested in outdoor recreation. You'll find hiking, camping, skiing, rock climbing, and biking easily accessible--all you need is the desire to go outdoors!

East Rock Park: East Rock has forests, 10 miles of trails, and barbecues. At the summit, a 112-foot tall monument dedicated to local residents who fought in America's early wars overlooks a panorama of New Haven. To reach East Rock, you need only walk down Orange Street.

West Rock Park: Although farther than East Rock, West Rock offers more rugged mountain biking and a wider array of trails, but an equally fantastic view. A short bike or car ride away, you can reach West Rock by following Whalley Avenue to Blake Street and Springside Avenue. At the road fork, take a left to get to the summit or turn right to get to the Judges' Cave, a field of large, piled-up rocks. The West Rock Nature Recreation Center on Wintergreen Avenue has native birds, reptiles, and mammals.

Sleeping Giant State Park: For a challenging hike and a larger-scale outdoor experience, Sleeping Giant is a great choice. Sleeping Giant Park is 15 miles from campus and boasts a wide selection of trails. Although mountain biking and camping aren't allowed, the park offers great cross-country skiing. To get there, bike or drive eight miles down Whitney Avenue and follow the signs.

Edgerton Park: Located off Saint Ronan Street in one of the wealthier parts of New Haven, and home to a pavillion and a greenhouse, Edgerton is a great destination for an afternoon walk.

Edgewood Park: A good place for roller blading, biking, and, if weather permits, ice skating, Edgewood offers spacious outdoor possibilities. It has acres of rolling woodland, a duck pond, two playgrounds, soccer and baseball fields, shuffleboard, bocci, and tennis courts. It's located between Whalley Avenue and Chapel Street, just past Boulevard Avenue.

Lighthouse Point Park and Beach: Although the Long Island Sound isn't Hawaii, it's a nice place for swimming and for watching sunrises and sunsets. Lighthouse Point is the best nearby beach, with picnic areas and a ferris wheel. To get there by bike, take Elm Street to Grand Street, turn right on Ferry Avenue, left on Townshend Avenue, right on Lighthouse Avenue, and then follow the signs.

Rocky Neck State Park: If you have access to a car, this is the nicest beach in Connecticut. It's a 35-minute drive, but is separated from the industrial chaos that ruins most local beaches, even those like Lighthouse Point. To get there, take Exit 72 off I-95 North.

Hammonasset Beach State Park: Almost as nice as, and closer than, Rocky Neck, Hammonasset has fishing, woodland and marsh areas, camping sites, and picnic areas. It can be reached by taking Exit 62 off I-95 North.

West Haven Beach: Although not as exciting as the other beaches, this mile and a half-long beach is just a few miles from campus.

Farnham Gardens: At the top of Science Hill, Farnham is the perfect place for a short, quiet walk. It has great trees and beautiful views.

Grove Street Cemetary: This may not seem like an ideal getaway, but the cemetary is very peaceful. Big trees line the cemetary's avenues, and students can find names from history books. The cemetary closes at 4:30 p.m. every afternoon.

New Haven Green: The Green is your typical city park, and in the spring and early fall, it's beautiful. If Old Campus is too crowded, or if you're sick of being surrounded by Gothic architecture, the Green is a great place to escape.

To enjoy the outdoors with other Yalies, you can go skiing, hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, and even bungie jumping with Outing Club. Members also use the club's personal log cabin in northern Connecticut, which is perfect for beautiful and easy weekend getaways.

Avid rock climbers can practice at Primeclub in Wallingford by getting a membership or going on the Outing Club's planned trips. Closer to campus, the Yale University Art Gallery sculpture garden has a few good walls for practicing (including the side wall of Skull and Bones' tomb). Bikers can participate in many tours and races throughout Connecticut or New England, especially in the fall. Go to local bike stores for more information.

Whether it's a rousing game of ultimate frisbee or a quiet hour spent reading under a tree, there is nothing like being outside to brighten up an average Yale day.

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