598 acres in Meriden, CT
Parking: Medium sized lot near 800 Westfield Rd, Meriden, CT
Trail Map Trails: 24.8 miles Rating: ★★★★★
Giuffrida Park is one of the great parks of Connecticut for its mix of trails, beautiful overlooks, and peaceful settings. There are easy trails around the Bradley Hubbard Reservoir (formerly Crescent Lake), a two mile section of the Mattabasett Trail, and many loop options of varying difficulty.
Mattabesett Trail – 3.6 miles
White Trail – 1.5 miles
Red and Yellow blazed trails provide connections between the major trails and there are plenty of side and unblazed trails to explore at the north end of the park.
Established as a park in 1967. From the park’s brochure,
“Giuffrida Park was originally part of an area farmed in the late 1600’s and early 1700’s by Jonathan Gilbert and later Captain Andrew Belcher. This farm, the first European settlement in this region, became known as the “Meriden Farm”, from which the whole area eventually took its name.”
According to a history of the area, travelers came to the western edge of the mountain in 1735 in search of gold, but never found any.
The park is named for the late Dr. Francis Giuffrida who practiced medicine and surgery and had one of the largest practices in Meriden. He also served as team physician at both city high schools and had a passion for helping children and teenagers. He was a World War II Navy and Marine Corps veteran who was awarded a Bronze Star.
Peter Marteka – There’s A Safer Route To The Top Of Chauncey Peak In Meriden, One Of The Area’s Best Overlooks (2018)
Peter Marteka – A Park With A Nice Back Story (2010)
Peter Marteka – Giuffrida Park In Meriden Offers Golden Opportunities (2010)
CTMQ – Mattabesett Trail: Section 1 (2008)
The information shown here is for general reference purposes only. exploreCT.org gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or reliability of this data. Parking in all areas, whether designated here or not, is at your own risk. exploreCT.org is not responsible for any damage or loss to vehicles or contents. Last updated October 18th, 2024
800 Westfield Rd, Meriden, CT 06450, USA
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