Hiking Information & Safety
Be sure to read Ten Essentials For a Safe Hike!
Quick Links:
Rules of the Road for Hikers | Restrictions In Use of Trails | Hunting Season Safety
Rules of the Road for Hikers
General
- Be considerate of the landowner's wishes.
- 'Be Prepared'- Wear appropriate clothing and carry adequate equipment suitable to your outing.
- Advise someone of your plans, trail section to be hiked, and time you expect to be out of the woods.
- Before hiking in Connecticut, get a copy of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association's Connecticut Walk Book, or another appropriate trail guide for detailed trail information.
On the Trail
- Stay on the trail; do not wander off the footpath.
- Leave all flowers, mushrooms, wildlife, rocks, etc., for the next hiker to enjoy.
- Respect peace and quiet on the trails.
- Leave all gates and barways as you found them.
- When hiking with your dog, keep him/her under control at all times. Bury waste.
- Pick up litter you find on the trail - 'Carry In - Carry Out' - everything.
- Be friendly with those you meet on the trail.
- Report dangerous trail conditions:
Call CFPA at (860) 346-2372 or send an email.
CFPA will forward the information to the party responsible for the trail.
While Camping
- Camp only in designated areas.
- Be careful with fires; build them only in designated sites; extinguish completely before leaving.
- 'Carry In - Carry Out' - everything.
Restrictions in Use of Trails
Hikers travel at their own risk. Public Act 249 of the 1971 General Assembly limits the liability of property owners of land used for recreational purposes. The law provides that hikers and other 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 or on the Trail Protection page).
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.
Access to trails may be denied on a temporary basis. This may occur when forest operations are taking place that would place the trail user at risk of injury. Some trail sections are closed for specified periods to protect wildlife during breeding or nesting seasons. Land managers may also close trails to certain types of use on a seasonal basis to reduce erosion or damage to the trail. Trail users are urged to obey these restrictions.
State Lands
The use of off-road vehicles (ORVs), all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), other motorized vehicles, horses, and mountain bikes is prohibited on Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails located in Connecticut State Parks and Forests. The exception is where the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail coincides with a woods road and that section is considered a multi-track path or is designated and posted as such by the Connecticut DEP. Please notify CFPA about any unauthorized use of the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails.
Private Land
Except on state land, which is open to the public for designated use, the Blue-Blazed Hiking 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. Over the past three-quarters of a century, sometimes with just a handshake, CFPA has made agreements with landowners for the use of their land for hiking trails. The Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails are designed for foot traffic only. Since CFPA has not received permission for use of these trails by vehicles - motorized or mountain bikes - or horses, this use is prohibited. CFPA requests that hikers consider themselves a voluntary patrol to ensure 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.
You can report dangerous trail conditions or misuse to CFPA by e-mail to info@ctwoodlands.org.
Hunting Season Safety
As official sponsor and maintainer of the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails, CFPA reminds the public that many of the Trails pass over land where hunting is allowed.
Peak hunting season (small game and deer) starts in mid-October and runs through December.
Be aware that other game seasons occur earlier in the fall and in the spring, some year-round.
For detailed information on allowed hunting areas and seasons, check out the CT DEP hunting and trapping information site.
By and large, hunters out in the woods, fields, and wetlands are responsible individuals. By taking a few precautions trail users can ensure everyone's safety. The following are a few safety rules to keep in mind:
During hunting season.
- DO wear bright colors such as fluorescent orange.
- DO attach a bell to your pack or to the collar of your dog to alert hunters to your presence.
- DO NOT wear white, gray, brown, or tan.
- DO NOT stray from marked trails.
- If you see someone hunting call out to them to identify your location.
- Hunting is not allowed on Sundays.
At all times.
- Familiarize yourself with the area you will be hiking.
- You should not hike alone, but if you do - let someone know where you will be and when you plan to return.
To report wildlife violations, call the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection TIP Hotline, 1-800-842-HELP.