Foot Travel Only...the Paugussett Trail

"Foot Travel Only"

Foot Travel Only: By default, the 825-mile Connecticut Blue-Blazed Trail system maintained by CFPA is for foot traffic only, meaning no horses, bikes, or ATVs. The hiking trail system was created in the 1930's, and hikers want to preserve the natural character of the trail. Bikes and ATVs are much harder on the trail tread and can lead to unauthorized bypasses and severe erosion. Moreover, some of CFPA's system, including the Paugussett Trail, crosses private property with only an informal agreement from the property owner. Those property owners did not agree to allow bikes and ATVs on their properties and could react by shutting down the entire trail if a problem develops. Mostly this is a matter of etiquette, but where the trails cross state-owned properties like Indian Well State Park, it is also a violation of state law.  When in doubt, don't ride on a CT Blue-Blazed Trail. 

Note that not all trails in this system are actually blazed blue. For example the trails at Sleeping Giant are part of the system and are blazed all sorts of colors. But any trail blazed sky blue is almost definitely a major CT Blue-Blazed Trail. See  CFPA's map for the location of their trails. 

An exception: The rule is set aside where a trail crosses areas where bikes or ATVs are otherwise allowed by the landowner. This is the case for two miles of the Paugussett at Shelton Lakes. Bikes are allowed on the Paugussett at this time between Independence Drive south to the junction of the blue/white Nells Rock Connector. This is the heart of Shelton Lakes where there are eleven miles of trail popular with local mountain bikers. As it passes through this area, the Paugussett follows old roadbeds or is otherwise pretty gentle and not particularly vulnerable to erosion. It made sense to keep it open to bikes. 

Click map to enlarge

South of the junction with the blue/white Nells Rock Connector (0.75 mile from Buddington Road), the Paugussett leaves the old roadbeds and crosses terrain that is rockier via a narrow path. This section is closed to bikes. Blue-blaze hikers enjoy the more rugged character of the trail, and the trail tread should be left alone (it hasn't been). Signs indicate "foot traffic only" along this section. 

"Paugussett Trail 
Foot Traffic Only"

North of Independence Drive, the trail immediately becomes very wet and rocky, and the tread is far too sensitive for bikes or horses all the way to the end in Monroe.

What penalties are there for bike riders on the Blue Trails? For the most part nothing. This is about etiquette and respecting the trail and other trail users. CFPA began the official trail system in 1929, and volunteers have been working to maintain that system ever since. Bikes can seriously degrade the trails for hikers in only a few years. On state lands, riding on a blue-blazed trail is against the law, so riders could be given a ticket. At Shelton Lakes, no one is going to get a ticket. But if bike riders do not keep to the designated trails on which bikes are allowed, or continue to clear unauthorized trails or alter existing trails, then there is always the possibility of simply banning all bikes at Shelton Lakes. That is something that no one wants, so riders are asked to please respect the rules, respect the trails, respect the hikers and volunteers, and encourage other riders to do the same so that the trails remain open. Thanks for your support.