Wondrous, Wild Waterfalls Waiting for You in Connecticut

7/20/17 - By Jennifer Coe

Waterfalls are amazing creations of nature that astound even the hardiest hiker and outdoor lover. The water pounding on the rocks, the splash of the spray, and the shallow wading pools leave the kids with lasting memories. Connecticut is lucky to be home to hundreds of waterfalls; many of them are accessible with just short walks and a little effort for all ages. Of course, please exercise caution at all of these sites as rocks are slippery when wet! If you are looking for more outdoor adventures, go hiking at one of these Hartford area spots and check out our list of ropes courses in Connecticut!

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Enders Falls - Granby
A very popular family waterfall to visit with a short, manageable trail for kids. There are five falls to check out and the trail is well maintained. This is a very popular fall to take photos at, and yes, swimming is allowed!

Enders Falls Forest, Route 219, Granby, CT  06035

Kent Falls - Kent
At Kent Falls you can hike, fish, picnic and make use of the fire-pits. The Kent Falls trail goes .25 miles along the falls. The falls have 250 feet of waterfall with several cascades and pools to see.  Weekends during warm weather can be very crowded.

462 Kent Cornwall Road, Kent, CT 06757

Buttermilk Falls - Plymouth
Buttermilk Falls is 55 feet high with three levels. It is located on the Mattatuck Trail and has often been described as a "hidden jewel." It has an easy trail with an approximately 10 minute long loop.  Follow the blue Mattatuck Trail from your on-road parking spot.

Lane Hill Road, Plymouth, CT 06781

Black Ledge Falls - Glastonbury
Beautifully, heavily wooded area with 20-25 foot plunges of water.  Black Ledge Falls has a short, easy trail for kids. The falls are right next to each other and vary according to rainfall. Tons of detailed information can be found here.

3875 Hebron Avenue, Glastonbury, CT 06033

Devil's Hopyard - East Haddam
Devil's Hopyard has a lovely, explorable waterfall. Families can picnic, hike, and fish as well as bird watch.  

366 Hopyard Road, East Haddam, CT 06423

Wadsworth Falls - Middlefield
This is a very popular falls site for Connecticut families. The fall's source is the Coginchaug River and has an easy trail to follow. This is a great place for kids to explore. Leashed dogs are allowed. There are designated swimming and picnicking areas.

721 Wadsworth Street, Middletown, CT 06457

Southford Falls - Southbury
At this state park, you can cross country ski, picnic, hike, and fish for trout. There are cascades and small plunges. The trail is easy and is a 10 minute loop. Families can check out the stone wall remains of a mill once located on the site. 

175 Quaker Farms Road, Southbury, CT 06488

Indian Wells Falls (State Park) - Shelton 
This state park boasts a beach and boating, but you will enjoy their Indian Well Brook cascading waterfall. There is a picnic area right near the water and an easy short trail walk. This is a pedestrian friendly and accessible waterfall for families.

1 Indian Well Road, Shelton, CT 06418

Carptenter's Falls - Granby
Located at the McLean Game Refuge, there's a lot to see at this location. The falls are accessible and easy to get to. Dogs are welcome but no swimming is allowed. There are lots of places to walk and a huge pond to see as well.

Salmon Brook Street (Rt. 10/202), Granby, CT 06035

Great Falls - Canaan/Falls Village
This is a high water volume waterfall to astound you and your kids. It has an easy trail but a lot of water. Great place for you to take pictures. As this is not a state park, swimming is prohibited. These falls have been called the "Niagara Falls of New England" by the Hartford Courant.

Water Street, Falls Village, CT 06031

Note: if you would love to know more about the Geology and rock composition of each site, the DEEP CT site has detailed information for almost all of them.
 

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