Connecticut, as one of the 13 original colonies, is overflowing with history. Much of it we learn in history class, but there are other stories that are more obscure. This feature centers around Judges Cave in Connecticut, a once-notorious hideout for fugitives running from a British king. The story begins during the year 1659 in England when 59 British judges sentenced King Charles I to death. With this act, the monarchy was dissolved and Oliver Cromwell was placed into power. Years later in 1660, when the son of the beheaded king was restored to power, he wanted to take revenge on those judges. Whew! How’s that for an opening? Come along as we delve further into this fascinating story that is the stuff of legend!

When the newly minted king took the throne, an order was issued that each regicide must be put to death.
Google Images/John Mckiernan-Gonzalez
All three judges eventually ended up in New Haven. When warrants for their arrests were issued, two of the judges, Whalley and Goffe, were hidden in the woods of what is now West Rock Ridge State Park by local Puritans.
They took shelter in a very small cave, no more than a crack in a huge rock formation. They stayed there for weeks eating scraps that were brought to them by locals.
AllTrails/Debbie Samilenko
As you might imagine, a Connecticut cave is not the safest or most comfortable place to hide out. After an encounter with a panther, the judges fled to Massachusetts under the cover of darkness and remained there for the rest of their lives.
In their "honor," the rock formation was named Judges Cave and the trail leading to it is known as Regicides Trail.
Google Maps
Eventually, each of the three judges, Dixwell, Whalley, and Goffe had streets named after them in the city of New Haven.

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Even after all of these years, the bulk of Judges Cave has remained strong.
Google Images/Roadrunner Hikes
Like many hiking trails in Connecticut, the trail leading up to the cave is paved, but a journey upwards as the cave sits high up on the trap rock ledges.
Marked with a plaque, the historic hideout is easy to find.
AllTrails/Debbie Samilenko
The plaque reads, "Here May Fifteenth 1661 and for some weeks thereafter Edward Whalley and his son-in-law William Goffe, members of the Parliament-General, officers in the army of the Commonwealth and signers of the death warrant of King Charles First, found shelter and concealment from the officers of the Crown after the Restoration. ‘Opposition to tyrants is obedience to God,’ 1896." Wow! That says a lot about the significance of the history of this fascinating Connecticut cave.
The views from Judges Cave are absolutely breathtaking!
Google Images/Scott Brooks
Once standing up on the trap rock ledge, the vista stretches out for miles, and miles, far beyond the New Haven boundaries.
West Rock Ridge State Park is open from 8 a.m. - sunset daily.
Google Images/B. Sarker
Whether you fancy early morning hikes, or hikes that offer spectacular sunsets, you'll be delighted with your visit to Judges Cave!

Have you ever taken the hike up to Judges Cave? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experience there.

If you love combining a great hike with places of history, head over to this coastal area to explore another ancient cave where Connecticut’s first residents took shelter long ago.

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Hiking in Connecticut

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | October 08, 2022

Where can I find other cave hikes in Connecticut?

There are actually quite a few cave hike opportunities in Connecticut. One of the most well-known is called the Mattatuck Trail. It is located in Black Rock State Park in Watertown. The trail is moderately difficult but yields some really beautiful scenery along the way. The cave found along this trail is called Leatherman, named after a mysterious man who supposedly lived in the cave for a time in the 1800s.

Are there any waterfall trails in Connecticut?

Yes, as a matter of fact, there are many trails dotted throughout the state that lead to beautiful waterfalls. Among them are Kent Falls in the town of Kent, Chapman Falls in East Haddam, Roaring Brook Falls in Cheshire, and Mill Pond Falls in Newington, just to name a few. The waterfalls in the state are so popular that many organizations have come up with exciting waterfall road trip itineraries. Both Connecticut residents and visitors from out of state enjoy this type of sojourn as well.

I'm looking for a family campground in Connecticut.

Camping is one of the most popular outdoor recreational activities in Connecticut, in part due to the scenic beauty you find almost everywhere. One of the most popular family campgrounds is the Brialee Family Campground. Located in the town of Ashford, it has been a community favorite since 1974. Whether you prefer tent camping, bringing your own RV, or staying in a cabin, you will find an option that suits you here. There are also over 100 acres of wilderness to explore so you never feel like you're crowded among all of the other families that come here year after year.

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Judges Cave, New Haven, CT 06515, USA