Best Waterfalls in Connecticut: 12 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
Lisa Sammons
Author
Whether they’re natural or man-made, there’s something truly special about a waterfall in Connecticut. Seeing all that water flowing with such force and power is a magical experience that makes you feel like a kid again. Visiting in the spring is quite amazing, as this is when these cascades are often at their most powerful thanks to the snowmelt, but then again, seeing Mother Nature’s artistry at work when they ice over in winter can be equally impressive! If you find yourself wondering “what are the best waterfalls near me?”, we’ve got you covered with these epic waterfalls in Connecticut:
Ready to explore more waterfalls beyond the state border? From jaw-dropping cascades to swimmable emerald ponds, there are countless magnificent waterfalls found across the United States to explore.
Tallest Waterfalls In Connecticut
One of the most impressive factors about a waterfall is, of course, its height. Seeing all that water towering over you is an unforgettable experience! If you’re looking to check out some of the biggest waterfalls in Connecticut, you won’t want to miss these:
1. Kent Falls
Kent Falls is perfect because it's so incredibly accessible. You can practically drive right up to the falls, which are located in Kent Falls State Park. This is the tallest waterfall in Connecticut at 250 feet in height, but because it drops in stages over a quarter mile, it's not quite as immediately impressive as more concentrated cascades. Nevertheless, the state park that shares its name is beautiful at any time of year, and this is one waterfall you don't want to miss.
2. Roaring Brook Falls
At 80 feet in height, Roaring Brook Falls is the second-tallest waterfall in Connecticut and the tallest single-drop waterfall in the state. You'll find it within a recreation area in the tiny town of Cheshire, and this is a great area for hikers. It's not nearly as popular as it should be, and you can often explore the area without too many crowds.
3. Dean's Ravine Falls
The 50-foot Dean's Ravine Falls is an easily-accessed cascade that's along Reed Brook in the aptly-named Falls Village. While it can be reached by the 23-mile Mohawk Trail, you can also access the falls after a quick walk from a convenient parking lot at Music Mountain Road and Cream Hill Road.
4. Great Falls
The Canaan area is a haven for anyone seeking out wonderful waterfalls in Connecticut, and that's just what you'll find at Great Falls. This is the state's highest-volume waterfall, and it's especially magical in the springtime, when flow tends to be heaviest. Great Falls is along the mighty Housatonic River and drops about 50 feet.
Best Waterfall Hikes
Hiking is an amazing way to get exercise and get in touch with nature at the same time, but it can be pretty exhausting. Seeing something truly epic like a waterfall can be great motivation to keep going when you’re on a tough trail. Here are a few of our favorite waterfall hikes in Connecticut – and if you’re a big fan of hiking, you might want to consider a free trial of AllTrails+. You’ll enjoy great benefits like downloadable trail maps and turn-by-turn directions so you don’t have to worry about getting lost!
5. Buttermilk Falls
If you're looking for a great easy waterfall hiking trail, it doesn't get much better than a trip to Buttermilk Falls. It's right along the 38-mile Mattatuck Trail that winds through Litchfield County, but to get to this gorgeous landmark, you just have to travel a short 0.6-mile section. The well-marked trail has a very slight elevation gain but is an easy 15-minute hike that even young kids can handle. The horsetail cascade is three levels and has a 55-foot drop in total.
6. Wadsworth Falls State Park
There are actually two Wadsworth Falls, and both are in the state park that shares their names. Wadsworth Big Falls is incredibly convenient - you'll find it right past the parking lot, with barely any walking. At 52 feet wide and 30 feet high, it's quite impressive! Walk through the woods a little ways and you'll find Wadsworth Little Falls, which is a great deal smaller but still beautiful.
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7. Chapman Falls
Chapman Falls is a magnificent tiered waterfall in beautiful Devil's Hopyard State Park. This is a stunning place, and as hard as it is to believe, it has quite a few spooky urban legends surrounding it. There are stories about Chapman Falls dating all the way back to Puritan times, and it's said that the devil himself would sit atop the 60-foot falls and play his fiddle.
8. Enders Falls
Enders Falls is one of our favorite day trips in Connecticut. It's just a quick mile out-and-back hike to reach the breathtaking cascade, and the entire 2,000-acre state forest is worthy of exploration. If you'd like to get a view of the lower area of the falls, note that some rock scrambling is required, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear.
Accessible Waterfalls (No Hiking Required)
Hitting the trails to travel miles through the woods is fun, but sometimes something a little easier to access is required. Maybe you’re traveling with a stroller or you’re a wheelchair user, or you simply don’t have time for a long trek through nature. Luckily, we’ve got some great less-than-hidden waterfalls in Connecticut that won’t take you all day to find:
9. Yantic Falls
At 40 feet in height, Yantic Falls is among the most impressive of Connecticut waterfalls. The water flows pretty heavily, especially if you visit after a rainfall or during springtime, and it's a perfect place to snap a few photos. It's completely handicap accessible and free to visit, plus there's a nearby historic train bridge that makes for a perfect photo-taking spot.
10. Indian Well Falls
Indian Well Falls is smaller than many of the cascades on this list: it's only a 15-foot drop. Even so, it's one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state, and a perfect place to lounge on a hot day. The trail is located right across from a parking area, and it's only about a 0.2-mile "hike" to reach your destination.
Best Waterfalls Near Hartford
As the state capital and one of New England’s major metropolitan areas, you might think there aren’t too many waterfalls near Hartford, CT, but there are actually quite a few within a close drive! Check out a few of our favorites near the Nutmeg State capital:
11. Case Falls
Case Mountain is one of our favorite underrated hiking areas in Connecticut, and it's just a quick 15-minute drive outside of Hartford. The hybrid waterfall here is quite stunning and makes for a beautiful subject if you're a fan of photography.
12. Blackledge Falls
You'll find Blackledge Falls within Gay City State Park. This is a huge recreation area with lots of trails and fun to be had, but if you're looking for waterfalls, it doesn't get much better than the beautiful Blackledge Falls. The trail to Blackledge Falls is only about 1.1 miles, making it a quick and easy adventure. Visit after a heavy rainfall if you'd like to see the cascade at its prettiest.
Wow! I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a road trip! There are so many great waterfalls in Connecticut – which is your favorite, and did it make the list?
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