Autumn reflections on the East River (Guilford, CT) -
The 235-mile New EnglandTrail (NET) includes portions of four largely contiguous trails: the Mattabesett, Menunkatuck and MetacometTrails in Connecticut and parts of the Metacomet-MonadnockTrail in Massachusetts.
Designated as a national scenic trail in 2009, the NEThas something wonderful to share with everyone. The trail is marked with blue blazes in Connecticut and white in Massachusetts.The primary trail stewards of the NETare the staff and volunteers of the Connecticut Forest & ParkAssociation (CFPA) in Connecticut and the Western Mass Chapter of theAppalachian Mountain Club (AMC) in Massachusetts.
They are assisted by the National Park Service (NPS) in managing protecting, restoring and caring for this scenic New England treasure. For more information, including guides and maps, please visit www.newenglandtrail.org
Cristina Kellner
NEW ENGLAND TRAIL
Total Trail 235 miles
Caring for the Trail
425Total Volunteers
Giving Time to the Trail
6,312 volunteer hours
800 service corps hours
Valuing Volunteer Time
$247,426
NET HikeChallenge
100+ Participants
36 Challenges Completed
7,885 miles hiked
Exciting Happenings in 2025
Ongoing Partnership withAll Out Adventures (AOA):
Thanks to funding from the National Park Foundation,AMC andAOAhave partnered to host a series of adaptive recreation trips in 2025-2026.
The trips serve multiple underrepresented groups: veterans, the elderly, and people with disabilities that require adaptive recreation equipment. In 2025, the team co-hosted seven events on the trail and have plans to host the final two in early 2026.
Scenic Property Donation in Connecticut:
Agenerous supporter donated 4 acres of undeveloped land to CFPAto establish a future overnight campsite along the trail. CFPAis deeply grateful for the gift and the donor’s trust in CFPAto protect this land in perpetuity.
Hike 50 Challenge patch.
In the coming year, CFPAwill develop plans for a rustic campsite and build a connector trail to the property in central Connecticut. With breathtaking views, the site will become a memorable destination for hikers to stop for lunch or backpackers to pop up a tent.
-Woodblock prints by Artist-in-Residence, Sam Swap.
Enhancing the NET Experience
During the 2025 season, artist Sam Swap hiked the NETcreating intricate woodblock prints and small plein air paintings inspired by the trail.As the NET’s 13thArtist-in-Residence, he led field workshops that taught community members how to capture their experiences through art.
Swap also produced a series of trailinspired prints and a richly illustrated trail map featuring his work. His creativity brought new energy and inspiration to the trails community.
Blazing a Trail- 2026 Goals
We are working to develop innovative projects, programs and partnerships to enhance the trail experience, to cultivate an enduring network of trail volunteers and partner organizations, and to ensure that the NETis accessible, welcoming and relevant for all.
These goals include:
Conducting a comprehensive trail inventory in CT
Partnering with SpringfieldArmory National Historic Site to
develop a BARK Ranger Program
Engagement with indigenous communities along theTrail through Reducing roadwalks for the safest hiking experience
an Ethnographic OverviewAssessment
Improving overnight accommodations for long-distance hikers
Installing new and updated trail signage
Hike Challenge Highlights
“This challenge was motivating, and brought us to hiking trails we had never been to that were beautiful and unique. I can't wait to keep going!”
-Katie D.
“I challenged myself to do this, I got stronger, I grew emotionally and physically throughout this. I know now I can accomplish anything.”
-Karen P.
“[This Challenge] gave me an opportunity and the right kind of structure I needed to commit to myself both physically and mentally at a time when I really needed to do so.”
-Thomas F
TRAILCREWS&VOLUNTEERS
The Connecticut Woodlands Conservation Corps (CWCC) completed major trail improvements on the NETin Middletown and Berlin, strengthening trail sustainability and the hiking experience. On the approach to Mount Higby, the crew built a 16-step stone staircase to stabilize a steep section and rebuilt aging crib steps near the trailhead.
CWCC members also worked with trail volunteers to install 600 feet of bog bridging across a chronically wet hillside on theTynan Park Connector inTynan Park, protecting sensitive soils while creating a reliable path for hikers.
In the scenic Ragged Mountain Preserve, CWCC members and volunteers rebuilt two aging bridges, installing gabion abutments and raising the structures to better withstand increasingly intense flash storms.The work provided crew members with hands-on training in backcountry carpentry, teamwork, and sustainable trail design while strengthening critical trail infrastructure.
Volunteer trail managers in CTcontinue to play a vital role in caring for the trail ensuring it remains clearly blazed, well signed, free of brush and blowdowns, and safe for hikers.
In Belchertown, MAthe NEThas historically ascended a steep fall line leading up to a ridge traverse.Amajor relocation, funded through a MassTrails Grant, helped move the trail off an unsafe scramble, and instead traverse the slope at a gradual, lower grade with lumber box steps and retaining walls to support the treadway on a side slope.
The Holyoke teen crew spent two weeks working at this site, where they honed their carpentry skills.They were able to complete 29 box steps in just two weeks.AMC’s Pro Crew went on to complete 25 more for a total of 54 box steps.The project was a great success!
The NETBlowdown Committee in MAresponded quickly to many reports of downed trees throughout the season to keep the trail open for hikers. Removing blowdowns is an essential and challenging part of trail maintenance, requiring skill to address large trees and complex binds.Their work was instrumental this past year with multiple storms bringing down trees and limbs.
