Rail-trail with island views
The Shoreline Greenway Trail in Branford is a 4.6-mile rail-trail section of a planned 25-mile route connecting East Haven, Branford, Guilford, and Madison along Long Island Sound. The Branford portion runs through woodlands and past community gardens, with one section paralleling an active rail line and another following a former trolley route with views of Thimble Islands.
Free · Outdoor · Quiet-friendly
The Branford Trolley Trail section offers views of Long Island Sound and Thimble Islands; park at Birch Road.
East Haven section has a steep dirt descent from Hoop Pole Lane; proceed slowly with younger kids.
Farm River State Park offers unpaved nature trails in addition to the main trail for further exploring.
Trail surfaces are crushed stone and dirt; suitable for walking and biking but may be muddy after rain.