We're excited to bring on some new volunteer Trail Managers to help with maintenance of the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System.
By clicking the blue "Respond" button (upper right corner), you are expressing your interest in one of the open Trail Manager positions. We cannot promise that you will be appointed as a Trail Manager. Our Trail Manager Review Team will follow-up with you. Please closely review the information below. When responding to this opportunity, please note the trail/ trail section you are interested in in your "Response Notes".
Open Trail Manager Positions (as of July 2025):
- Metacomet/ NET Trail (Meriden)
- Highlawn Trail (Rockfall) (co-manager position)
- Hibbard Trail (Lebanon)
- Pachaug Trail (Voluntown)
- Nehantic Trail (Voluntown)
- Shenipsit (Glastonbury)
- Scovill Loop Trails (Middletown)
Trail Managers are appointed by CFPA’s Trails Committee at its quarterly business meetings on the recommendation of the Trail Manager Review Team. In order to be considered as a candidate for a Trail Manager position, the individual must be willing to:
- Perform a basic level of trail maintenance on the appointed trail section.
- Review the trail section with a CFPA Trail Manager, Trails Committee member or CFPA staff person prior to appointment.
- Demonstrate prior experience in trail maintenance as a Trails volunteer and have attended CFPA workparties & trainings.
- Be willing to hike long distances and work with hand tools.
- Attend a new Trail Manager Training prior to appointment.
- Agree to assume the responsibilities outlined below and follow all CFPA trail standards & policies.
- Commit to the position for at least 1 year.
Please note- Trail Managers regularly volunteer over 30 hours a year working on their trail section. A typical trail section can be between 3-6 miles. The time commitment for this position can be demanding.
Overview of Trail Manager Responsibilities:
- Inspect trail section seasonally and after significant storms.
- Keep trail properly blazed and signed.
- Clear all vegetation that obstructs the trail and remove downed limbs/ trees.
- Pick up litter.
- Monitor the condition of all trail structures.
- Report illegal unauthorized trail use.
- Use all trail tools safely, maintain in good condition and wear all required safety equipment.
- Generally monitor & correct drainage problems.
- Identify major trail maintenance projects for a CFPA work party or trail crew.
- Monitor changes in area land use that might have an impact on the trail.
- Act as a CFPA ambassador while interacting with the public on the trail.
- Sign an annual Assumption of Risk & Waiver of Claims Agreement.
- Submit an Annual Trail Report.
- Report your volunteer time on, at least, an annual basis.
