The trail is federally administered by the National Park Service and managed in Connecticut by the Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) and in Massachusetts by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC).

The NET comprises several historic trails known as the Metacomet, Mattabesett, Menunkatuck, and Metacomet-Monadnock. When the trail was designated as a National Scenic Trail in 2009, the name ‘New England Trail’ was chosen in order to bring these historic trails together under one cohesive description. Each individual section is still identified by its historic name.

A traditional thru-hike, like what might be done on the Appalachian Trail, is currently not possible on the NET. We do not have the infrastructure in place. If you are willing to be creative and flexible, you can create a rewarding hike for yourself on our unique trail. Visit our Thru Hike Page to learn more!

There are currently nine designated overnight sites on the NET. Camping is allowed only at designated overnight sites. We do not condone stealth camping. Learn more about our sites and plan your stay on our Overnight Sites page. 

Complex land ownership, the proximity of the trail to densely populated areas, and the relative newness of our National Scenic Trail designation all contribute to the current limited number of overnight site options. Trail managers are actively working to expand the trail’s overnight site network, but this will take time and resources.

To report a trail issue please use the RIMS app or our Report a Trail Issue form.

Check out our Hike Challenge Page!

The New England Trail exists on the properties of hundreds of different public and private landowners. These landowners generously allow the trail to cross their land. Please do not leave the trail, camp only in designated areas and keep your pets leashed. Don’t forget, property boundaries are often not obvious, assume you are on private land and be respectful.

We all love our furry companions but keep them leashed when you are on the trail. Different jurisdictions have different leash laws. We want all trail visitors to feel comfortable on the trail and all of our landowners and land managers to know that NET users are managing their pets responsibly.

Dogs are not permitted at the trail at Whiting Street Reservoir or Quabbin Reservoir in Massachusetts. 

Yes, whether you complete some day hikes, section hikes, or a full thru-hike Passport Stamps are available at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site in Springfield, MA and the CFPA Headquarters in Rockfall, CT.

Thank you for your support! Currently, the best way to donate to the trail and support trail operations is by making contributions directly to CFPA and/or AMC.

For more information please visit our Volunteer Opportunities page.

For more information please visit our Events page.

The New England Trail is built and maintained as a footpath. Recreational use allowances are determined by each individual landowner, but trail users should be aware that property boundaries can come up quickly on the trail, and that the structure of the trail is rarely built for uses beyond those accomplished on foot.

The blazes remain their historic colors in each state. In Connecticut, the Mattabesett, Metacomet, and Menunkatuck sections are blazed blue as part of CFPA’s 825-mile Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System. In Massachusetts, the Metacomet-Monadnock is blazed white

Check out our Find a Hike page.

Great question! Unfortunately some portions of the trail require hikers to walk on a road to get to the next section of trail. This is often due to landowner restrictions. To learn more about specific roadwalks please visit the Thru-Hike page.