Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails

The Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System, first established in 1929, currently totals over 825 miles of hiking trails in 88 Connecticut towns. The trails are open year-round to all forms of foot travel, unless otherwise posted. The trail system, marked with the traditional blue blazes, offers a great way to explore the open spaces and protected lands of Connecticut. Whether you're looking for a short loop hike or looking to cover long miles, the Blue- Blazed Hiking Trail System has something for everyone.

The trails are maintained by dedicated volunteers who contribute approximately 15,000 hours to trail work every year. Trail volunteers ensure the trails are clear of brush and downed trees, blaze and sign the trails, schedule work parties, and install bridges and additional trail structures as necessary. CFPA welcomes new volunteers to help with trail maintenance. Current volunteer trail opportunities are listed here.

The majority of the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails are on private land and exist only through the goodwill and cooperation of private landowners. Please respect these property owners and stay on the trail and don't wander too far afield. CFPA and the many trail volunteers need you to help protect the 'quality of life' enhanced by trails in each community.

TRAIL WORKSHOPS: CFPA 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 Events Calendar and join us on the next project or workshop. You'll find it's a fun and rewarding experience!