In spite of its dense population, the town of Branford is blessed with a large number of natural areas where people can walk, jog, stroll, hike, walk their dogs, or just enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery. No matter where you live in town, you are not far from one of these spots, and these maps will help you find them and enjoy them.
Each map includes directions to the area itself , directions to the trailhead, and the length and location of trails. For more complete property information, including natural, historical, and cultural details, you may want to purchase a copy of The Walks of Branford, our trail guide.
Before enjoying one of our trails, please be sure to review our Property Use Guidelines.
Note: property boundaries on the maps are approximate and not accurate legal descriptions.
The Branford Trail
The Branford Trail, created by retired physical education teacher Chet Blomquist, is a 28-mile trail around the perimeter of the town. Of the 28 miles, only a few are on paved roads. The trail, marked by white circles, is divided into eight segments.
Section 2 – Pine Orchard
Section 3 – Stony Creek
Section 4 – Quarry/Westwoods
Section 5 – The North Boundary
Section 6 – Pisgah Brook
Section 7 – Lake Saltonstall
Section 8 – Short Beach
Shoreline Greenway Trail
The Shoreline Greenway Trail is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to building a 25-mile continuous path for bicyclists, walkers and hikers on the Connecticut Shoreline from Lighthouse Point in New Haven through East Haven, Branford, and Guilford to Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison.
Click here for more information.
CONNECTICUT TRAILS
Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System
The Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System, first established in 1929, currently totals over 825 miles of hiking trails in 96 Connecticut towns. The trails are open year-round to all forms of foot travel, unless otherwise posted. The trail system, marked with the blue rectangular blazes, offers a great way to explore the open space and protected land of Connecticut. Whether you’re looking for a short loop hike or to cover long miles, the Blue- Blazed Hiking Trail System has something for everyone. Click here for trail maps or an interactive map.
Regional Trails
A Regional Trails Mapping Project was completed by the South Central Regional Council Of Governments in collaboration with municipal staff, local land trusts and conservation commissions, Birmingham Utilities, and the Regional Water Authority. The project was made possible through a grant from the National Recreational Trails Program, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. The trail brochures include a map of the trail, descriptive information, directions, parking information and permitted uses. All trail brochures are available for download and are best printed double sided. Click here for more information.
Regional Water Authority
Hike, jog, cross-country ski or just meander along more than 60 miles of trails through Regional Water Authority watershed lands. Fish from the shores in the sparkling clean water of five secluded reservoirs or from our 70-foot long, wheelchair accessible dock at Lake Saltonstall. Bike through an 18th century settlement at Little Genesee in North Madison and more. With nine recreation areas located in 13 communities, there is bound to be an area close to you. Click here for trail and permit information.
See a Trail Hazard, Obstruction or Other Issue?
To report a trail hazard, obstruction, or other issue, please email us at info @ branfordlandtrust.org, noting the name of the property and which trail, if known. Please include map coordinates in order to facilitate our locating the precise site. Coordinates can be found on a compass app or map app, which can be sent as a screen shot attachment. A photograph of the hazard may also be helpful.