Highlawn Forest Trail Guide

The Highlawn Forest Trail is a Blue Blaze trail a little over two miles in length, with easy and varied terrain, the main trail has a number of loops that shoot off it for shorter walks. You’ll see conifer plantations, mixed hardwood forests, and red maple swamps. Its also the home of the Connecticut Park and Forest Association . I also currently hold the Fastest Known Time on this trail.

This guide will give you everything you need to enjoy this trail including parking, pictures, gpx files and videos as well as some background history and hints and tips.

We visited this trail on a cold snowy day and loved this little trail. Its a trail of two parts, if you do the Blue Blaze loop counter clockwise you’ll find the first half is open woods typical of CT and the second half is a lovely pine forest .

There are actually three mini trails here, if one wants to be technical. Not only is this a demonstration forest, with a bunch of tree names signified with, you got it, signs, but as a demonstration trail it also showcases the way the CFPA blazes their trails and some of the crafty handiwork they do along trails throughout the state. Additionally, the entire thing is accessible to everyone, even the wheelchair bound.

The trail system winds through a second growth forest, on what were once open farm fields, and features conifer plantations, mixed hardwood forest, and red maple swamps that support a diverse array of wildlife species. The trails follow many old fire lanes from the time the property was a tree farm and offer multiple loop opportunities. These flat and gentle trails are great for young or beginner hikers. The property also features an outdoor amphitheater, pond, large vernal pool with an observation platform and a universal access trail.

I actually also went right past this trail on the 365 mile Old Leatherman Loop Fastest Known Time and raised $365 for the CFPA.

Summary

This is the perfect trail for beginners or that easy family stroll one afternoon at the weekend, even being wheelchair friendly. The Highlawn Forest is protected and will never be developed thanks to the Camp family who placed a conservation easement (held by CFPA) on the property in 1987.