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).  Connecticut is the only state in the nation with an entirely  state funded recreational trails building program.  Additionally, answering a growing demand from the young workforce for alternatives to car based transportation as well as the potential improvements to public health and community quality of life, Connecticut has vowed to invest billions of dollars in infrastructure, including $100 million during the five-year ramp period on pedestrian and bicycle paths.