Taking a hike?

Make sure you have the latest issue of The Connecticut Walk Book. The Walk Book includes maps and descriptions of the 700 miles of Blue Blazed trails in Connecticut, tips on what to wear, equipment to bring, and what to do in case of an emergency.

Check out "Rules of the Road for Hikers" and "Restrictions In Use of Trails" before using the Blue Trails.  

Trails on the Web

Appalachian Trail in Connecticut	Connecticut Highpoint Website
Joshua's Trust	Natchaug Trail
Shelton Trails	Peoples State Forest and The Stone Museum

Helpful Links

Amercian Hiking Society	Connecticut Hiking webpage
Cyberwall - Outdoors	Eastern Mountain Sports
John Forester's Website	Green Mountain Club - Connecticut Section
Hikenet	Hiking and Walking Homepage

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Rules of the Road

for Hikers

While Camping

1. Camp only in designated areas.
2. Be careful with fires; make them only in specified sites; put them out completely before leaving them.
3. 'Carry In - Carry Out' - everything.

On the Trail

1. Stay on the right of way.
2. Leave all flowers, mushrooms, wildlife, rocks, etc., for the next hiker to enjoy.
3. Respect peace and quiet on the trails.
4. Leave all gates and barways as you found them.
5. When hiking with your dog, keep your dog under control at all times.
6. Pick up litter you find on the trail.
7. Be friendly with those you meet on the trail.
8. Give horseback riders the right of way.
9. Report any dangerous trail conditions to the proper authority: The Connecticut Forest and Park Association, 16 Meriden Rd., Rockfall, CT 06481 (860)346-2372, will forward the information to the party responsible for the trail.

General

1. Be considerate of the landowner's wishes.
2. Obey all signs, especially 'No Trespassing'.
3. 'Be Prepared'- carry adequate equipment suitable for your trip. See section: 'Clothing and Equipment Needed' in the Connecticut Walk Book for suggestions.
4. Before hiking in Connecticut, get a copy of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association's Connecticut Walk Book for detailed trail information.

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Hikers travel at their own risk. Public Act 249 of them 1971 General Assembly limits the liability of property owners of land used for recreational purposes. The law provides that persons using land for recreational purposes are not relieved of any obligation to exercise care in their use of the land. The law has been upheld by Connecticut courts as it applies to private landowners. (Also see the section on 'Landowner Liability Law' in the Connecticut Walk Book)

Fires must not be lit except where OFFICIALLY designated fireplaces have been provided. Hikers should be particularly careful with matches, pipe heels, and cigarettes stubs. Severe penalties are imposed by law for setting fires intentionally or by carelessness.

State Lands

The use of off-road vehicles (ORV's), other motorized vehicles, and of mountain bikes is prohibited on Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails located in Connecticut State Parks and Forest. The exception is where the Blue Blazed Trail follows a wood road and is considered a multi-track path. The Association would like to receive information about any unauthorized use of trails.

Private Land

Except on state land, which is open to the public for designated use, our trails exist only by the courtesy and the agreement of the landowners. Hikers must follow the route indicated and not roam through the property at will. CFPA has made agreements with the landowners for the use of their land for hiking trails. The Blue Blazed Trails are designed for foot traffic only and since CFPA has not received permission for use of these trails by vehicles - motorized or mountain bikes - this use is prohibited. Hikers should constitute themselves a voluntary patrol to see that the 'Rules of the Road for Hikers' are followed.

Carelessness by a hiker or misuse by others may cause a trail to be closed.

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