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Part of New England's extensive net of trails: Photo by Nancy Eve CohenThe Connecticut Forest and Park Association is trying to obtain national designation for two hiking trails in the state which total more than 100 miles.The CFPA is running hiking trips throughout the fall to call attention to the trails.

The Metacomet and Mattabesett Trails run down the spine of Connecticut across traprock ridgelines and woodlands. Ann Colson of the Connecticut Forest and Park Association says if national designation is secured those two trails, along with the Metacomet Monadnock Trail in Massachusetts, would become part of a nearly 200 mile “New England Trail”. Federal designation would provide technical assistance for building bridges and trail maintenance.

Ann Colson says it would also help protect the trails which were created, in part, on privately-owned land in Connecticut, in 1934.

“It was on the basis of a handshake with the property homeowners at the time. The property owners have changed over the years. Development has crowded in on the trail. We really are in danger of losing the trails and they are just a treasure for the state of Connecticut and for Massachusetts.”

The U.S. Congress approved the national designation last winter. Now the proposal is waiting action by the Senate.