Recreational Resources: Summary

Currently in the state of Connecticut there are 111 State Parks and 31 State Forests. They represent approximately 170,000 acres or 5% of the total state. Although they are spread throughout the state, the northwest and southwest corners of the state have the largest concentration of them. The majority of the parks and forests are along the many rivers and waterbodies in the state. Many of the state parks and forests provide for many activities including picnicking, swimming, fishing, and camping. In addition to these amenities most of the parks and forests have trail networks both within their boundaries and connecting beyond. The Blue Blazed Hiking trails, covering approximately 700 miles throughout the state, are a substantial recreational resource for the state. The Appalachian Trail also connects with the Blue Blazed Trail system in the northwest corner of the state. The many rivers, waterbodies, and 160 miles of coastline represent a significant recreational resource for the state. The Farmington and Housatonic rivers are known as two of the best trout rivers in the nation. The state operates more than 100 public boat launches. Whitewater rafting is also prevalent on a few rivers in the state. Public access to sandy beaches in the state is limited. According to the 1978 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (pp.154-157) only 7 miles of sandy beach, out of 85 miles of sandy beaches in the state, are open to the general public. There are many greenways throughout the state, however many are unconnected segments. The greater Manchester Greenway System network is the most complete todate. This mostly suburban network stretches east and north from the Connecticut River in Hartford to South Windsor and Bolton Notch. A 1995 study done by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Environmental Services estimated that the state at that time had over 70 miles of existing greenways and approximately 1250 miles of greenways proposals in varying planning stages. This study is currently being updated by the DEP's Greenways Assistance Center and is due to be completed by the summer of 1999. Approximately 130 completed and proposed greenways will be highlighted and mapped for this study. The state has also put together a team of DEP employees to work on the Connecticut Linear State Parks Trails Project whose focus is on a greenway/trails network that is in various stages of completion in Eastern Connecticut. The project scope is the Air Line State Park Trail, Hop River State Park Trail, and Moosup Valley State. This project team is managing and coordinating the completion of these state owned greenways.

Map Proposals by Others

Proposals by Study Results