Hi-Tech Haddam Trail Signs Posted

Two trailhead signs were erected in Higganum this week, completing the use of funds from a grant that Higganum Vision Group received from The Rockfall Foundation. The signs represent the culmination of a project designed to draw attention to Haddam’s diverse trail network. With over 50 miles of trails within the town, Phase 1 of the project involved the creation of a comprehensive interactive website, www.haddamtrails.org. The website, which launched in 2012, provides users with a simple interface for learning about Haddam’s trails, accessing trail maps, and posting comments.

Phase 2 of the project kick-started the marking of 42 trailheads to make them visible from roadways. With the remaining funds from the grant, two very visible locations were chosen to feature the first trailhead signs. One new sign is located outside of Haddam Elementary School and points hikers to the scenic Swan Hill Trail located in the Nature Preserve. This 1.2 mile hike has 2 stunning lookouts of the Connecticut River and Higganum Village. The second sign is on Killingworth Rd. between Pokorny Rd. and Soobitsky Rd.. The Cockaponsett Forest trail connects Killingworth Rd to the diverse Beaver Meadow trail network.

Each sign is unique and provides information about its particular trail. The signs also have a hi-tech feature: QR (Quick Response) codes located on each sign. Using a smart phone equipped with a QR reader app, a hiker can scan the square digital code and link immediately to the page for that trail on haddamtrails.org.

Haddam Trails intends to pursue future grants and fundraising activities to create and post trailhead signs on all of the currently unmarked trailheads. Signs can be sponsored for $60, though donations of any amount would be appreciated. Tax deductible donations can be sent to Higganum Vision Group, P.O. Box 116, Higganum, CT 06441 (attn: Haddam Trails). To learn more about Haddam Trails, send an email to info@haddamtrails.org .