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Nature|Waterfalls

Hike Less Than Two Miles To This Spectacular Waterfall Fishing Hole In Connecticut

Southford Falls in Southbury, Connecticut, offers a family-friendly hiking experience with beautiful scenery, fishing spots, and a historic waterfall.

Published Jun 15, 2021

Written by 

Marie Magoch

Summertime is the perfect time to get outdoors to enjoy the warm sunshine, feel the ground under your feet, and enjoy the beauty of nature as you hike through some of the most beautiful terrains in New England. What better way to enjoy the weekend than taking a hike with the family and creating your own adventures as you explore, take photos, picnic, and fish. Southford Falls in Southbury has everything you need to make your summer adventures memorable.

Located on the Southbury/Oxford line in Western Connecticut, the hike to Southford Falls is an easy 1.7-mile walk which is perfect for every skill level. As you follow the Red Trail to the main waterfall you will see some of the most beautiful scenery along with plenty of opportunities for picture taking along the way.

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Bob P.B./Flickr

Established as a state park in 1932, Southford Falls has been the home of many factories that used the local waterfalls as a power source over the centuries. These include a wool cleaning company, a flour mill, paper mill, cutlery company, ax manufacturer, and even the home of the Diamond Match Company from 1901 until 1923 when the match factory was accidentally burned to the ground.

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Erin Cody/Alltrails

Although one of the smaller waterfalls in Connecticut with a ten-foot drop, the rugged cascades of the Southford Falls are one of the most beautiful and calming waterfalls in New England.

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Carrie Williams/Alltrails

As you follow the Eight Mile Brook downstream, you will see a beautiful vintage covered bridge reproduction. Although the original is no longer standing, the 1972 reproduction has a lot of character and loads of charm.

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Woody N/Alltrails

Be sure to bring your fishing pole along. You will find plenty of places to fish in the beautiful waters of Southford Falls Park. You can try your hand at catching trout, bluegill, largemouth bass, sunfish, catfish, pickerel, and suckerfish.

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Anna K/Alltrails

Make a day of adventures in the park as you fish, play games, picnic, and relax.

If you want to find another beautiful waterfall to explore for your next day trip you will want to read You’ll Want To Spend All Day At Diana’s Pool, A Waterfall-Fed Pool In Connecticut.

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Nature|Waterfalls

The Magnificent Natural Wonder In Connecticut That’s Located Barely A Quarter Mile From The Parking Lot

Find a quick and easy waterfall hike in Granby, CT at the McLean Game Refuge's Westledge Cascades Trail, which is barely over a quarter mile.

Published Aug 29, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

Here at Only In Connecticut, we love a good lengthy all-day trek. We've got tons of amazing trails in the Nutmeg State, and we're firm believers that everyone should work their way up to exploring them all! There's so many options for those who want to enjoy long hikes that span 10 miles or more. With that being said, shorter hikes are important to feature, too, and they can certainly be just as fun. We realize that not everybody is capable of a multi-mile hike, and sometimes it feels good to just try something easy. If you're looking for a short easy trail in Granby, CT that still boasts some amazing views, we think you'll love the Westledge Cascades Trail in the McLean Game Refuge. Check it out:

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The McLean Game Refuge is a 4,400-acre nature preserve in Granby with 20 miles of hiking trails to enjoy. It's a great spot for birdwatching and immersing yourself in nature.

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Lisa Washko/AllTrails

There are plenty of longer trails here, but the Westledge Cascades Trail measures barely over a quarter mile and is perfect for anyone seeking a short adventure.

Hiking off-trail is strictly prohibited here, so make sure that you stay on the blazed trails at all times.

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Mark Morrell/AllTrails

You'll also want to note that dogs are only allowed on certain trails here. You can check out the full list of rules at the McLean Game Refuge website.

All kinds of critters live in this beautiful preserve, and you never know what sort of wildlife you'll spot, so keep your eyes peeled.

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Deidre Chill/AllTrails

The real gem of the Westledge Trail, though, is the adorable little waterfall along the route.

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Kelly B/AllTrails

This is such a peaceful wooded area that's got a ton of shade, so the quick trail won't even subject you to the hot sun in summertime.

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Addie Aubin/AllTrails

Next time you're looking for an easy waterfall hike near Granby, CT, the McLean Game Refuge is the perfect place.

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Erik Barboza/AllTrails

For more information about this great short trail in Granby, CT, check out our friends at AllTrails.

Are you a big fan of hiking in Connecticut, or trying to get out and explore our great state more frequently? Enjoy a free trial of AllTrails+. It's got tons of great benefits like turn-by-turn directions and wrong-turn alerts.

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Nature|Waterfalls

The Zoar Trail Is One Of The Best Waterfall Hikes In Connecticut

Published Jul 8, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

There are so many waterfalls in Connecticut that it can be tough to keep up with them all. If you've got a hankering for a great hike with a cascade or two, you won't have much difficulty finding one, no matter where you are in the state. One of our favorite hiking trails with a waterfall in Connecticut is the Zoar Trail near Monroe, CT. It's tucked away in the wild and rugged Paugussett State Forest, and at 6.3 miles in length with quite a bit of elevation gain, it's moderately challenging and might not be the best option for inexperienced or out-of-shape hikers. However, the views are definitely worth the effort, and you'll even get to enjoy a little waterfall along the route! Check it out:

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You'll start the route along the shore of Lake Zoar, right across the water from Kettletown State Park.

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Michael Verselli/AllTrails

The water views are lovely, but keep in mind that in the warm months, the shade and water will bring quite a bit of bugs. Don't forget your insect repellent!

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Raven Harden/AllTrails

The trail passes right by the lovely little Pryden Brook Falls, a lengthy waterfall featuring a plunge followed by 40 feet of cascading falls.

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Rich Infante/AllTrails

If you explore the entirety of the 6.3-mile trail, it will take about three hours.

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Daniel Okech/AllTrails

There are a few rocky scrambles when you get to the forested portion of the trail, and in all, it's considered moderately difficult.

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Daniel Okech/AllTrails

Once you get deep into the forest, it'll feel like you entered another world! This is such a pretty trail that's definitely worthy of adventure.

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Greg Johnson/AllTrails

For more information about this great waterfall trail near Monroe, CT, check out our friends at AllTrails.

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Are you a big fan of hiking in Connecticut? Consider a free trial of AllTrails+. It's got great benefits like downloadable trail maps, wrong-turn alerts, and more.

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