Blazing Trails

Amazing job! You got off your couch! Now, I know it’s still cold outside, but spring is in the air. Birds are chirping, the days are long, and soon (if you haven’t already), you are going to be more focused on exploring. Some of you may have already gone out to a trailhead and looked around lost and it can be a bit intimidating if you are not 100% sure where to start. Have no fear! I am here to help.

Trailhead. Did that word throw you? Well, don’t let scare you. It’s easy, I promise. We can all do this together. The trailhead is the start/ending point of a trail. Usually, there is a big ol’ sign that shows a map of whatever location you’re at. Unfortunately, not all trails have maps for the public, which is why the All Trails app is so important.

Once you get to your starting location, you’re off. Each trail will be “blazed.” What does blazed mean? When you’re on a trail, look at the trees and rocks. You will see painted rectangles on the majority of trails in the state (some trails, not run by Connecticut Forest and Parks, use various shapes - but those are few and far between). So let’s break down what you may see:

Continue straight

Left turn

Right turn

End of Trail

Be mindful of the trails after storms, though. There are times when a storm comes through, and the blazes seem to magically disappear. How could this be possible? Simple, trees fall. Often. If you think back a few years to when those tornadoes ripped through the state, many trails were devastated. Not only were the trails hard to follow due to debris on the trails (until amazing groups came out and cleaned them up), but many of the blazes were taken away in that debris.

Go to a trailhead. Look at the map and decide on a trail to walk, hike, or run. Read the blazes. Like any skill, this is something that is learned and must be practiced. Share with us on Instagram @InAFairfieldMinute some of the trails you discover and the various blazes you find. We can’t wait to be part of your new adventure!