New Paper Mill Road Entrance to the Blue-Blazed Chatfield Trail in Killingworth New

During record-breaking 90 degree temperatures last week, Connecticut Forest and Park Association staff members Clare Cain and Colin Carroll and Interns Wesley Skidmore, Ben Coyman, Al Sedor and Devon Hunt have created new trail access point for the blue-blazed Chatfield Trail off Paper Mill Road. It is easily accessible, right next to the parking area near the bridge on Paper Mill Road. A bridge that they crafted on site from a Tulip Tree crosses the sparkling clear stream giving views of water-loving plants and animals and gneiss cliffs next to the trail.

This portion of the Chatfield Trail traverses private woodlands whose hosts voluntarily allow public access. As a result, it is important to view the forest from the trail, travel on foot, leash animal companions, and take home trash and animal deposits. The trail has been specifically designed for the leisure pace of walking with twists and turns and stones and roots to be stepped over. The blue-blazing was updated this fall by trail stewards Sue and Bob Cornell, making it easier to follow its meandering and often narrow path.

The forest is an enchanting place filled with bird song at dawn and dusk. Listen for the calls of the Northern Oriole, Scarlet Tanager, Veery, Wood and Hermit Thrushes. During the day in this cool, green refuge, you may hear the call and knocking of the Pileated Woodpecker, song of Oven Birds, the alarm calls of Chickadees, Turkey gobbles, and the screams of a hunting hawk. Blooming right now along the trail are Tulip Trees with yellowy blossoms high in their canopies and Mountain Laurel in sunny spots as well as Yellow Star Grass at your feet. In the evening the Barred Owl may be heard asking, “Who cooks for you?” and in a few weeks time the fire flies may be numerous enough to light the trail with their aerial dance.

The Connecticut Forest and Park Association is volunteer-run, maintains 825 miles of hiking trails in this state, and creates strong connections between people and land—forests, parks, walking trails, and open spaces—in order to protect these lands for posterity. For more information, see its website at www.ctwoodlands.org.