Recreation & Outdoor Activities

Branford’s bustling marinas and yacht clubs offer a hearty welcome to boaters and land lovers alike. The Branford River is home port for hundreds of boats at more than six facilities offering a full range of marine services. At the mouth of the river is Branford Harbor and Branford Point, providing vistas of the Branford shoreline and Long Island Sound.

Branford is blessed with a wide variety of open space and recreational properties owned by the State of Connecticut, the Town of Branford, the Branford Land Trust, the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, and others. In total, more than 3,900 acres remain as open and/or undeveloped space. These areas present a great diversity of scenery and habitats, and provide endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, from hiking and cycling to kayaking the scenic Branford River and more.

Many of our protected properties contain walking trails that are open to the public, including the Stony Creek Trolley Trail and the Short Beach Preserve. The Branford Trail is a 28-mile walking route that circles the town, passing through woods, fields, and quiet neighborhoods. Autumn 2004 marked the groundbreaking of the Shoreline Greenway Trail, which will run from New Haven Harbor to Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, and offer opportunities for walkers, hikers, bicyclists, runners, cross country skiers, and more.

We welcome you to explore these many recreational opportunities on your visit to Branford.

RELATED INFORMATION:

• Trailheads for Branford Properties Land Trust

• Walk the Branford Trails (Printable brochures)