Meriden Linear Trails

I have so many nice things to say about the trail. First off since it is so close to my house, that is an A+ rating right there! No seriously.
This Em B girl is getting very hyped up about the address. Basically look for the gigantic red bridge and you have found it. They recently updated the trail on the opposite side (of the red bridge) with a nice parking lot and area to sit near the water and trees if you choose. I go here often with my 2 dogs and they LOVE IT. The trail is never dirty, there could be more trashcans but with that I know that involves people having to clean more. but it is annoying to walk with dog poop all the time and holding it for 15 – 20 mins before I can throw it out. Anyways, that is the only thing I don’t like but this trail is beautiful, well maintained, safe, and everybody is so friendly. Very dog friendly!

First time on the trail was great. Took the granddaughter and walked the whole trail. We will return to do it again.

*THE ADDRESS LISTED IS THE COMMITTEE ADDRESS NOT THE ADDRESS TO THE ENTRANCE OF THE TRAIL!!* I would update the address but there are different access points, check their website!
Now my review:
Much nicer than the Wallingford portion of this ongoing project and I adore the Wallingford section. Both are fabulously maintained, the people are friendly, parking at both is a challenge but I can’t complain about walking further to the trail when I’m going here too walk.
Apparently there are two different sections of this trail, the one I walked today was absolutely beautiful, really exceeded my expectations. There’s a large park nearby with tennis courts, a decent size climbing, slide apparatus thing for kids. You are walking along the river the whole time at this location, there is much to look at; aged marked trees, historical boards with tons of information, off the main trail there are tons of paths — it’s really more than you would think to see on a walking path. It’s surprisingly beautiful.
I’m a fan of this linear trail project and enjoy my time walking the paths. The people are friendly, they clean up after their dogs, my kids can ride their bikes and burn some energy. It’s definitely a hidden gem.

The Meriden Linear Trail is a short, flat trail that runs alongside the Quinnipiac River starting (or ending, depending on your perspective) at Red Bridge. It’s not too wide, so I can imagine it getting crowded, but on a temperate Saturday afternoon in the summer, my mom and I didn’t feel crowded at all while we walked the trail. We passed enough people walking dogs, jogging, or walking with their families that it felt civilized, but definitely still serene. We saw some interesting waterfowl and birds, in addition to the standard ducks and finches. I think I saw a Heron, actually, which was very cool!
The trail provides some great views, nature, and a nice, easy walk. I wouldn’t recommend it for bike riding because it’s too short and flat. I’d get bored riding my bike on that. But for a relaxing 3 mile walk (or less, obviously, if you stop partway and turn around), it’s perfect for folks of all ages and fitness levels. As a bonus, people are super friendly on the trail. Everyone we passed said hello, and let us fawn over their cute dogs.

This is a 1.5 one way trail starting in Meriden that follows the Quinnipiac River into Cheshire and sits in the old railroad bed of the Meriden, Waterbury & Connecticut River Railroad. This was phase 1 of the Linear Trail project in Meriden, phase 2 is set to begin later this year around Hanover Pond adding another 1.2 miles.
This is longer than the trail in Wallingford and to me, it’s definitely a lot nicer. You are always walking alongside the river and some of the views of the water are spectacular. This trail is also paved with a few more twists and turns but it is a little narrower than the path in Wallingford. During certain times (Weekends, spring, summer, early fall), there can be a lot of volume on this trail and you will dodge dogs, baby carriages, kids on bikes with inattentive parents and people who walk in groups of like 16 wide and therefore will block your path. Either come early in the morning or late in the afternoon. I’ve found it to be a lot less congested in the late afternoons.
This trail also has some interesting historical spots explaining some of the famous crashes along the railway, the history of some of the crumbling bridges and of course, history of the famous red bridge.
You can also fish along the trail and can put in a canoe. I actually am aiming to do that or put my kayak in this summer.
The Linear Trail Committee and Meriden Parks and Rec does a fantastic job with the upkeep of this trail. I have no complaints as it’s five minutes from my home in Yalesville and a great place for walking, running and biking. I like running along this trail as it’s a great prep trail for 5k training.
There are 3 parking lots as well: One by the red bridge right off River Road in Meriden, another bigger lot off Oregon Road about a quarter of a mile up and then one at the end of the trail off Fischer Road in Cheshire.