Discover the scenery and communities of the Northeast along 215 miles of the New England Trail. Following the Metacomet–Monadnock–Mattabesett Trail System, it is sometimes also called the Triple-M Trail.
Distance: 215 miles
States: Connecticut and Massachusetts
Year Established: 2009
Best Times of Year to Visit: Fall is best, but the trail can be hiked year-round
East Peak, Meriden, Connecticut. Photo courtesy of Ryan Smith.
Notable Spots Along Trail:
- The 165-foot-tall Heublein Tower offers panoramic views of Hartford, Connecticut, and the Farmington River Valley.
- Castle Craig, located on the East Peak in the Hanging Hills, is a 32-foot-high observation tower built of local traprock (basalt).
- Discover the Seven Sisters, an expanse of ridgeline summits in Massachusetts’ Mount Holyoke Range offering beautiful views and an overall elevation change of 3,700 feet. It’s also the location of a tough trail race that donates all net proceeds to purchasing and preserving land in the surrounding area.
- Visit the Richardson-Zlogar Cabin, which offers sleeping space for up to 12 trekkers and views of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont all in one vista.
Fun Facts, According to the Appalachian Mountain Club:
- The trail follows the iconic Metacomet traprock ridgeline in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
- Both a cider, called Trail Hopper from Artifact Cider, and a beer, called Old New England Trail from Hanging Hills Brewery, are named after the NET.
- The NET is the only national scenic trail that touches Long Island Sound.
- Nearly 2 million people live within 10 miles of the trail.
Dry Knoll, Mount Holyoke, Massachusetts. Photo courtesy of Ben Smith.
Trail Uses: Hiking, trail running, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Administering Agency: National Park Service
Nonprofit Partner: Appalachian Mountain Club and Connecticut Forest and Park Association.
Permitting Information: None needed.
REI Stewardship: The co-op has invested more than $390,000 in the NET since 2003.
Read More:
- How You Can Help Support Connecticut Trails
- How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove Fuel
- How to Stay Warm in a Sleeping Bag
- How to Choose a Backpack
Learn more about all of our national scenic trails.