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Founded 1895

Connecticut's Blue Blazed Hiking Trails

Since 1929

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Celebrating the Quinnipiac Trail, 1929-1999.

The Quinnipiac was the first Blue Blazed trail to be opened, and in 1931 the first maps and trail guides were published for individual trails. The original Quinnipiac Trail (southern portion) began from Mt. Carmel, just above the entrance to Sleeping Giant Park. The route traversed woods roads, an old Indian trail, and paved town roads; it took the hiker over a series of traprock ridges, including Sleeping Giant, York Mountain, Mad Man's Hill, and Mt. Sanford, providing a succession of commanding views of the central valley.

Today the Quinnipiac Trail runs from North Haven to Chesire, covering a total distance of 23 miles.
CFPA is offering a Quinnipiac Trail commemorative patch and a reproduction of of the original trail map first produced in 1934.

Hiking Trails for Connecticut Since 1929!
In 1929 a group of CFPA members under the leadership of Edgar L. Heermance, formed the CFPA Trails Committee and took the first steps in establishing the Blue Trail System - Now grown to 700 miles of hiking trails.

This network of trails exist because of the dedication of the many volunteer maintainers that have passed their love of the trails from one generation to the next. No less important is the support of the private landowners in Connecticut that have opened their property to the trails. The majority of the Blue trails are on Private lands.  
blue trail map

CFPA ANNUAL SPRING TRAIL MAINTAINER WORKSHOP
Saturday, April 26, 2008

Details

The Blue Blaze
A Newsletter for CFPA Volunteers
       Published by the Connecticut Forest & Park Association

Chairman’s Corner


From our Trails Committee Chairman

Once again I have the honor and opportunity of serving as your Trails Committee Chair. A lot has happened with CFPA trails over the last three years. We have gone from 700 hundred miles of trails to well over 800 miles. We have 30-plus new Trail Managers. Two new Walk Books were published. A lot of change for CFPA trails.

We all owe Weezie Perrine our gratitude and thanks for serving as our Chair for the last three years. A job well done.

Spring will soon be here and it’s time once again to get out and get our trails back in shape after our New England winter. The number one complaint that we still get from hikers is the condition of our blazes. A lot of them are fading and are hard to see. Let’s all get out this year and put a fresh coat of paint on our blazes. I’m sure the hikers will appreciate it.

The Spring Trail Workshop this year is at the Cockaponset State Park on April 26th. This would be a good opportunity for some of the new Trail Managers to acquire some trail maintenance skills.

Have a good year.

Bob Morrison   
Trails Committee Chair
 
Connecticut Walk Book East

Pricing is as follows:
CFPA Members:  $19.95 plus tax and shipping
Non-members:  $24.95 plus tax and shipping
 
Connecticut Walk Book West
Release Date: Fall 2006
Priced:  Same as Walk Book East
 
Note:  All Trail Managers and Committee Members will receive a complimentary copy of both volumes of the Walk Book.
To order, call 860-346-2372 M-F 9:00  am to 4:00 pm
 
 
Trail Manager Vacancies:



  Paugussett Trail in Monroe
If you want to get more involved, please contact CFPA at (860) 346-2372.


Possible New Blue Trails:

CFPA is working on a number of projects that could result in the designation of new Blue Trails.  CFPA is seeking to establish a potential Saugatuck Trail and an Aspetuck Trail on lands conserved through the recent Kelda purchase.  CFPA is working on these projects with the Conservation Lands Committee, consisting of Aquarion, the DEP, and The Nature Conservancy.  Also, CFPA is working with Great Mountain Forest and DEP to establish a trail in Norfolk and Canaan that would be known as the Iron Trail.  The trail would connect two old iron furnaces and would travel over rugged terrain used by colliers for charcoal production.  In eastern Connecticut, CFPA has just obtained permission to resurrect an old trail built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.  This “CCC Trail” will be a loop off the Natchaug Trail.



Follow the National Park Service Study of the Metacomet, Mattabesett and Manadnock Trails for possible inclusion in the National Trails System.

Ten Essentials For A Safe Hike

  • Extra clothing and sturdy footwear. Be prepared for unexpected weather changes. Dress in layers from head to toe, even in summer, and add or remove as needed. shoes should provide adequate support.
  • Food and water. High Calorie foods, such as granola bars, candy, and dried fruits, supply energy. Drinking plenty of water is essential to help prevent dehydration.
  • Pocket knife. This handy, lightweight tool provides a variety of options for repairs, food preparation, bandage cutting, etc.
  •  Map and compass. Lost? Disoriented in the fog? A compass can get you home if you know how to use it. A state or area map, along with a trail map, can afford an overview of your location and  provide the base from which to make informed on-trail decisions.

Become a trail volunteer.

Contact CFPA for more information.

  • Timepiece. Keep and eye on your watch and allow enough hiking time to return to the trailhead well before the sun goes down.
  • Flashlight. Even on a day hike, an injury or miscalculation may keep you on the trail after nightfall.
  • Waterproof matches/fire starter. The warmth of a fire could save your life.
  • First-aid kit. Bring the basics, such as bandages, pain relievers, antiseptic ointment.
  • Whistle. A far-reaching, emergency efficient signal for help. The uniform distress signal is three audible or visible signs.
  • Hunting calendar. Always obtain up-to-date information about hunting season and permitted hunting locations where you hike. Wear blaze orange for added protection.

    A note on cell phones and GPS units. Cell phones could be helpful in some cases to summon assistance. But keep in mind that cell phone coverage is not universal and that a 911 call from a cell phone does not supply the dispatcher with your location. That is information you must provide. GPS units can be very helpful in giving a location, but keep in mind the accuracy varies depending on the unit you are using. You will still need to provide a reference related to a map landmark. It is still up to you to know your approximate location.

Check Hiking Information for helpful information before using the Blue Trails.  



The future of our Blue Trail System is in jeopardy!

CFPA places the highest priority on preserving the continuity of our Blue Blazed Hiking Trail System for the benefit of present and future generations.

Your comments are invited. E-mail them to CFPA , call at (860) 346-2372, or write to:
Connecticut Forest and Park Association, 16 Meriden Rd., Rockfall, CT 06481-2961
Copyright 1997 - 2004 by the Connecticut Forest & Park Association.
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