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

Photo by the City of Meriden

Total Trails Length: Approx. 1.29 miles

Photo by the City of Meriden

Trail Description: Easy Walk For more information about this The Gorge Trail offers beautiful views of the Quinnipiac River location, contact: alongside many historical sites. Bring comfortable walking shoes, bicycles, roller blades strollers or wheelchairs. Town of Meriden Recreation Program Supervisor Total trail distance is approx. 1.29 miles (203) 630-4259 ve Allen A t C Quinnipiac River n e l l A Cheshire Meriden Gorge Tail

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