When you think of states rich in waterfalls, it’s possible that Connecticut isn’t the first place to come to mind. Although it’s got plenty of history and shoreline, folks who aren’t from The Constitution State might not know how many gorgeous cascades it has to offer.
But, newsflash: it does! Here we’ve gathered just 10 of the many striking and powerful waterfalls in Connecticut, along with any details you may need about hiking to them.
Top 10 Waterfalls in Connecticut
1. Dean’s Ravine Falls
2. Kent Falls
3. Buttermilk Falls
4. Westfield Falls
5. Southford Falls
6. Indian Well
7. Black Ledge Falls
8. Seven Falls
9. Chapman Falls
10. Yantic Falls
Visiting Waterfalls in Connecticut
Without further ado, here are 10 Connecticut waterfalls you absolutely have to see to believe.
1. Dean’s Ravine Falls
Running along the Reed Brook, which itself diverges from the long and powerful Housatonic River, Dean’s Ravine Falls stands about 50 feet tall and consists of a gradual cascade down along a tiered rock face. The smooth motion of the water is as soothing as it is stunning, and the lush surrounding vegetation make this waterfall an ideal place to get away from it all and feel like you’ve truly ventured off the beaten path. The hike to the waterfall is fairly short and easy, with a total length of about half a mile and a total elevation change of about 100 feet. Do be aware that you’ll be doing most of the upward climbing at the end of the hike, though, and be sure to watch your footing on the rocky, slick ground!
Things to do near Dean’s Ravine Falls: Located deep in the woods outside of Canaan, Dean’s Ravine Falls is pretty far away from the state’s urban to-dos — which might be just the thing you’re looking for, if you’re keen to visit. It’s also only about an hour and a quarter outside of Hartford, which has plenty to offer, including some great RVshare rentals and campgrounds.
2. Kent Falls
Tucked away along the Housatonic River in the eponymous Kent Falls State Park, Kent Falls stands an impressive 250 feet high (that’s near 100 feet taller than Niagara!) and is surrounded by a variety of hiking trails that offer views of both the falls and the sweeping surrounding countryside — with grades and lengths suited to many different skill and ability levels. This area is also well-known for its trout fishing opportunities, though even if you just pack a good ol’ PB&J, you couldn’t find a better picnic spot with a view!
Things to do near Kent Falls: There are a number of great campgrounds in the area, both for primitive campers and RVers, and the renowned Appalachian Trail runs very close to the park, too — right along the Housatonic. Wyantenock State Forest is also right nearby; here are some area RVshare rentals with which to explore it all.
3. Buttermilk Falls
Aptly named, the smooth contours of this gorgeous waterfall does indeed call to mind buttermilk being poured languidly from the container — perhaps into a bowl to make some delicious, fresh pancakes? Regardless of where your imagination may wander, it’ll have plenty of room to roam when you sit in front of this scenic waterfall, which is conveniently located just outside of Allentown, a suburb of Hartford. Better still, the trail to these falls is a friendly 0.6-mile out-and-back venture, seeing only about 100 feet of elevation change. In other words, you might sweat a little bit, but you probably won’t be totally exhausted by the time you’re done!
Things to do near Buttermilk Falls: Whether you’re in the mood for some urban adventures or looking for more outdoorsy to-dos, there are plenty of options near Buttermilk Falls. Head east to Hartford (and other surrounding communities, like Bristol), or head west to the Mattatuck State Forest. Either way, an RVshare vehicle will get you there comfortably.
4. Westfield Falls
South of Hartford, along the aptly named Fall Brook, Westfield Falls is unique in its proximity to developed, urban areas — it’s literally across the street from a golf course. Although not the largest waterfall in the state, this double set of cascades, which plummets about 18 feet to the water below, is still a gorgeous place to sit and reflect — and, given that it’s only about 50 feet from the parking area, it’s accessible to a wide range of visitors.
Things to do near Westfield Falls: While there’s not much room to roam in the immediate area of the waterfall, nearby Cucia Park offers some more space to stretch out with a walk or a bike ride. The nearby city of Middletown has everything you might need as far as vacation resources, including some lovely parks and scenery along the Connecticut River. Here are some local RVshare rentals to consider for the journey!
5. Southford Falls
Another falls that has its very own State Park named after it, Southford Falls actually consists of a number of different drops and rapids areas along the turbulent and beautiful Eight Mile Brook. Historically, these powerful waters were harnessed to power local gristmills, sawmills, and the shops of tradesmen like iron workers, knife makers, and button makers. Today, the park is a popular place to bring the family for a day of meandering along relatively easy trails, and many people come here to fish, as well. Even if you’re just taking in the views, you won’t be disappointed.
Things to do near Southford Falls: Located about fifteen minutes southwest of the city of Waterbury, Southford Falls is easily accessible to many people living in and visiting Connecticut, while also being far enough afield to feel like a getaway. If you’re looking for some more developed thrilling family fun, Quassy Amusement & Waterpark is just up the road. Here are some local RVshare rentals that make it easy to see and do it all!
6. Indian Well
Further south along the Housatonic River, there are still beautiful waterfalls to behold — and Indian Well State Park is a well-known place to behold them. The park is named after Indian Well Falls, a classic vertical plunge type of waterfall that cascades 15 feet through the scenic rocks to the pool below, all surrounded with gorgeous Connecticut greenery. The park offers a leisurely walking trail, restrooms, and plenty of wide-open spaces to sit back and enjoy the many marvelous views.
Things to do near Indian Well: Right across the river from the urban complex of Ansonia and Derby, Indian Well is within easy reach of a variety of other attractions, including Osbornedale State Park, Kettletown State Park and the Paugussett State Forest. It’s also only half an hour from New Haven, which has plenty of excellent RVshare rentals and campgrounds to offer.
7. Black Ledge Falls
Back up in the center of the state, in the woods that lie southeast of Hartford, Black Ledge Falls awaits, tumbling some 25 feet into the waters below at its tallest. (There are actually several falls that make up this awesome sight, some of which are closer to 22 feet high.) The falls are accessible by a short and easy loop hike out of nearby Gay City State park that travels just over a mile and sees about 200 feet in elevation gain — enough to make your calves burn a little, but still friendly enough for brave kids and most adults in decent shape. Do keep in mind that it gets a lot hairier once the snow falls, so this trail is best used between April and November — and while dogs are allowed, they must be kept on-leash at all times!
Things to do near Black Ledge Falls: Gay City State Park offers plenty of hiking, as well as biking and swimming opportunities, not to mention neat historic mill-town ruins. Best of all, it’s all only 20 minutes from Hartford — which, again, has some great RVshare rentals and campgrounds to choose from!
8. Seven Falls
As its name suggests, Seven Falls Park is actually home to not one but seven awesome cascades, which are accessible via the relatively short and friendly Seven Falls Loop trail. Running just over two miles all told and seeing about 300 feet in elevation gain, this loop is a great place to stretch your legs and get some exercise, but it’s still easy-to-moderate, and doable by most adults in decent shape. The multiple waterfalls create great places to stop, grab a seat, sit back, and enjoy the area’s scenery — and are also great places to snack on your packed lunch. Along with the cascades themselves, the uniquely carved rock formations surrounding them are also worth a close and careful look.
Things to do near Seven Falls: Located just southeast of Middletown in the expanse of gorgeous untouched wilderness that stretches from Hartford to Old Saybrook on the cost, Seven Falls is surrounded by other natural preserves worth visiting, such as Hurd State Park, George Dudley Seymour State Park, and Higganum Reservoir State Park, just to name a few. Hiking, biking, and other outdoorsy pursuits abound; these local RVshare rentals make it easy to see it all in comfort and style.
9. Chapman Falls
Perhaps the capstone experience of Devil’s Hopyard State Park, Chapman Falls is a well-known Connecticut waterfall that plunges some 60 feet into the tumultuous waters below, churning them up with its power. And along with the gorgeous natural scenery, this place has some fascinating historical and spiritual lore to make it even more exciting: according to a Puritan legend, the devil himself was once walking along Eightmile River, perhaps reflecting on his choices. Unfortunately, he was so deep in his revery that is tail got wet, which infuriated him — so he dashed up the falls and, as an angry child is wont to do, stomped his feet into the stones they fall from. That’s where this state park gets its creative name, which is also an alternative name for the falls themselves. The hike to see them for yourself is fairly short and easy: you’ll travel only about half a mile and see about 50 feet of elevation change along the way, although it’s always wise to watch your footing where waterfalls spray the surrounding landscape!
Things to do near Chapman Falls: Located deep in the woods of south-central Connecticut, Chapman Falls is located about 40 minutes from Hartford and 25 from Old Saybrook. There are plenty of other natural areas and attractions in its direct vicinity, though, such as the Nehantic State Forest, the Babcock Pond Wildlife Management Area, and Gillette Castle State Park. Here are some local RVshare rentals to consider for your stay!
10. Yantic Falls
Partially created by a man-made dam and partially natural, Yantic Falls is a completely unique sight to behold — so it’s no surprise the town of Norwich has created plenty of green spaces surrounding them to make them easy to see and explore. Dropping a total of about 40 feet, these falls were a well-loved camping spot for the Mohegan Indians in the 1640s, legend has it — and the nearby Uncas’ Leap is named after a Mohegan warrior, who, when facing a rival band of Narragansetts, was so terrifying, many of the men chose to jump into the river below to their deaths rather than surrender to him.
Things to do near Yantic Falls: The town of Norwich is chock full of cute shops, restaurants, and also a larger green space worth exploring and stretching your legs in — Mohegan Park. It’s also not far at all from the gorgeous Connecticut coast and all the historical sights to see at New London. Here are some local RVshare rentals to consider for your stay!
Planning an RV Trip to Connecticut
While the waterfalls are (surprisingly!) plentiful in Connecticut, they’re far from the only reason to plan a trip to this gorgeous state — and one of the very best ways to see the countryside is in your very own rental RV.
Along with the best peer-to-peer rigs in the game, we’ve also got guides to the best campgrounds and state parks in Connecticut, along with its major metropolitan areas.
We’re standing by to help with any questions you might have along the way, and we can’t wait to hear all about your journey. So now it’s up to you — get out there!
