Wadsworth Falls Day Trip in Middletown, Connecticut

Welcome to Wadsworth Falls in Middletown, Connecticut

Wadsworth Falls is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Connecticut and New England, and you can see it rushing spring through fall with a very short, easy walk.

In the heart of Connecticut (CT) in Wadsworth Falls State Park (towns of Middletown and Middlefield), this powerful, beautiful 25-foot waterfall flows strongly, even without heavy spring or autumn rains. With rains, the flow can be incredibly (no hyperbole) impressive making Wadsworth Falls a CT waterfall that you need to experience.

How to see Wadsworth Falls in Wadsworth Falls State Park |

While you can hike to Wadsworth Falls from the main state park entrance, the quickest and easiest way to see this hidden gem is by parking at Wadsworth Falls Waterfall Parking (25 Cherry Hill Road) in the paved lot with room for a dozen vehicles. Out-of-state visitor fees apply, and there are porta potties at this lot.

From there, you walk directly across a grass field to a set of about 30 wooden stairs with a dirt surface (no handrails) or down an easy, gradual packed-dirt path to the base of Wadsworth Falls. It’s no more than one-fifth mile either way.

What to see at Wadsworth Falls

The star is obviously Wadsworth Falls: a 25-foot cascade that drops in a block-like formation across a wide ledge flowing from the Coginchaug River. I like taking the short path that winds gradually down from parking where the falls comes into view through the trees canopy.

Looking at Wadsworth Falls from the edge of the river shore in Wadsworth Falls State Park.

At the edge of the river just below the falls, there’s a sandy area you can get down to (again, watch your step as it dips from the path) to see it. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting a bit wet or muddy when going down to the river shore.

You can get great views of Wadsworth Falls from multiple vantage points including an observation area at the top of the falls with guardrails (by walking on the grass field) or getting up close by navigating the rocks at the side of the drop.

Getting up close to Wadsworth Falls standing on the rocky ledge at the base.

MDT Tip: Even though no scrambling is required to get close to the side of the falls, the rocky ledge at the base will be wet so watch your footing.

You can also, depending on the river level, go downstream a bit and navigate the rocks for a view at distance. Note swimming in this part of Wadsworth Falls State Park is strictly prohibited.

MDT Tip: On a beautiful day, you can picnic on the grassy area, and this part of Wadsworth Falls State Park is a great day trip destination for your dog on leash too!

This area does get busy, especially on bright days so be prepared to enjoy the falls with fellow visitors. I definitely recommend seeing this waterfall as it’s beautiful and only takes a few minutes from the “falls” parking lot mentioned above. You can also extend your visit by hiking the trail network here.

Have you visited Wadsworth Falls? What’s your favorite Connecticut or New England waterfall to visit in autumn?

Leave a comment below to share your tips and experiences.