The statewide Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail system, established by the CFPA in 1929, has grown to over 700 miles today. The Blue-Blazed Trails are managed and maintained by CFPA volunteers. CFPA is a private non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and broad public enjoyment of forests, parks, and hiking trails in Connecticut. The majority of the Blue-Blazed Trails are on private land and continue to be available for public use through the good will of the landowner. Improved transportation has allowed residential and business development to spread to areas once considered remote.
Landowners change their ownership purposes or the land changes owners.
Estates are divided among heirs or sold to others with little interest in preserving the natural landscape. What You Can Do CFPA depends upon concerned individuals, especially those who hold positions of public trust, to help protect the 'quality of life' enhanced by trails in each community. Be alert to planned changes in land use that could impact the Blue-Blazed Trails and work with others to protect the trail resource. Thank the landowner for allowing public access and stress the importance of the trail to the community. Work for planning and zoning regulations that provide protection for trail land.