Walk Your Backyard: Explore the New England Trail

• Group size20 people

Discover one of the Northeast’s most iconic long-distance routes, right in your own backyard. Stretching 235 miles from Long Island Sound to the rugged summits of Massachusetts, the New England Trail connects quiet forests, dramatic ridgelines, traprock cliffs, and small towns that feel a world away from the everyday. Whether you're curious about a short day hike or dreaming of a full end-to-end journey, this session will break down what to expect, where to start, and how to prepare. We’ll highlight standout sections of the trail, share practical tips for tackling longer hikes, and walk through the logistics of planning a thru-hike. You’ll also get an inside look at what it takes to care for a trail like this—from seasonal maintenance to long-term stewardship—and learn how you can get involved locally through volunteer opportunities with the Connecticut Forest & Parks Association. About our speaker: The Connecticut Forest & Parks Association, a nonprofit dedicated to conserving and maintaining Connecticut’s trail systems, and brings a passion for connecting people to local outdoor spaces and stewardship opportunities.