Orchard Glen is a small town owned park in Wallingford Connecticut that is tucked away behind an industrial park. We've been visiting a lot of non-state parks and this is certainly a hidden gem! Watch our video and read about the full trip below:
There are two important things to note about this park immediately: For one, the highway runs nearby so the noise of cars is painfully audible for much of the hike. Second, the All-Trails map didn't line up with the "falling waters" side trail at the first half of the hike. The entirety of the trail system is well marked with signs and it forms a figure eight but there are several unmarked side trails.
You begin in a small picnic area and quickly head down hill before crossing a small stream into the park proper. The first section of the park includes the falling waters side trail. This little trail criss-crosses the stream several times over bridges. While there isn't much notable on the main path, there is currently a teepee style shelter that you can view in our video. When you get to the midway point you'll come out into a large field under some electric lines. There is another map/sign post and several benches to rest on.
The second half of the park had some notable damage, with lots of downed trees scattered throughout. A recent wind storm smashed many of the local parks but the state parks definitely receive more immediate attention. You'll again slowly descend into a small ravine where you'll find an old concrete and stone bridge. The stream runs under this and looks like it may have been a part of an old mill or something. Luckily for us the dog didn't notice the little garter snake on the path and we stopped to take a few photos before it scurried off.
Shortly after ascending a hill you'll notice a sign in a tree that will direct you to the waterfall. There is a very steep set of stairs and you will have to crawl under another downed tree to reach the falls. We also ALL slipped and slid down the final dirt section of the hill so watch your step! You will find yourself on top of the falls, if you would like to take photos from below you'll have to climb down. These are very reminiscent of the little falls at Wadsworth but they don't seem to dry up nearly as bad in the summer. This would definitely be a powerful and nice set of falls in the spring.
After leaving the falls the remainder of the loop involves a lookout with benches to rest on, crossing the stream over questionable bridges again, and another uphill ascent back to the rest stop at the midway point. Don't expect much at the overlook, while it's on top of a hill you won't actually see anything other than trees. This is an excellent water fall to visit if you are fall hunting through Connecticut and a pleasant hike if you're looking for an enjoyable afternoon. The round trip was just over 2 miles and the elevation changes were negligible. This is definitely a hidden gem!
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