Connecticut may be a small state but we are brimming over with natural beauty, especially waterfalls … if you know where to look. Luckily, you don’t have to search very long or hard to encounter some of our most spectacular natural wonders. These short waterfall hikes will lead you straight to tranquil pockets of beauty. The best part? These aren’t all-day excursions. Each hike can be completed in less than an hour. Take a look at the best hikes in Connecticut that you can take in under an hour.
- Wadsworth Big Falls, Middletown
Flickr/Alec Located in the central portion of the state, it takes barely any effort to stroll the 0.1-mile trail to the base. Enjoy the majestic sight of the 52-foot wide Coginchaug River as it pours over a rocky shelf and tumbles 30 feet into a sparkling pool below. Find Wadsworth Falls at 721 Wadsworth St., Middletown, CT. To access the parking lot nearest the Big Falls, continue down the road and turn onto Cherry Street. Read more about Wadsworth Big Falls in our featured article! 721 Wadsworth St, Middletown, CT 06457, USA
- Indian Well Falls, Shelton
Google Images/Catherine Roldan This unique waterfall is found at Indian Well State Park. A 5-minute walk takes you through the woods to this little oasis. The 15-foot waterfall drops off the cliff edge and into a gorgeous pool. The rock formations are just as wonderful as the falls themselves, making you feel as though you’ve landed someplace other than Connecticut. Find the park and the falls at 1 Indian Well Rd., Shelton, CT 06484. The journey to Indian Well Falls is definitely one of the best hikes in Connecticut. 1 Indian Well Rd, Shelton, CT 06484, USA
- Blackledge Falls, Glastonbury
Flickr/Steven Isaacson As you take an easy and flat 15-minute journey through the woods, you’ll stop in your tracks as you catch the first glimpse of Blackledge Falls. When the water is at full flow, three separate streams make the straight 25-foot drop. Viewing these plunges is worth every single minute spent on the trail. Find the trailhead on Hebron Ave., Glastonbury, CT 06033. Come see why this is one of the best underrated hikes in Connecticut. Hebron Avenue, Hebron Ave, Glastonbury, CT 06033, USA
- Chapman Falls, East Haddam
Flickr/Don Rogers Chapman Falls is a popular destination within Devil’s Hopyard State Park. Hop out of your vehicle in the parking lot and you can already hear the sound of tumbling water. A short walk will take you to the picturesque falls where water cascades from one rock ledge to another for a total drop of 60 feet. View the wonder from a platform above or walk to the base for a different view. Find Devil’s Hopyard State Park at 366 Hopyard Rd., East Haddam, CT 06423. For more information, read our full article about Devil’s Hopyard State Park. Devil’s Hopyard State Park, 366 Hopyard Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA
- Falls Brook Falls, Hartland
AllTrails/Emily Elmer This is one of the longer hikes featured here but at just 1.2 miles round trip, you’ll want to take the extra time. Located in the Tunxis State Forest, you’ll enjoy a woodland walk before reaching the waterfall. The upper falls drop 20 feet while the lower falls cascade down 30 feet. No matter what the season, this waterfall is an enchanting vision for all. Find the trailhead off Route 20 in Hartland. Connecticut 20, CT-20, Hartland, CT, USA
- Enders Falls, Granby
Flickr/Rick Schwartz At Enders State Forest, you get to chase five waterfalls with one 3/4-mile hike. This quintuple natural wonder is a photographer’s dream with each waterfall seemingly more stunning than the next. Be aware that construction is being completed at this waterfall, which may limit your ability to see this natural wonder. 219 W Granby Rd, Granby, CT 06035, USA
- Great Falls of the Housatonic, Canaan
Connecticut Office of Tourism Known as the Niagara Falls of Connecticut, Great Falls of the Housatonic is a wide and impressive waterfall. During the spring thaw, after a rainstorm, or during a dam release, the water roars over its 50-foot drop. The falls are just a short, less than five-minute walk from the parking area on Dublin Road in Canaan. Dublin Road, Dublin Rd, Canaan, CT 06031, USA
- Nonnewaug Falls, Bethlehem
Google Images/Ken Rodriguez Just over a 1/4-mile hike takes you to this little hidden gem. It’s not one of the state’s most popular falls but definitely worth your attention. The 18-foot drop begins as a horsetail and ends as a plunge at this marvelous waterfall. Use the address 100 Falls Rd., Bethlehem in your GPS to find the trailhead. Everyone should visit Nonnewaug Falls at least once! Falls Road, Falls Rd, Bethlehem, CT 06751, USA
- Kent Falls, Kent
Flickr/tivolatman One of the best hikes in Connecticut happens to be especially easy. A short walk from the Kent Falls State Park parking lot will take you to the base of one of the state’s most awe-inspiring waterfalls. With a 250-foot drop, the water is pure magic as it streams down the rock face. Bring a picnic and enjoy a meal with a view at this wonderful park. 462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757, USA
- Yantic Falls, Norwich
TripAdvisor/MeganZopf A combination of a dam and natural waterfall, Yantic Falls is scenery for all to enjoy. A 0.1-mile walk takes you right to the sight of this 40-foot wonder. A series of plunges and cascades will delight all viewers. 210 Yantic St, Norwich, CT 06360, USA
Which of these short waterfall hikes have you taken? Which ones are going on your to-do list? For another trail with a big view, check out this completely accessible reservoir trail.
Flickr/Alec
Located in the central portion of the state, it takes barely any effort to stroll the 0.1-mile trail to the base. Enjoy the majestic sight of the 52-foot wide Coginchaug River as it pours over a rocky shelf and tumbles 30 feet into a sparkling pool below. Find Wadsworth Falls at 721 Wadsworth St., Middletown, CT. To access the parking lot nearest the Big Falls, continue down the road and turn onto Cherry Street. Read more about Wadsworth Big Falls in our featured article!
721 Wadsworth St, Middletown, CT 06457, USA
Google Images/Catherine Roldan
This unique waterfall is found at Indian Well State Park. A 5-minute walk takes you through the woods to this little oasis. The 15-foot waterfall drops off the cliff edge and into a gorgeous pool. The rock formations are just as wonderful as the falls themselves, making you feel as though you’ve landed someplace other than Connecticut. Find the park and the falls at 1 Indian Well Rd., Shelton, CT 06484. The journey to Indian Well Falls is definitely one of the best hikes in Connecticut.
1 Indian Well Rd, Shelton, CT 06484, USA
Flickr/Steven Isaacson
As you take an easy and flat 15-minute journey through the woods, you’ll stop in your tracks as you catch the first glimpse of Blackledge Falls. When the water is at full flow, three separate streams make the straight 25-foot drop. Viewing these plunges is worth every single minute spent on the trail. Find the trailhead on Hebron Ave., Glastonbury, CT 06033. Come see why this is one of the best underrated hikes in Connecticut.
Hebron Avenue, Hebron Ave, Glastonbury, CT 06033, USA
Flickr/Don Rogers
Chapman Falls is a popular destination within Devil’s Hopyard State Park. Hop out of your vehicle in the parking lot and you can already hear the sound of tumbling water. A short walk will take you to the picturesque falls where water cascades from one rock ledge to another for a total drop of 60 feet. View the wonder from a platform above or walk to the base for a different view. Find Devil’s Hopyard State Park at 366 Hopyard Rd., East Haddam, CT 06423. For more information, read our full article about Devil’s Hopyard State Park.
Devil’s Hopyard State Park, 366 Hopyard Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA
AllTrails/Emily Elmer
This is one of the longer hikes featured here but at just 1.2 miles round trip, you’ll want to take the extra time. Located in the Tunxis State Forest, you’ll enjoy a woodland walk before reaching the waterfall. The upper falls drop 20 feet while the lower falls cascade down 30 feet. No matter what the season, this waterfall is an enchanting vision for all. Find the trailhead off Route 20 in Hartland.
Connecticut 20, CT-20, Hartland, CT, USA
Flickr/Rick Schwartz
At Enders State Forest, you get to chase five waterfalls with one 3/4-mile hike. This quintuple natural wonder is a photographer’s dream with each waterfall seemingly more stunning than the next. Be aware that construction is being completed at this waterfall, which may limit your ability to see this natural wonder.
219 W Granby Rd, Granby, CT 06035, USA
Connecticut Office of Tourism
Known as the Niagara Falls of Connecticut, Great Falls of the Housatonic is a wide and impressive waterfall. During the spring thaw, after a rainstorm, or during a dam release, the water roars over its 50-foot drop. The falls are just a short, less than five-minute walk from the parking area on Dublin Road in Canaan.
Dublin Road, Dublin Rd, Canaan, CT 06031, USA
Google Images/Ken Rodriguez
Just over a 1/4-mile hike takes you to this little hidden gem. It’s not one of the state’s most popular falls but definitely worth your attention. The 18-foot drop begins as a horsetail and ends as a plunge at this marvelous waterfall. Use the address 100 Falls Rd., Bethlehem in your GPS to find the trailhead. Everyone should visit Nonnewaug Falls at least once!
Falls Road, Falls Rd, Bethlehem, CT 06751, USA
Flickr/tivolatman
One of the best hikes in Connecticut happens to be especially easy. A short walk from the Kent Falls State Park parking lot will take you to the base of one of the state’s most awe-inspiring waterfalls. With a 250-foot drop, the water is pure magic as it streams down the rock face. Bring a picnic and enjoy a meal with a view at this wonderful park.
462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757, USA
TripAdvisor/MeganZopf
A combination of a dam and natural waterfall, Yantic Falls is scenery for all to enjoy. A 0.1-mile walk takes you right to the sight of this 40-foot wonder. A series of plunges and cascades will delight all viewers.
210 Yantic St, Norwich, CT 06360, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Connecticut March 09, 2022 Elisa Regulski What are the best waterfall hikes in Connecticut? As you can see, there are so many amazing and easy hikes in Connecticut – and the best of them lead to wonderful waterfalls! One of our favorite waterfall hikes is definitely Kent Falls. A quick stroll will lead you to one of our state’s most breathtaking natural wonders. For more fun, visit Enders Falls in Granby. These picturesque sights will make you fall in love with Connecticut all over again. And you can’t forget about Yantic Falls – this lovely destination belongs on everyone’s bucket list. What are the best beaches in Connecticut? If you’re in need of a relaxing beach day, visit Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison. And as Connecticut’s longest beach, there’s plenty of fun to be had. You’ll love meandering through the winding paths and soaking up the sights. Silver Sands State Park, located in Milford, is another must-visit area. Walk along the boardwalk and smell the fresh air. This place will make you feel completely rejuvenated. You also can’t forget about Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme. This park is home to one of the best scenic hikes in Connecticut! For more travel ideas, check out our list of the best beach hikes in Connecticut. You’re certain to have a blast at any of these awesome places.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Connecticut
March 09, 2022
Elisa Regulski
What are the best waterfall hikes in Connecticut? As you can see, there are so many amazing and easy hikes in Connecticut – and the best of them lead to wonderful waterfalls! One of our favorite waterfall hikes is definitely Kent Falls. A quick stroll will lead you to one of our state’s most breathtaking natural wonders. For more fun, visit Enders Falls in Granby. These picturesque sights will make you fall in love with Connecticut all over again. And you can’t forget about Yantic Falls – this lovely destination belongs on everyone’s bucket list. What are the best beaches in Connecticut? If you’re in need of a relaxing beach day, visit Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison. And as Connecticut’s longest beach, there’s plenty of fun to be had. You’ll love meandering through the winding paths and soaking up the sights. Silver Sands State Park, located in Milford, is another must-visit area. Walk along the boardwalk and smell the fresh air. This place will make you feel completely rejuvenated. You also can’t forget about Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme. This park is home to one of the best scenic hikes in Connecticut! For more travel ideas, check out our list of the best beach hikes in Connecticut. You’re certain to have a blast at any of these awesome places.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
As you can see, there are so many amazing and easy hikes in Connecticut – and the best of them lead to wonderful waterfalls! One of our favorite waterfall hikes is definitely Kent Falls. A quick stroll will lead you to one of our state’s most breathtaking natural wonders. For more fun, visit Enders Falls in Granby. These picturesque sights will make you fall in love with Connecticut all over again. And you can’t forget about Yantic Falls – this lovely destination belongs on everyone’s bucket list.
What are the best beaches in Connecticut?
If you’re in need of a relaxing beach day, visit Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison. And as Connecticut’s longest beach, there’s plenty of fun to be had. You’ll love meandering through the winding paths and soaking up the sights. Silver Sands State Park, located in Milford, is another must-visit area. Walk along the boardwalk and smell the fresh air. This place will make you feel completely rejuvenated. You also can’t forget about Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme. This park is home to one of the best scenic hikes in Connecticut! For more travel ideas, check out our list of the best beach hikes in Connecticut. You’re certain to have a blast at any of these awesome places.
