New England National Scenic Trail

Welcome to the New England Trail!

The New England National Scenic Trail (NET) is a 215-mile trail route that has been in existence for over half a century. It travels through 39 communities in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The NET is comprised primarily of the historic Mattabesett, Metacomet, and Monadnock (M-M-M) Trails.

The NET was designated on March 30, 2009 as part of Public Law 111-11 (Section 5202). The law references the Trail Management Blueprint described in the report titled the ‘Metacomet Monadnock Mattabesett Trail System National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study and Environmental Assessment’, prepared by the National Park Service, and dated Spring 2006, as the framework for trail management and administration.

Since the federal designation in 2009, there have been some noteworthy changes to the historic route, including an extension to Long Island Sound in Connecticut and a deviation from a portion from the historic Metacomet-Monadnock Trail in Massachusetts.

The route showcases classic New England landscape features: long distance vistas with rural towns as a backdrop, agrarian lands, un-fragmented forests, and large river valleys. The trail also travels through important Native American and colonial historical landmarks and highlights a range of diverse ecosystems and natural resources: trap-rock ridges, mountain summits, forested glades, vernal pools, lakes, streams and waterfalls.

Trail Stewardship Partners

The principal stewards of the New England National Scenic Trail are theConnecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA) in Connecticut and the Berkshire Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) in Massachusetts. It is important to recognize that the entire trail system is predominantly managed and maintained by volunteers, and much of it relies on the generosity and commitment of landowners who voluntarily allow it to cross their lands. The primary role of the National Park Service will be to assist the Appalachian Mountain Club, Connecticut Forest and Park Association and the Stewardship Council in implementing the Management Blueprint while supporting local on-the-ground management and property rights. It will coordinate the expenditure of federal funds for trail management and protection with the Council.