Summary
Flowing water often evokes a sense of tranquility and alleviates stress, prompting individuals to seek these natural wonders for rejuvenation.
The allure may stem from the soothing sound of water, the awe of nature’s might, or other intangible factors. The beauty of cascading water, whether from significant heights over limestone or rocky cliffs, is undeniable.
Connecticut boasts rolling hills that host stunning waterfalls worth exploring on your next visit to the state. From impressive 250-foot cascades in national parks to more modest yet equally charming falls situated within towns.
For outdoor enthusiasts seeking a refreshing retreat, consider these remarkable waterfalls in Connecticut.
1. Mount Carmel Springs Falls
Located in Hamden within Sleeping Giant State Park, Mount Carmel Springs Falls reaches a height of 76 feet, though its water flow is modest.
Visiting during the monsoon season or spring runoff is ideal, as the waterfall is at its fullest during these times.
The park operates daily from 8 am until sunset, allowing access to the falls year-round.
2. Great Falls
Many states feature waterfalls named Great Falls, as it aptly describes a high-flowing cascade.
Situated near Falls Village, the waterfall’s flow varies depending on upstream dam operations and rainfall. The dam serves the town’s water supply, but occasionally releases more water for safety purposes.
The term “Great Falls” may be slightly misleading here, as the feature presents more of a series of stepped cascades descending 60 feet. Although not the tallest waterfall in Connecticut, it is particularly vigorous during dam releases or the spring season. The width of the falls allows for significant water volume to flow rapidly.
3. Wadsworth Little Falls
Wadsworth Little Falls is found near Middlefield within Wadsworth Falls State Park. The park offers an array of hiking trails, including one that leads to the falls.
Park visitors may enjoy activities such as biking, hiking, picnicking, fishing, or swimming from 8 am until sunset.
This waterfall features a height of 52 feet and descends in a step-like manner.
4. Stair Brook Falls
Located in North Branford, Stair Brook Falls can be accessed via the Mattabesett Trail.
The surrounding landscape is breathtaking; the waterfall is fed by a small creek cascading over a gully. The creek flows down Totoket Mountain, with the rainfall carving a natural route through granite rocks, resulting in a staircase-like drop from the mountain to the gully below.
The brook generally runs parallel to the trail, but for optimal viewing of the waterfall, a brief detour off the path is necessary.
5. Yantic Falls
Yantic Falls, located in Norwich, stands out as it is situated in the downtown area, rather than being a short drive or found within a state park.
This waterfall, also referred to as Indian Leap Falls, is steeped in history, with tales of tribal conflicts resulting in many casualties, contributing to its name.
Yantic Falls is nourished by a significant river flowing into a narrow gorge, where the water cascades smoothly over rocks before plunging into a large pool below.
Due to its urban setting, swimming in the pool is not permitted.
6. Roaring Brook Falls
Roaring Brook Falls, situated in Cheshire, has an 80-foot drop and is preserved by the Cheshire Land Trust.
This waterfall, named for Roaring Brook, cascades over an 80-foot cliff and is characterized as a horsetail waterfall type.
Efforts have been made to protect the area’s heritage, which dates back to the Algonquian Native Americans, through a land trust established when the location was acquired to shield it from development.
Although the Town of Cheshire purchased the land in the mid-1970s for preservation, visitors must attain special permission to access the trails and waterfall.
7. Kent Falls
Kent Falls, one of Connecticut’s tallest waterfalls, is found in Kent, with water cascading over 250 feet in a series of drops.
Notably, it requires a quarter-mile descent to transition from the top of the river to the plunge pool below.
Visitors can explore Kent Falls State Park and follow the trail to the waterfall, easily accessible by following signs to Litchfield Hills that guide them to the trailhead. The park is open year-round from 8 am to sunset.
8. Buttermilk Falls
Located near Plymouth, Buttermilk Falls is part of a land area managed by the Nature Conservancy.
Patrons of the area are encouraged to follow the Mattatuck Trail along the river leading to Buttermilk Falls.
The waterfall descends over granite rock in a near-vertical plunge, ultimately forming a small pool below, with the best viewing occurring during spring runoff or following heavy rainfall.
9. Dean’s Ravine Falls
Dean’s Ravine Falls is located near Falls Village in Canaan. Similar to many waterfalls in the area, it is best experienced during periods of spring runoff or following a rain event.
The falls exhibit a brief drop before gently meandering over rocks as it descends to the mountain’s base. Although the elevation change on the trail is considerable, the ascent feels manageable due to the gradual slope.
This waterfall drops approximately 50 feet from the top of Reed Brook, with an elevation loss of 100 feet along the trail.
10. Burr Falls
Burr Falls is situated within Burr Pond State Park, close to Torrington. It plunges 43 feet over granite stones.
Over time, both the river and the stones have become smooth. This waterfall may not rush dramatically, yet its gentle flow evokes the experience of a multifaceted fountain, offering remarkable beauty.
Burr Pond State Park features opportunities for swimming, picnicking, and hiking. Visitors can explore the trail leading to Burr Falls or seek out a bronze tablet detailing the state’s historical significance during the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution. The pond is a popular swimming area with lifeguard supervision available three to five days a week in summer.
11. Aspetuck Falls
Aspetuck Falls is located in Litchfield County. Although the land is likely town-owned, the exact ownership remains unclear. There are no private property signs prohibiting access or hiking on the trail.
The trail is relatively easy but allows viewers to appreciate the falls from the roadside if a short stroll is not appealing.
Aspetuck Falls boasts a 20-foot drop from the top of Aspetuck River to the base, with the best water flow observed during April and the rainy season.
12. Burlington Falls
Burlington Falls is situated in Burlington and is part of Hartford County. The waterfall falls within the jurisdiction of the New Britain Water Department Conservation Commission Land, which is privately owned but accessible to hikers.
Dogs are permitted, yet swimming is prohibited. The waterfall descends 15 feet, with a moderate hike necessary to reach the site.
Burlington Falls is characterized as a horsetail waterfall due to its distinctive drop and flow into the pool below. April through November constitutes the optimal viewing period for the falls.
13. Carpenter’s Falls
Carpenter’s Falls, located in Granby, Hartford County, features an 18-foot drop and is part of McLean Game Refuge Wildlife Sanctuary.
Visitors are welcome to hike 0.7 miles along an easy trail leading to Beach Brook as it cascades over a rocky cliff. The trail includes an elevation gain of 150 feet.
While April and May generally provide the best viewing conditions, the falls can be appreciated year-round due to the trail’s accessibility. Canines on leashes are also welcome, with visitors encouraged to clean up after them.
14. Chapman Falls
Chapman Falls is located within East Haddam in Middlesex County, easily reachable via a brief 0.1-mile hike through Devil’s Hopyard State Park.
This waterfall is characterized by its block-type formation, culminating in a 60-foot drop.
Positioned along the Eightmile River, the trail is deemed easy, requiring only five minutes of hiking from the parking area to reach the falls. The best time to visit falls between April and November, but access is available year-round.
15. Enders Falls
Enders Falls is located near Granby in Hartford County and is encompassed within Enders State Forest, granting visitors access to the trail and its gently sloping waterfall.
Though the highest drop measures only 30 feet, the waterfall features intricate water elements, including plunging, cascading, sliding, and horsetail formations. The trail is of moderate difficulty, requiring a 0.3-mile one-way hike to reach the lowest point of the falls. The optimal time to visit aligns with April through November.
