The 1.3 mile paved, multi-use Directions and Parking: Gorge Trail was completed in 2006 and sits on the rail bed of the Meriden, Waterbury, & The Quinnipiac Gorge Trail can be Recreational Trails River Railroad (circa 1890). The accessed directly off of River Road (State Route South Central Connecticut trail starts at Lions Club Park - distinguished 70). Handicap Accessible parking areas are by two grand granite columns. The trail follows available on Oregon Road at the Red Bridge. the rail bed westward along the Gorge with General Parking is located at the Dossin Beach several scenic viewing areas of the Quinnipiac parking areas adjacent to Hanover Pond. Quinnipiac River and informational kiosks. Portions of Additional parking is available in a gravel lot the trail which are steep and susceptible to on Finch Avenue at the Cheshire Town line. rock slides are noted by split rail fencing and River Gorge signage. Permitted/Prohibited Activities: Trail Water power spurred industry along the river The multi-use trail is fully handicap accessible. including the Meriden Gorge Carpenter’s Dam, Hiking and canoeing is permitted. This part which powered a civil war button factory. The of the Quinnipiac Gorge is stocked with fish. dams formed impounded lakes like Hanover Fishing is allowed by State license. Motorized Pond and Wallingford’s Community Lake. vehicles are prohibited. Near Hanover Pond, the “Red Bridge” connected Oregon Road to Cheshire and provided access to recreation at the Pond. The Quinnipiac River and the Gorge area is making Hiking Wheelchair Pets on Canoeing Bicycling a strong recovery from its industrial legacy Accessible Leash through habitat and river restoration efforts of the City of Meriden and the Inland Fisheries Division. Their work includes two rock vanes For more information about this location, which create thermal refuge for trout during contact: hot summer months when the river temperature rises above optimum temperatures for their Town of Meriden survival. Recreation Program Supervisor (203) 630-4259

Questions regarding this brochure can be addressed to South Central Regional Council of Governments Phone: (203) 234-7555/Fax: (203) 234-9850 E-mail: [email protected]

Scan QR Code to access the South Central Regional Council of Governments Recreational Trails Webpage Meriden, CT

Photo by City of Meriden ve Allen A t

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Q E Finch Ave u d in g ni e Trail Description: pia Cariati Blvd m c a State Hwy R70 r iv k er A d c Easy Walk R r e n s ro y The Gorge Trail offers beautiful views of the B (1 Fern Dr .2 d 9 Quinnipiac River alongside many historical sites. Bring R m y lle i) comfortable walking shoes, bicycles, roller blades e d h R

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0 0.25 Kilometers o m Charles St 0 0.075 Miles e S Trail Datar and Content was provided by the TownMinute of Meriden.ce D Bru The Trail r Map and Brochure was prepared by SCRCOGPond (2016).Ln