Guide to the Most Impressive Waterfalls in Connecticut

Connecticut is home to a wide variety of impressive natural wonders. Besides the endless amount of lush green forests and hiking trails to explore, it is also home to many visit-worthy waterfalls. Many of these falls are also near amazing swimming and/or picnicking spots for summertime fun with the entire family. 

Here is our list of the best waterfalls in Connecticut, many of which are located just a short drive from our Connecticut Delamar locations.

Kent Falls State Park waterfall in autumn

Kent Falls, Kent

Rte. 7 Kent, CT 06757

Located in the scenic Litchfield Hills, Kent Falls is one of the most visited waterfalls in Connecticut. Its stair-like gradual drop stretches over a quarter-mile. Visitors can walk up the trail along the right side of the falls, enjoy the scenic views and take Instagram-worthy pictures from its three observation decks. If you stand close enough, you can feel the mist on your face as water rushes 250 feet down into a reflecting pool that joins with the Housatonic River.

The Kent Falls State Park is also home to several hiking trails and picnic areas for hikers and nature lovers alike. 

Wadsworth Big and Little Falls, Middletown

721 Wadsworth St. Middletown, CT 06457

Located in the Wadsworth Falls State Park, these two spectacular waterfalls are located near fishing, picnicking, and hiking spots. Wadsworth Big Falls has the highest volume of any undammed waterfall in all of New England. While swimming and picnicking are prohibited here, visitors can hike a half-mile to the Little Fall, which has a natural swimming pool and beach.

The state park is also home to numerous picnicking grounds with tables and grills. Visitors can also go fishing in the Coginchaug River that runs the length of the park and enjoy over five miles of trails. 

Chapman Falls, East Haddam

366 Hopyard Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423

Chapman Falls, which is located in Devil’s Hopyard State Park, has a stunning 60 feet fall. Centuries of water flowing over these falls have created circular holes cut into the rocks. According to legend, Satan himself (hence the park name!) used to walk along the falls. One day, his tail got wet and in anger, he marched his hooves over the falls and left these unique circles on the rocks.

The 0.4-mile dog-friendly trail that takes you to the falls is perfect for hiking, walking, and other nature trips. 

Yantic Falls, Norwich

196-200 Yantic Street Norwich, CT 06360

Yantic Falls is a part dam and part natural waterfall with a plunge of about 40 feet below the dam. Above the falls, a pedestrian bridge and a railroad bridge let visitors take in the amazing views of the falls and the surrounding forests and greenery. The Heritage Trail, a 2.8-mile roundtrip trail along the Yantic River, connects historic downtown Norwich, CT to Yantic Falls.

The falls are also sometimes called Norwich Falls and Indian Leap Falls. According to legend, Yantic Falls was a battleground for a war between the Mohegan Indians and the Narragansetts. Rather than surrender and be killed by the Mohegans, a group of Narragansetts chose to leap into falls and supposedly met their death. 

Mount Carmel Spring Falls, Hamden

200 Mount Carmel Ave. Hamden, CT 06518

This fall stands at 76 feet but is best to visit during the rainy spring season when the water is at its fullest. The fall is located within Sleeping Giant State Park. Two miles of mountaintop resembling a sleeping giant give this park its name. The park is home to numerous hiking and nature trails, picnicking areas, and a lookout tower with panoramic views of the Long Island Sound and the New Haven area. 

Dead wood washed in Enders Falls

Enders Falls, Granby

Rte. 219, Granby, CT 06035

Located in Enders State Forest, Enders Falls consists of five separate but equally gorgeous waterfalls. A trail through the scenic, lush-green forest leads visitors to the first fall, which has a six-foot-tall plunge. As you continue on the trail, the last fall has two drops that plunge 15 feet to a pool below. 

Enders Falls is popular with swimmers during the summer months. But be careful — several injuries have been reported by visitors taking a dip in the pools. 

Dean’s Ravine Falls, Canaan

Falls Village, CT 06031

Dean’s Ravine Falls was once a must-see spot along the 2,180-mile-long Appalachian Trail until it was rerouted in the early 1980s. Today, visitors can still access the fall through the Mohawk Trail that takes you 23 miles west from the Appalachian Trail. The waterfall consists of an amazing 50-foot drop over large boulders. If you’re standing at the bottom, you will see the water as it pours out from a gap in the cliff above.

Explore the Natural Wonders of Connecticut

The relaxing rush of water over the edge of these scenic falls throughout Connecticut is echoed in the relaxation you will feel when visiting one of our Delamar hotels or spas, with three distinct locations in Greenwich, Southport, and West Hartford. We invite you to explore and venture out into the natural wonders our state has to offer, while enjoying the utmost level of excellence and luxury in hospitality. When you choose to stay at Delamar, you can unwind, relax and rejuvenate with our great amenities and attention to detail at every turn. Book your stay with us today and enjoy Connecticut in all its natural glory.