Peter's Rock facts for kids

Peter's Rock, also called Rabbit Rock, Rabbit Hill, Indian Rock, and Great Rock, is a cool mountain peak in North Haven. It stands about 373 feet (114 meters) above sea level. This mountain is part of the Metacomet Ridge, a long chain of hills that stretches from Long Island Sound all the way to Vermont. Peter's Rock is famous for its amazing views, special mini-ecosystems, rare plants, and unique rock shapes that look like columns. Many hiking trails let you explore this natural wonder.

Exploring Peter's Rock's Geography

Peter's Rock stands tall, rising about 300 feet (91 meters) above the land around it. Its highest point is about 373 feet (114 meters) above sea level. The mountain is roughly three-quarters of a mile long and a quarter of a mile wide. It is located in North Haven, close to the border of East Haven.

From the top of Peter's Rock, you can enjoy incredible 360-degree views. You can see Long Island Sound, where the Quinnipiac River meets the sea, and New Haven Harbor. You can also spot other peaks of the Metacomet Ridge nearby.

The Metacomet Ridge continues from Peter's Rock to other mountains like East Rock to the west, Totoket Mountain to the east, and Saltonstall Mountain to the southeast. Water from the east side of Peter's Rock flows into the Farm River, then to the East Haven River, and finally into Long Island Sound. Water from the west side flows into the Quinnipiac River, then to New Haven Harbor, and also into Long Island Sound.

The Story Behind Peter's Rock's Names

The "Hermitage" building that once stood on the mountain.

Peter's Rock has several different names, each with its own story. The name Indian Rock comes from the belief that Native Americans once used the peak as a lookout point. Rabbit Rock or Rabbit Hill became popular because the mountain was known for having many cottontail rabbits in the 1800s.

The name Peter's Rock comes from a local legend about a man named Peter Brockett. He was a soldier in the American Revolutionary War who had a serious back injury. The story says he built a small hut on the peak and lived there all by himself. However, the official names used by the United States Board on Geographic Names and the United States Geological Survey for this peak are "Rabbit Rock."

A spring on the southwest side of Peter's Rock has provided fresh water since the 1800s. Back then, families would visit the mountain on Sundays to fill their water jugs. In 1901, a group of businessmen from New Haven built a hunting lodge on the summit called The Hermitage. This lodge was left empty during the Great Depression and eventually fell apart. Today, the only thing left of The Hermitage is the ruins of its wine cellar, which you can still see on one of the trails.

Understanding Peter's Rock's Geology and Nature

Peter's Rock, like many parts of the Metacomet Ridge, is made of a volcanic rock called basalt, also known as traprock. This mountain formed about 200 million years ago, when the North American continent began to pull away from Africa and Eurasia. Hot lava flowed up from the cracks in the Earth and hardened into thick layers of rock. Later, earthquakes and shifting ground caused these rock layers to tilt, creating the steep cliffs and ridges you see at Peter's Rock. A special feature is the large, clear columnar basalt formation on the southwest side of the mountain, where the rock looks like tall columns.

The mountain has different types of environments, called microclimates. The upper slopes are hot and dry, while the ravines are cool and moist. The rocky ledges are rich in minerals. This mix of conditions creates homes for plants and animals that are not common in other parts of Connecticut. Peter's Rock is also an important path for raptors (birds of prey) during their migration. You can learn more about the geology and ecosystems of this area by looking up the Metacomet Ridge.

Protecting and Enjoying Peter's Rock

The entrance to Peter's Rock in 2008.

Even though Peter's Rock is mostly surrounded by homes, a lot of it has been protected. The town of North Haven and the Peter's Rock Association, a volunteer group, work together to keep it safe. The association also takes care of the many hiking trails on the property.

You can find places to park and start your hike on Middletown Avenue (Connecticut Route 17), which is about 0.75 miles (1 kilometer) north of the New Haven city line. There's also an entrance on Hermitage Lane, off Middletown Avenue.

Peter's Rock is a great place for hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, and other quiet outdoor activities during the day. To keep the area safe and enjoyable for everyone, certain items are not allowed on the property.

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