If your family plans on getting outdoors in this beautiful weather, a waterfall is a great place to go. In fact, Connecticut is lucky to have many stunning waterfalls! Most of them are very accessible, with just a short to medium walk (or a straightforward hike) that most kids can handle. 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. If you like to start a little easier or have little kids in tow, check out our list of stroller hikes.
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Nestled in the woods of Connecticut, these waterfalls offer a magical encounter with nature. Black Ledge Falls photo courtesy of New England Waterfalls
Waterfalls in the Hartford Area
1. Enders Falls - Granby
A very popular family waterfall to visit with a short, manageable trail for kids. There are five different falls to check out and the trail is well-maintained. This is a very popular falls for taking photos. Swimming is not allowed.
2. Carpenter's Falls - Granby
Located at the McLean Game Refuge, there's a lot to see at this location. The falls are pretty 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. Falls are best viewed early in the season.
3. Black Ledge Falls - Glastonbury
Beautifully, heavily wooded area with 20 to 25-foot plunges of water. Black Ledge Falls has a short trail, easy for kids. The falls are right next to each other and vary according to rainfall. The map is so easy to follow!
Waterfalls in the Litchfield Area
4. Kent Falls - Kent
At Kent Falls you can hike, fish, picnic, and make use of the fire-pits. The Kent Falls trail goes a quarter-mile along the falls. There are 250 feet of waterfalls, with several cascades and pools. Weekends during warm weather can be very crowded.
5. Great Falls - Canaan/Falls Village
This high-volume waterfall will astound you and your kids. It has an easy trail (but a lot of water), and it's a great place 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.
Cool off this summer with a trip to Connecticut waterfalls. Buttermilk Falls photo by Kelly Verdeck via Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
6. 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."
7. Campbell Falls - Norfolk
Campbell Falls is a natural reserve area and is open at 8am. Following the map, the hike is well marked and managed. The 50-foot fall is flows through a tight gorge and allows fishing.
Waterfalls in Eastern Connecticut
8. Devil's Hopyard - East Haddam
Devil's Hopyard has a lovely, explorable waterfall. Families can picnic, hike, fish, and bird watch. There are many trails, but the blue loop brings you to the waterfall.
Great pictures await with a day trip to one of Connecticut's waterfalls! Photo courtesy of Mommy Poppins
Waterfalls in Central and Southern Connecticut
9. Roaring Brook Falls - Cheshire
Connecticut's single tallest drop waterfall, Roaring Brook Falls is managed by Cheshire Parks and Recreation; this is an open park area. A hike is required to get to the falls, but it's relatively straightforward, and (thanks to the Boy Scouts) the map is easily marked out in the entrance. Follow the red trail.
10. Wadsworth Falls - Middlefield
This is a very popular falls site for Connecticut families. The fall's source is the Coginchaug River, and there's an easy trail to follow. This is a great place for kids to explore. Leashed dogs are allowed, and there are designated swimming and picnicking areas.
11. 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 easy trail is a 10 minute loop. Families can check out the stone wall remains of a papermill once located on the site.
12. Indian Wells Falls (State Park) - Shelton
This state park boasts a beach and boating. You will enjoy their Indian Well Brook cascading waterfall. The map is well marked, and the trail runs aside the Housantonic River.