Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails

The Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System is one of CFPA's most visible and lasting contributions to the recreational life of the state. The Association's first Trails Committee, established in 1929, was a small group of visionary outdoorsmen who were to continue their interest in trails for the remainder of their lives. Plans were laid out for four initial sections of a statewide forest trail system (New Haven, Waterbury, Litchfield, and Hartford) to be built and maintained by an all-volunteer force. This tradition of trail volunteerism continues today, with 100 CFPA volunteer Trail Managers and hundreds of volunteer assistants caring for 825 miles of Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails throughout Connecticut. Few organizations can claim such a record of commitment, spanning more than three quarters of a century, with one generation of volunteers passing the torch to the next.

Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails Today

The Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System currently totals over 800 miles of hiking trails in 88 Connecticut towns. The trails are maintained by dedicated volunteers who contribute approximately 7,500 hours to trail work every year. The structure for administering this massive effort consists of the Trails Committee, a 3/4 time staff position (Trail Stewardship Director), and 100 volunteer Trail Managers. The trail volunteers are responsible for specific trails or for sections of the longer trails. They maintain the trails, schedule work parties, supervise other volunteers, and work with the landowners whose land the trails cross. The Trails Committee, as established in 1929, sets policy and standards for the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails, and produces the Connecticut Walk Book.

The majority of the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails are on private land and exist only through the good will and cooperation of the landowners. Changes in land use and the spread of development have created a serious threat to the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System. You can help! Please review A Guide to Protecting Our Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails. CFPA and the many trail volunteers need you to help protect the 'quality of life' enhanced by trails in each community.

CFPA welcomes new volunteers to help with the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails. The Trails Committee organizes an Annual Trail Maintainers Workshop each spring, a Winter Trail Workshop, and schedules trail maintenance events throughout the year. These activities are led by seasoned trail volunteers and provide an excellent opportunity for land trusts, conservation commissions, park/rec agencies, and interested volunteers to learn trail construction and maintenance in a hands-on environment. Check the Trail Work Parties scheduled on our Events Calendar and join us on the next project or workshop. You'll find it's a fun and rewarding experience!

Help Wanted: The CFPA Trails Committee is looking for a dedicated volunteer to become our Sign Sub-Committee Chairman. Our current Chairman will be leaving us in the fall to attend grad school. Individuals wishing to apply should have the following; familiarity with graphic designs/graphic design programs, access to a computer, basic woodworking experience with a focus on router usage, ability to document processes and a commitment to CFPA's Blue Blazed Hiking Trails. Responsibilities will include creating laminated and routed trailhead signs along with mileage signs for the CFPA Blue Blazed Hiking Trails and also for the New England Trail (NET). Interested individuals should contact Trails Committee Chairman Rob Butterworth (860) 345-8029 or CFPA Trail Stewardship Director Clare Cain at (860) 346 -2372.