Connecticut is full of waterfalls, but if you know where to look you can find so true hidden gems... without the crowds! View our map on the main page for exact locations!
West Field Falls
Probably the best known falls on this list, this double water fall is located just off the highway.
Less then a one minute hike from the pull off, this fall is especially impressive in the spring or after rain.
The second fall is a much longer drop then the first but will require some careful stepping over slick rocks. If the water level is high enough it may not be possible to get to at all.
2. Ship Yard Road Falls
Located just off a little side road, named shipyard road, is this lovely water fall. The property in the area is all private but there is an old single car bridge located directly in front of the falls where you can stop for a photo.
This is one of the most photogenic falls in the state. Falling through a black rock gorge, under a bridge and with a little house in the background, how can you not love the look of this place?
Note that this was taken with a 300mm lens so the falls are not located super close and a phone camera will likely disappoint.
3. Tartia Engel Falls
This wonderful waterfall is only a short ten minute drive away from shipyard falls. It is again located on private property but the owners have long allowed respectful people to take photos and wander the immediate area... according to the internet! Hopefully it's true!
The main falls are viewable from the road and there's a small pull over. The upper falls require you to climb the small hill to see and are located only 50 feet up stream.
This is a premiere waterfall that should be on everyone's list.
4. Day Pond State Park Falls
Continuing west you'll have to pass the Salmon River to get to Day Pond State Park. This is the home of the Commstock Bridge, one of the few original covered bridges located in Connecticut. If you like this sort of thing, and there are only three in CT, then you really have to make the stop here!
It is possible to hike directly from the bridge all the way to the falls as both parks connect. We were in a rush though at this point with rain coming so we continued on to the Day pond parking lot. The "Hike" is about a mile long "Gravel" road. Just don't miss the Blue/Red Spur trail.
At this point you'll find the falls as they drop over a series of maybe 5 major spots. Take your time exploring as this is one of the large series of falls in the entire state. This may dry up in the summer though, you've been warned!
5. Sperry Falls
A true hidden gem, Sperry Falls is hidden in it's own State Park that is very lightly trafficked. The mostly underdeveloped road gives way to a small parking lot that is easy to miss. Follow the trail for about 2 minutes to find yourself in front a beautiful pool with a small split waterfall.
Please don't try to swim, this is part of a reservoir system and it's enforced.
6. Winter Green Falls
More of a huge cascade then a water fall proper, this is another great stop located next to a parking lot. Just park outside the Nature center across the street from West Rock State Parks entrance.
Unless you want to take a big risk, there isn't a good way to view this cascade head on. it's still impressively large!
7. Sleeping Giant Cascade
This is a large cascade located on the Red Circle trail in Sleeping Giant State Park. Please note that this is seasonal and dries up most summers. Park on the north side of the park along Tuttle avenue, this trail has probably the largest pull over for 8 cars and can't be missed. Make sure to follow the red circle trail and not accidentally follow the horse trail over the river, stay along the ridge instead.
This three drop cascade plummets into a very deep gorge, there is no safe way to descend this gorge, please don't try. Please view my video to see the gorge.
8. Stair Brook Falls
located in the James Valley Preserve in Northford CT, this is huge series of mini falls. The hike is less then a mile and worth the bushwhacking required to view these falls.
When you get to the stream, proceed left up the spur trail, cross the stream and then bushwhack up the cliffs as high as you are comfortable.
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