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Fireworks Island trailhead Quinnipiac River Linear Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 101 Google reviews · Running trail in Wallingford, Connecticut · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- 1.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Fireworks Island trailhead Quinnipiac River Linear 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.
Popular trail (part of a linear route) for hiking and biking, with pet owners and joggers often spotted.
What runners say about Fireworks Island trailhead Quinnipiac River Linear Trail
“Most of the the dog owners clean up their messes but some don't and if you go off the paved road make sure to wear long pants and boots and maybe not take your pet.”
Currently the Northern terminus of Wallingford's linear trail. Parking for about a dozen cars. The trail is well maintained and not overly crowded. Good linear trail for younger children since there are many high speed cyclists. Please take note that this lot is accessed across private property of a condo association.
My family & I park our car at Community Lake Park in Wallingford, bring the scooters for the boys and walk the full 2 mile trail to Firework Island. The trail is clean, well kept, generally pretty populated with bicyclists, families, elderly couples strolling.
It's really just the current end of the Quinnippiac river linear trail. Hopefully they will continue it up into Meriden soon. Overall the trail is a nice place to walk or ride, although you are near the Merritt Parkway during some of it and can hear the traffic.
A little tricky to find the start (you have to drive through the condo complex and across a wooden bridge), but it is a very nice trail.
Trail conditions & character
“Most of the the dog owners clean up their messes but some don't and if you go off the paved road make sure to wear long pants and boots and maybe not take your pet.”
“Wide open flat paved path with bridges and dramatic river views”
“Fire Island is a nice little parking lot with a few benches to take a break.”
“It's a nice wide trail often busy with families biking, pet owners walking their dogs, people jogging or walking.”
“Wide open flat paved path with bridges and dramatic river views”
“The paved trail is marked every tenth of a mile.”
“There is a Porta potty (my son insists on using against my wishes .”
“Nice features benches along the trail and water fountain for the pets if needed 👍”
Plan your run at Fireworks Island trailhead Quinnipiac River Linear Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Loop distance1.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitethequinnipiacriver.com
- Phone+1 203-294-2120
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–6 pm |
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