People need to understand that a hiking trail is not a theme park. As someone who hikes occasionally, I'm astounded when I see families on the trails without water, wearing flip-flops and bringing toddlers onto trails that are too challenging for them. It only takes common sense to enjoy a trail in comfort.

Hiked it many times. No further actions are needed other than those who hike it need common sense and proper footgear.

Agree with the above comments. I've hiked Sleeping Giant many times -- the trails are well marked and maintained. But there are high verticals, steep ascents and descents, and exposed cliffs, so you need to be extremely careful in those areas. Very sorry about this young man having such a terrible accident -- he may have just lost his footing in the wrong place or, unfortunately, he may have ventured off the trails and done something dangerous like open rock climbing. But you can't start shutting off sections of a state park because someone had an accident.

100% in agreement with the aforementioned comments. I'm an avid hiker of the Giant, and their parks organization has gone out of their way to professionally and saliently mark the most difficult trails (blue and white). I must also echo the resulting incredulity I have upon seeing the flip-floppers and infants rock scrambling up or down the beginning of the blue trail. These are serious angles and serious heights--any person who doesn't proceed up or down these trails with the utmost of caution is basically asking for their ultimate demise. This, by the way, is NOT to say that even experienced hikers don't accidentally fall prey to a misstep or sporadic lollygagging that could result in injury; I'm just under no compulsion to BLAME this stupendous state park (or its vigilant and hard-working maintainers) for said casualties.

You can't make everything perfectly safe. The whole point of a trail through the woods is to enable people to walk in a natural environment. This young man, who died tragically, was apparently someone familiar with Sleeping Giant, and would likely be among those who would want to leave it the way it is. There are numerous trails on the Giant, most of which do not lead up to cliffs, so people have a choice. But on top of a cliff, you have to use your own judgment about how near to get to the edge. A fence, such as they have at East Rock, would not really make the Giant's chin that much safer - people have gotten into trouble on East Rock too - and it would ruin the beauty. My heart goes out to the young man and his family.

The "Protect me from myself" people, should stay home.

Well said Linda and Betsy.

I haven't been there in years so I cannot picture where he fell..I guess as others said you have to be cautious with any outdoor activity.
Either way, this is such a sad story. I read in paper today he recently received his acceptance to a college in Vermont:-(
Condolences to the family..

the trails are well marked but due to the parks popularity I think there should be signs that read: WARNING ! STAY ON THE MARKED TRAILS AND DO NOT GO NEAR THE CLIFFS WITHOUT PROPER EQUIPMENT. SERIOUS INJURY AND DEATHS OCCUR HERE BECAUSE OF FAILURE HEED THIS WARNING!