INTERACT

In this forum, we'd like to ask you to post upcoming hikes as comments below this story. Posted hikes don't have to be formal—any organized jaunt with friends is more than welcome here.

We'll also be linking hikes submitted to our events calendar on the top of this webpage in the Related Links box. To submit an event, you can click here or follow the link under the events listings on the right-hand side of Guilford's home page.

This forum is also a place to share hiking stories as well as tips and tricks for fellow hikers. In addition, we'd love to see your hiking photos and we're sure our other readers would, too.

Please follow these directions to post a gallery of your hiking photos which will be available in both our community submitted gallery and here in this hiking forum in the Related Links box on the right side of this webpage.

"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin." -William Shakespeare

Guilford is chock full of great places to hike, thanks to the trails and open spaces made available through the Guilford Land Conservation Trust and the Guilford Conservation Commission. And it doesn't stop there. The Shoreline Greenway Trail is working hard to create a trail system that will run through Guilford, eventually connecting New Haven with Madison. (Download trail maps, see photo galleries and find hiking events to the right).

The Conservation Commission established almost 50 years ago, is charged with the development, conservation, supervision, and regulation of natural resources, including water resources, within the territorial limits of the town of Guilford.

If you like hiking for free and want it to stay that way, consider volunteering with trail maintenance. Email David Bell, chair of the Land Stewardship Committee of the Conservation Commission, at thedavidbell@yahoo.com to get started.

The Guilford Land Conservation Trust (GLCT) is a member-supported, volunteer organization that protects open space and natural resources. The trust owns nearly 2,800 acres in Guilford. Volunteers for the office or trail work are always welcome. To volunteer, contact Sarah Williams at 203-457-9676.

You can find trail maps and property information for the properties that GLCT runs by visiting their website.

The Shoreline Greenway Trail while not yet fully developed, will run through meadows and woods along the Sound from Lighthouse Point on New Haven Harbor for 25 miles to Hammonasset Beach State Beach in Madison.

It is being built for non-motorized recreation and transit, section by section, through East Haven, Branford, Guilford, and Madison. It will connect with parks, railroad stations, village centers, and other trails, as well as the East Coast Greenway that runs from Maine to Florida.

Check out their website and Zip06 for trail updates in Guilford and surrounding towns.

The Guilford Chamber of Commerce has a nice selection of outdoor activities and for hikers they recommend the following trail: The Audobon Society has made the Anne Conover Nature Education Trail a must-hike destination.