Top 11 Waterfall Hikes In Connecticut, USA

Travel Advisory

Trip101 recommends assessing the risks before hitting the hiking and trekking trails. Please be especially aware of the difficulty levels, the locations’ ground conditions, as well as the seasonal risks.

1. Roaring Brook Falls

Located in the southwestern part of Cheshire in New Haven County, Roaring Brook Falls is a 24-metre (79-foot) high waterfall, with water cascading over cluttered boulders of different sizes. If you are looking for an adventure, this waterfall is perfect for climbing! For those who are not, you can just hang out in the wading pool, just below the waterfall, for a relaxing swim.

Visitors will have to hike through a short and flat trail before reaching the falls. But don’t worry, because it is a short, easy hike that is suitable for the younger ones. So, why not plan a trip to the falls with your kids during the weekend? This is definitely a nature spot that both kids and adults will fall in love with!

Roaring Brook Falls

Address: Roaring Brook Falls Trail, Keene Valley, NY 12943, United States

Website: Roaring Brook Falls

2. Mount Carmel Spring Falls

The Mount Carmel Spring Falls is located in Hamden, in Sleeping Giant State Park. Besides the nature trails, visitors will find the 23-metre (75-foot) high Mount Carmel Spring Falls, with a variety of nice rock formations. Although this is a waterfall with one of the highest drops in the state of Connecticut, the volume of the water is low, so this is also a great location for the younger kids since it isn’t much of a hazard.

Sleeping Giant State Park is also filled with a nice network of trails with different levels of difficulty. It is a great spot for a weekend trip for the whole family.

Mount Carmel Spring Falls

Address: 200 Mt Carmel Ave, Hamden, CT 06518, United States

Website: Mount Carmel Spring Falls

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

3. Kent Falls

Kent Falls is situated in Kent Falls State Par, in the Litchfield region of the town of Kent. It is a series of waterfalls beginning from the town of Warren, where the slowly accumulating water flows west, before finally plunging 21-metres (69-feet) in a dramatic cascade. The stream then slowly plummets into a series of lower falls before cascading through the valley into the Housatonic River. Visitors will also find interestingly shaped limestone formations in the area.

Kent Falls

Address: 462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757, United States

Website: Kent Falls

Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)

4. Chapman Falls

Chapman Falls, located in Devil’s Hopyard State Park, Connecticut, can be accessed via a 250-metre (820-feet) long trail. This fall is well known among locals because it is believed that Satan once walked along the falls, stomping his feet onto the falls, hence leaving behind marks in the boulders over which the falls plunge. This was also the myth that gave name to Devil’s Hopyard State Park. Myths aside, this is a scenic area and you can admire the magnificent, panoramic views of the strong, descending waterfall with your own eyes.

Many visitors choose this place as an ideal picnic destination! If you are here, be sure to prepare your own picnic feast and enjoy a great meal in nature.

Chapman Falls

Address: 366 Hopyard Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423, United States

Website: Chapman Falls

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

5. Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls is situated in Black Rock State Park, in Watertown, Connecticut. It is linked to the 57-kilometre (35-mile) long Mattatuck Trail. This 18-metre (59-foot) tall, three-tiered waterfall can be found in the 8-kilometre (5-mile) long Buttermilk Falls Section, right inside the pine forest. Visitors will also pass by a scenic large pond and some caves along the trail. Be careful though, because it can be wet and slippery, especially after a rain.

Buttermilk Falls

Address: 2065 Thomaston Rd, Watertown, CT 06795, United States

Website: Buttermilk Falls

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

6. Wadsworth Little Falls

Wadsworth Little Falls is a relatively small, 12-metre (39-foot) high waterfall, located in Wadsworth Falls State Park, in Middletown, Connecticut. The amazing views of the waterfall can be accessed by an array of different trails within the park. Although the fall isn’t as strong compared to its nearby neighbour, the Wadsworth Big Falls, swimming is still prohibited, since the cascading waters can still be pretty strong after a heavy rain.

Wadsworth Falls State Park is a stunning place for various recreational activities. There are designated swimming and picnic sites specially curated for visitors. So while you are here, you might want to consider these activities!

Wadsworth Little Falls

Address: 721 Wadsworth St, Middletown, CT 06457, United States

Website: Wadsworth Little Falls

Opening hours: 8am - sunset (daily)

7. Burr Falls

Burr Falls is situated in the eastern part of Burr Mountain State Park, in the town of Torrington, Connecticut. This is a 13.7-metre (45-foot) high stepped waterfall. The surrounding rocks are mostly covered with moss and it is very slippery, so it is definitely a tough go if you want to get to the lower points of the fall. However, if you want to take a look at this magnificent fall without difficulty, it can be visibly seen from Burr Mountain Rd.

Burr Falls

Address: Burr Mountain Rd, Torrington, CT 06790, United States

Website: Burr Falls

Opening hours: 8am - Sunset (daily)

8. Yantic Falls

Yantic Falls, situated in the town of Norwich, Connecticut, has a long heritage that dates way back to the 1640s. The spot used to be a camping ground for the Mohegan tribes. The fall has a 12-metre (39-foot) rocky ledge that allows a large volume of water to cascade into a dam right below.

In order to get access to these legendary falls, visitors will have to first walk through a scenic 500-metre (1,640.4-foot) walking trail. But, it is an easy route, suitable for all visitors. The marvellous view of the falls can also be seen from a pedestrian bridge located on the other side of the falls.

Yantic Falls

Address: Norwich, CT 06360, USA

9. Aspetuck Falls

Beautiful Aspetuck Falls, located in New Preston, in the town of Washington, Connecticut, looks like it came right out of a fairytale. The 6-metre (20-foot) high falls are situated right in the middle of the small hamlet of New Preston. The falls aren’t fully natural. They are partly man-made, due to the construction of a dam. After you are done with marvelling at the gorgeous views of the falls, you can take a walk in the charming village. There are several boutique and antique stores if you are interested in some retail therapy!

Aspetuck Falls

Address: Fairfield, CT 06824, USA

10. Wadsworth Big Falls

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Wadsworth Big Falls is located in the town of Middlefield, Connecticut, in Wadsworth Falls State Park. It is also the neighbour of the Wadsworth Little Falls we mentioned earlier. This block type waterfall comes without a dam and contains the highest volume of water, compared to the other waterfalls in the area. So, you can imagine the magnificent view that comes along with it. It is no wonder why this waterfall is such a popular choice among locals and tourists in the area.

Wadsworth Big Falls

Address: 721 Wadsworth St, Middletown, CT 06457, United States

Website: Wadsworth Big Falls

Opening hours: 8am - sunset (daily)

Waterfalls are truly the hidden gems of Connecticut

Whether you are an outdoors person or not, we are sure that these beautiful waterfalls will not fail to amaze you! Some of them are easy to get to and accessible via easy, flat hiking trails. These waterfalls are a great way to unwind and relax in nature. So, if you are feeling tired from the usual hustle and bustle of life, going for a relaxing adventure in the outdoors is definitely something you should try!