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Entrance, Orchard Glen Trail

4.4 ★★★★☆ 49 Google reviews · Running trail in Wallingford, Connecticut · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Loop distance
2.1 mi
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Entrance, Orchard Glen Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Natural surface2.1 miLoopScenicTrailhead parkingMile markersQuiet

Trail system passing through woodland and meadows, with a waterfall and stream.

What runners say about Entrance, Orchard Glen Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (49 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 5 mentions

“Shout out to The Barnes Family, I've really enjoyed my visit to Connecticut thanks to these beautiful trails & the wonderul people who live here.”

🪧 well-marked 2 mentions

“The trail is marked with land trust markers but it's not well marked as to which trail goes in which direction once you get a few minutes into the hike.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“It was a quiet day since most people were working and I had the trail to myself for the most part.”

This gem is part of a network of trails managed by Wallingford Land Trust. It is by far my favorite, and even though it's 2 miles (per trail map), you can easily go off trail and explore without fear of getting lost. We clocked almost 5 miles today going off trail etc. Trail was superbly maintained.

★★★★★ — Trisha , May 2020

We love this Trail. It's moderate and about 2.1 miles. There's a lot of elevation change and you have to for us a creek three times there are some boards but in parts it's shallow. So if you have waterproof boots you can make it across. Be careful. Load the rocks are slippery.

★★★★★ — Regina , Apr 2024

I had to drive someone to Wallingford Connecticut and while I was there I looked up the closest hiking trail. I picked Orchard Glen because it was nearby but when I got there I was confused about where to park because all the parking lots nearby were for authorized vehicles only.

★★★★☆ — Kit , Dec 2023

Great hike when you only have a few hours but want to feel lost in nature. The trail is marked with land trust markers but it's not well marked as to which trail goes in which direction once you get a few minutes into the hike. It does loop around but there are alternate side trails as well.

★★★★☆ — Jennifer , Nov 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 49 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 16 mentions

“Shout out to The Barnes Family, I've really enjoyed my visit to Connecticut thanks to these beautiful trails & the wonderul people who live here.”

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🔁 Loop trail 5 mentions

“1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Wallingford, Connecticut that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

“I picked Orchard Glen because it was nearby but when I got there I was confused about where to park because all the parking lots nearby were for authorized vehicles only.”

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📏 Mile markers 4 mentions

“The trail is marked with land trust markers but it's not well marked as to which trail goes in which direction once you get a few minutes into the hike.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“It was a quiet day since most people were working and I had the trail to myself for the most part.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 2 mentions

“Trails can be muddy also.”

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Plan your run at Entrance, Orchard Glen Trail

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • Loop distance2.1 mi back to where you parked
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners

Hours

Monday 7 am–8 pm
Tuesday 7 am–8 pm
Wednesday 7 am–8 pm
Thursday 7 am–8 pm
Friday 7 am–8 pm
Saturday 7 am–8 pm
Sunday 7 am–8 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Entrance, Orchard Glen Trail

61-99 Barnes Industrial Park N, Wallingford, CT 06492

Get directions

Running trails near Wallingford

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Fireworks Island trailhead Quinnipiac River Linear Trail

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Popular trail (part of a linear route) for hiking and biking, with pet owners and joggers often spotted.

1.3 miles away

Fairlawn hiking trails

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1.8 miles away

Fairlawn Hiking Trails

5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews

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2.0 miles away

Quinnipiac River Linear Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 355 reviews

Wallingford, CT

1.5 miLoopPavedScenic

Tree-lined trail, often paved, for walking, running and biking, plus playground and picnic facilities.

2.8 miles away

Hanover Pond Trail

4.9 ★★★★★ 7 reviews

Meriden, CT

Paved

2.9 miles away

Phase II Of The Meriden Linear Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 253 reviews

Meriden, CT

PavedScenic

Paved trail with a 5-mile path for jogging and cycling, plus scenic river views.

2.9 miles away

All running trails in Wallingford, CT →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.