Category: Connecticut State

Haley Farm State Park
Haley Farm State Park, at Groton, was part of a  parcel granted to John Winthrop, Jr., Connecticut’s first governor, in 1649.   It was farmed until the 1950’s.  A park for approx. 47 years, this historic land turned dairy farm is now a 276 acre nature escape.  There is a wide range of habitat from upland forest to marshy wetlands, which makes for good birding and for butterflies.  There are ponds, many stone walls and a large glacier erratic named Jemima’s Rock or Hanging Rock.
Here is their website.  Map   Phone 860-444-7591
 The wheelchair accessible 0.8 mile Haley Farm Bike Trail, which winds  through the scenic old shoreline farm is part of a 7 1/2 mile town-owned bikeway routed from Mystic to Groton on local roadways.

Air Line State Park Trail –
Airline State Park Trail is a 54.6 mile linear rail/ trail passing through eleven towns in eastern Connecticut.  From the site: “Stretching across eastern Connecticut from Thompson to East Hampton, this linear trail dates from the 1870s, and today draws walkers, hikers, horseback riders and bikers from across the state for the views, the relaxation and the solitude.”  There is a lot of information and links on the website.  Here is the website.  Brochure and maps for the towns of East Hampton, Colchester, Hebron and Lebanon.
Although not generally not handicapped accessible, some sections in East Hampton (phone 860-267-6020), Colchester (phone 860-537-7297), and Hebron (phone 860-228-5971 x129) are wheelchair accessible.    

Connecticut State Parks and Forests – list with links to maps and information.  There is no rating of trail difficulty.

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection –  Info on accessibility in Connecticut state parks and forests.   From their website: “Accessible parking and picnic tables can be found at all park and forest recreation areas.  Public buildings at most state parks are also accessible.  The conversion process is continuing with upgraded facilities currently in design for Hopeville Pond, Mashamoquet Brook, Quaddick, and Sleeping Giant State Parks; and Pachaug and  Shenipsit State Forests.  In 1996, Stratton Brook State Park in Simsbury was the first to have a total retrofit making all park facilities  (parking, trails, restrooms, picnic areas, beach) accessible.”   See the site for more information on camping, beach wheelchairs, and fishing platforms.