Diana’s Pool Day Trip in Eastern Connecticut
Welcome to Diana’s Pool in Eastern Connecticut
Tucked away in the Eastern Connecticut town of Chaplin, Diana’s Pool is a picturesque, serene watering hole with two mini waterfalls that are easy and fun to see spring through fall. This state-designated area is a beautiful hidden gem that offers short woodlands hikes, old mill ruins and great access to the banks of the Natchaug River.
How to get to Diana’s Pool in Chaplin, Connecticut |
Diana’s Pool is accessed off of Phoenixville Road (CT-198) on Diana’s Pool Road. Simply plot directions here and turn into the small (six to eight vehicles) dirt lot on your left immediately after turning off CT-198.
Then head into the thick, lush woods on a bumpy dirt path that parallels the Natchaug River.
MDT Tip: After a few steps on the path, be sure to look left for very short, narrow cut out paths down to the river banks where you can navigate around and onto rocks for beautiful views of the lower plunge.
What to see at Diana’s Pool
After walking a few steps, you’ll see the river flowing through the woods towards your left. You can navigate down to the shore on a small cutout path and onto rocks by the edge with a great view of the bridge to your left and the lower cascade (a small plunge) to your right.
You can get fairly close the lower falls by navigating the rock ledges and though it only drops about 5 feet, it flows strong after heavy rains. While the rocks at the base are mainly smooth, you do need to watch your step on the bumpy, rocky descent and when walking on the rock ledges following the river.
The lower waterfall plunge along the Natchaug River at Diana’s Pool in Chaplin, Connecticut.
As you hike through the lush, dense woods, there are multiple cutouts you can take down to the Natchaug River banks. It’s so tranquil in summer as the river rushes, and the rocks are great for sunbathing.
The Natchaug River flowing through the woods of Diana’s Pool in Chaplin, Connecticut.
Continuing your hike, you’ll reach large group of (slanted) boulders that you can climb onto and sit (they are smooth) or carefully navigate the slopes to see the upper mini waterfall cascade in the distance. This section of the trail is fairly rugged (not steep) so be sure to watch your footing.
At this point, you can hike further to the boulders at the second waterfall and hang out there if you like. When I visited people were sitting on those boulders and, often times in summer, people will wade in that section of the river depending on the water level.
The upper mini waterfall cascade along the Natchaug River at Diana’s Pool in Chaplin, Connecticut.
Diana’s Pool is a great Eastern Connecticut hidden gem for picnics, kayaking and lazy spring and summer days by the river. And your dog on leash is welcome.
MDT Tip: Wear sturdy shoes because the trail is bumpy with some decently-sized roots and requires navigating around and on rocks & boulders to reach the river banks.
Have you visited or did you know about Diana’s Pool?
Leave a comment below to share your tips and experiences.