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2025 CT Trail Symposium 

October 3, 2025, Manchester Community College

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Trail Census Dashboard

The CT Trail Census data dashboard is updated quarterly. Check it out!

Dashboard

2025 Count Data Report

The CT Trail Census annual report is now available. Check it out!

Report

Trailside Services on CT Trail Finder

Visit your favorite trail and nearby trailside services! Or add your favorite.

CT Trail Finder

Trails Learning Community 

Join the discussion and learn about trail-related topics.

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Why Trails?

Connecticut’s bounty of natural and physical amenities - greenways, multi-use paths, parks, and forested area are some of the state’s greatest assets for encouraging physical activity. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) estimates that there are over 2,000 miles of multi-use trails within CT State Parks and Forests alone (and likely over 3,000 miles including those not in the park system).

Get out. Be active. Stay healthy!

There are Three Programs

Connecticut Trail Census

The Connecticut Trail Census consists of trail use counts recorded by infrared pedestrian counters, trail user intercept surveys administered by trained volunteers, and public education programs.

CT Trail Census Logo

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Connecticut Trail Finder

The Connecticut Trail Finder website is Connecticut's go-to resource for discovering trails across the state. All trail postings are manager-approved ensuring that trail information is accurate and up-to-date.

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Active Living (PATHS)

People Active on Trails for Health and Sustainability (PATHS) is a team at UConn committed to understanding and promoting the benefits of trails and natural resources for health, community & economic development.

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CT Trails News

  • Shout Out to Oxford High School’s Youth Conservation Corps (YCC): Part 1
    Say hi to Oxford High School’s Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), this week’s #FriendFriday stars and a very impressive trail work crew! The hard-working youth crew is led by Joe Lanier, Oxford High School science teacher and Oxford Conservation Commission member. He spoke to me about the background of YCC and sang the praises of the […]
    Posted on December 5, 2025
  • CT Trail Symposium 2025 Recap
    Written by Laura Kelly They’ve done it again – the 7th annual CT Trail Symposium was a wonderful day as expected! There’s nothing like connecting in person with our trails community. Hearing about all of the innovative and passionate work our colleagues are doing to improve trail opportunities around Connecticut for everyone was truly invigorating. […]
    Posted on October 10, 2025
  • CT Trail Finder Badges Inspired by UConn Students
    Written by Laura Kelly In May of this year, a new module was launched on CT Trail Finder: Earn Badges! With a free account, users can add trail logs to their profile. Users can now earn digital badges when adding trail logs that match the badges’ criteria. Badges can be earned for a multitude of […]
    Posted on September 23, 2025
  • Shout-Out to Jack Walsh and the Derby Greenway!
    This is the fascinating story of the Derby Greenway brought to you by one of its longest-and-strongest advocates. Many thanks go to Derby’s own Jack Walsh – co-Chair of the Naugatuck River Greenway Advisory Committee, Chair of the Derby Greenway Committee, and former Valley United Way President/COO, Derby Park & Recreation Commission Chair, high school […]
    Posted on August 15, 2025

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Interested in winter hiking but not sure how to prepare? Here are a couple of essential safety tips! 👇

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What to wear: Layer up, starting with a thin moisture wicking layer first, then a lightweight fleece or wool, and finally a light insulating jacket on top. You can remove layers and carry them in your pack as you warm up. Wearing a bright orange jacket or vest is recommended to keep you visible in case hunting areas are nearby. Cover your extremities with hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, neck gaiters, etc. On your feet, wear thick socks and hiking boots with good grip.

What to bring: A pack containing some water (bring at least 16 oz per hour you plan to be out), snacks, a trail map, a cell phone, a flashlight, and first aid supplies. And bringing a buddy is always a good idea!

Ice: Consider bringing crampons and hiking poles in case it is icy. Some paved trails are cleared of ice and snow in the winter - if you’re unsure, contact the trail manager listed at the bottom of the trail’s post on cttrailfinder.com. You may also choose a warmer day to hike. Remember that there’s no shame in turning around or changing a plan for safety!

For more hiking safety and etiquette tips, check out the Trails 101 video series on our website (cttrails.uconn.edu/about/trails101/). Be safe and enjoy!
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3 days ago
Interested in winter

Choose your winter waterfront adventure at Haddam Meadows State Park! This easy trail network includes a grassy loop trail along the Connecticut River, a paved loop trail with a meadow in the center, a dirt trail along the river with picnic areas and stairways down to the river bank, and several side trails in the woods. The trail system also features a boat launch as well as countless fishing spots. For more details, visit its trail post: www.cttrailfinder.com/trails/trail/haddam-meadows-state-park

Photo (Emily Wilson): A bench overlooking the Connecticut River on the dirt trail on a sunny late winter day. Text reads, “Almost four miles of trails through open fields overlooking the Connecticut River, with seasonal opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking.”
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6 days ago
Choose your winter w

Welcome, 2026! Do you have a trails wish list for this year? With a free cttrailfinder.com account, you can keep track of trails you want to visit, and your favorites that you want to visit again!
This peaceful trail moment was brought to you by Gay City State Park and Meshomasic State Forest (www.cttrailfinder.com/trails/trail/gay-city-state-park). Add it to your wish list today!
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1 week ago
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