CT
Pond
Burr Pond State Park
Torrington, Connecticut
Burr Pond State Park has a seasonal Connecticut pond swim beach with lifeguards, picnic areas, paddling, and a 2.5-mile shoreline loop.
Walk: longerTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4
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Showing 216 of 243 guides.
CTTieredRoaring Brook Falls
Cheshire, Connecticut
CT's tallest single-drop waterfall: an 80-ft traprock horsetail at the end of Roaring Brook Road in Cheshire.
Walk: mediumTrail: moderateParking: trailheadCrowd: 3
CTCascadeKent Falls
Kent, Connecticut
Signature Housatonic Valley cascade in Kent Falls State Park. Paved ADA path to the base, stairway trail up the tiers.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4
CTCascadeEnders Falls
Granby, Connecticut
Five-tier cascade in Enders State Forest, Granby. Popular (and unofficial) swim pools — cliff jumping is extremely dangerous.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 4
CTCascadeYantic Falls
Norwich, Connecticut
Historic ~40 ft drop on the Yantic River at Uncas Leap Heritage Park; gorge, mill ruins, and overhead footbridge.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3
CTCascadeGreat Falls of the Housatonic
Canaan, Connecticut
50-ft dam-controlled Housatonic falls at Falls Village. Spectacular after spring releases; no swim/jump.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3
CTCascadeWadsworth Big Falls
Middlefield, Connecticut
Alternate entry for the ~30 ft Coginchaug horsetail in Wadsworth Falls State Park. Swimming prohibited.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3
CTCascadeChapman Falls
East Haddam, Connecticut
60 ft stair-step cascade on Eight Mile River in Devil's Hopyard State Park. Short viewing path from the picnic lot.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4
CTCascadeButtermilk Falls
Plymouth, Connecticut
55–60 ft tiered Hancock Brook cascade in Plymouth's Buttermilk Falls Preserve. Short Mattatuck Trail walk from Lane Hill Road.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Amos Lake Beach
Preston, Connecticut
Private beach-club shoreline on Amos Lake, Preston; public access is a state boat ramp only, no open swim beach.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Angus Park Pond
Glastonbury, Connecticut
Toddler-depth Glastonbury town pond with a sandy swim beach at the south end; shallow, mellow, ice-skates in winter.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleBabb's Beach
Suffield, Connecticut
Suffield town beach on Lake Congamond with lifeguards, pavilion, and wheelchair mats; $20/car for non-residents.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4Swim possibleBantam Lake
Morris, Connecticut
Connecticut's largest natural lake; mostly private shoreline, with Sandy Beach and Morris Town Beach as the public swim doors.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Sandy Beach at Bantam Lake
Morris, Connecticut
Sandy Beach on Bantam Lake — Morris-run lifeguarded beach with concessions, volleyball, and a canoe launch.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleBashan Lake
East Haddam, Connecticut
Private-shoreline East Haddam lake; access is the state boat launch only, no public swim beach, hydrilla posted.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Beach Pond
Voluntown, Connecticut
CT/RI border pond off Route 165. State launch posts no-swim; town-run Finn Beach handles swim access.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleBennett's Pond State Park
Ridgefield, Connecticut
Former Ridgefield estate with carriage trails around a rhododendron-lined pond. No designated swim.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Bicentennial Pond
Mansfield, Connecticut
Mansfield's lifeguarded town pond in Storrs. Open late June through late August; swim only when lifeguards are on duty.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleBigelow Hollow State Park
Union, Connecticut
Quiet water and pine-shaded shoreline on Mashapaug Lake and Bigelow Pond in Union. No designated swim area; unofficial shoreline entries only.
Walk: longerTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Birge Pond
Bristol, Connecticut
Page Park's stocked Bristol fishing pond. Shoreline loop and picnic tables; no designated swim.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Black Rock State Park
Watertown, Connecticut
Lifeguarded pond swim under basalt cliffs in Watertown. Short Mattatuck Trail climb for Naugatuck Valley views.
Walk: longerTrail: moderateParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4Bradley Hubbard Reservoir
Meriden, Connecticut
Hubbard Park reservoir under Castle Craig. Metacomet Trail ridge overhead; swimming is posted prohibited.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Brookfield Town Beach
Brookfield, Connecticut
Brookfield's lifeguarded Candlewood Lake town beach. Swim raft, picnic area, and an adjacent boat launch.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4Swim possibleBunnell's Pond
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Olmsted-era Beardsley Park pond in Bridgeport. Fishing and a shaded loop; swimming is posted prohibited.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Candlewood Lake Town Beach
Brookfield, Connecticut
Brookfield's Candlewood Lake Town Park lakefront. Swim raft, picnic area, and a neighbor boat launch.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleCandlewood Town Park
Danbury, Connecticut
Danbury's 200-yd Candlewood Lake beach. Lifeguards, concession, playground; non-residents pay daily rates.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleCargill Falls
Putnam, Connecticut
Quinebaug River mill dam in downtown Putnam. River Trail overlooks; no swim, strong dam hydraulic.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Dist: shortChaplin Natchaug River Swimming Spots
Chaplin, Connecticut
Ledgy Natchaug River pools along Route 198 in Chaplin. Diana's Pool gorge nearby; swim at your own risk.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Chatfield Hollow State Park
Killingworth, Connecticut
Lifeguarded pond beach in Killingworth's Chatfield Hollow. CCC-era stonework, shaded trails, and a shallow family swim.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4Cockaponset State Forest
Haddam, Connecticut
CT's second-largest state forest across Haddam and Chester. Forest trails and brooks; the swim beach is Pattaconk.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Pattaconk Recreation Area (Cockaponset State Forest)
Haddam, Connecticut
Pattaconk Lake swim beach inside Cockaponset State Forest. No lifeguard; DEEP-tested in season.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleCrescent Lake Park
Southington, Connecticut
Southington watershed pond with shoreline loop trails. No designated swim; trail and dog walker traffic.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleCrystal Lake (Middletown)
Middletown, Connecticut
Middletown's Ron McCutcheon Park. Veterans Memorial Pool for swim; lake has seen contamination closures.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleCrystal Lake Sandy Beach
Ellington, Connecticut
Ellington's Crystal Lake Sandy Beach on Route 140. Resident passes, non-resident walk-in fees, carry-in/carry-out.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleDay Pond State Park
Colchester, Connecticut
Small lifeguarded pond swim in Colchester. Quiet family day under the hemlocks.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Eastbury Pond
Glastonbury, Connecticut
Glastonbury's family pond beach — gentle sand, summer lifeguards, daily per-car fee.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleEichler's Cove Beach
Newtown, Connecticut
Newtown's Lake Zoar town beach beside Eichler's Cove Marina. Weekly E.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4Swim possibleFinn Beach
Voluntown, Connecticut
Voluntown town beach on Beach Pond inside Pachaug State Forest. Swim-at-your-own-risk; no lifeguards.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4Swim possibleFreshwater Pond
Enfield, Connecticut
Enfield town pond off North Main. Fishing pier and walking loop — not a designated swim spot.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Gardner Lake State Park
Bozrah, Connecticut
Small DEEP sand beach on 528-acre Gardner Lake. Tiny lot — closes early on hot weekends.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleGay City State Park
Hebron, Connecticut
Pond swim beach inside Gay City State Park, Hebron. Ghost-town mill ruins on the trails.
Walk: longerTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4Godfrey Pond
Weston, Connecticut
Hike-in pond inside Devil's Den Preserve, Weston. No swimming — hike-and-watch only.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Granite Rock Passage in Westwoods
Guilford, Connecticut
Narrow granite rock corridor on Westwoods' Loop 10 in Guilford. A hike feature, not a real swim hole.
Walk: longerTrail: moderateParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Great Falls (Housatonic) at Falls Village
Canaan, Connecticut
Dam-controlled Housatonic cascade in Falls Village. Swimming prohibited — multiple drownings on record.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Great Hollow Lake
Monroe, Connecticut
Monroe's Wolfe Park lake — 700 ft of sand, town-resident-priority summer access.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleHigganum Reservoir State Park
Higganum, Connecticut
Undeveloped CT DEEP reservoir park in Haddam. No designated swim — trail loop, car-top paddling, fishing.
Walk: longerTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area
Middlebury, Connecticut
US Army Corps recreation area in Middlebury. Swim beach was closed in 2024 for algae — always check before you drive.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Hopeville Pond State Park
Griswold, Connecticut
Lifeguarded pond beach in Griswold's Hopeville Pond State Park. Campground and Pachaug Trail access.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4Indian Notch Park Beach
Bolton, Connecticut
Bolton's 300 ft sand beach on Lower Bolton Lake. Lifeguarded Wed–Sun 9–5 in summer.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4Swim possibleIndian Well State Park Beach
Shelton, Connecticut
Housatonic River swim beach in Shelton. Lifeguards in season.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4Jackson Cove Park
Oxford, Connecticut
Oxford's Lake Zoar cove park — small sand beach, lifeguards, resident-priority access.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleWaltermere Pond (Keney Park)
Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford's Keney Park pond (Waltermere). Trout-stocked fishing water — no designated swim.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Kettletown State Park
Southbury, Connecticut
Lifeguarded Lake Zoar swim beach in Southbury. Ridge trail loops and a quiet-water state park feel.
Walk: longerTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4Killingly Pond State Park
Killingly, Connecticut
Undeveloped DEEP pond on the CT/RI line, Killingly. Car-top launch and fishing — not a designated swim.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Lake Mashapaug
Union, Connecticut
CT's largest natural lake, in Bigelow Hollow State Park. No designated swim — paddle-and-fish headline.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Lake Mohegan
Fairfield, Connecticut
Fairfield's only freshwater swim beach, plus a 170-acre open space with river cascades.
Walk: longerTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Lake Quonnipaug
Guilford, Connecticut
314-foot Guilford town beach on Route 77. Lifeguarded, small daily fee, no dogs on sand.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleLake Waramaug State Park
Kent, Connecticut
Lifeguarded swim beach at the north tip of 680-acre Lake Waramaug, Kent. Campground and picnic grove.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4Lake Wintergreen
Hamden, Connecticut
West Rock Ridge reservoir. No swimming allowed; a flat 1-mile perimeter walk and warm-water fishing instead.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Lake Wononscopomuc
Salisbury, Connecticut
Town Grove beach on Connecticut's deepest natural lake (102 ft). Lifeguards, raft, no dogs or alcohol.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleLower Bolton Lake
Bolton, Connecticut
300-foot sandy beach at Indian Notch Park, Lower Bolton Lake. Lifeguards, small per-car fee.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleLower Moodus Reservoir
East Haddam, Connecticut
East Haddam Town Beach on Lower Moodus Reservoir. Residents with pass; state boat launch is no-swim.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleLynn Deming Park
New Milford, Connecticut
Candlewood Lake town beach, New Milford residents only. Lifeguards 11–6, pass required.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleMacedonia Brook State Park
Kent, Connecticut
Kent state park with small brook wading pools and the 7-mile Cobble Mountain blue loop.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Mansfield Hollow State Park
Mansfield, Connecticut
500-acre flood-control lake on the Natchaug. No swimming — drinking-water reservoir.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Mashamoquet Brook State Park
Pomfret, Connecticut
Pomfret state park with a shallow swim pond, Wolf Den lore, and Table Rock views.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Miller Pond
Middletown, Connecticut
Forest pond near Middletown. Short path from a dirt pull-off; locals swim at own risk.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Millers Pond State Park
Haddam, Connecticut
Rocky-bottom 83-acre pond in Haddam; unofficial swim, no lifeguards, DEEP signs it 'not recommended.'
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Mirror Lake
Storrs, Connecticut
UConn Storrs campus pond, swimming banned. Walking-path stop only.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleMohegan Park Beach
Norwich, Connecticut
Spaulding Pond beach at Norwich's Mohegan Park. Lifeguards late-June to late-August.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4Swim possibleMono Pond State Park Reserve
Columbia, Connecticut
Shallow 113-acre Columbia pond; boat launch, fishing, no swim listing.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Mount Riga State Park
Salisbury, Connecticut
Remote Salisbury highland park. Ponds private; swim access is Salisbury-resident pass only.
Walk: longerTrail: hardParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Mount Tom State Park
Litchfield, Connecticut
Mount Tom Pond sand beach plus one-mile climb to the 34-ft stone summit tower.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleNehantic State Forest
Lyme, Connecticut
Uncas Pond sandy beach inside Nehantic State Forest, Lyme. Unguarded swim, free.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Pachaug State Forest
Voluntown, Connecticut
Largest CT state forest. Beachdale Pond launch + Green Falls Pond swim beach.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Pachaug State Forest, Green Falls Pond Swim Area
Voluntown, Connecticut
Roped swim beach on Green Falls Pond, Pachaug State Forest. Campground next door.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possiblePatriots Park Beach
Coventry, Connecticut
Coventry Lake town beach, lifeguards required. Non-resident fee $15 weekday / $30 weekend.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4Swim possiblePattaconk Lake Recreation Area
Chester, Connecticut
Natural wade-in swim in Cockaponset State Forest. A 2.6-mile loop circles Pattaconk Reservoir.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Pickett's Pond
Derby, Connecticut
Nine-acre pond in Osbornedale State Park, Derby. Primarily a fishing and skating pond — no designated swim area.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Quaddick State Park
Thompson, Connecticut
Sandy beach on 467-acre Middle Quaddick Reservoir in Thompson. Picnic grove, boat ramp, DPH-tested, no lifeguard.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Quassapaug Sailing Center Open Water Swim
Middlebury, Connecticut
Private sailing-center beach on Lake Quassapaug. Public access limited to the annual Open Water Swim Festival (0.5–5 mi).
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Quinebaug Lake State Park
Killingly, Connecticut
Undeveloped state park on 83-acre Quinebaug Lake, Killingly. Hand-carry launch only — no facilities, no lifeguard.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleRogers Park Pond
Danbury, Connecticut
Stocked fishing pond in Danbury's Rogers Park. The city pool handles swimmers — pond is a loop-walk and trout spot.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Ross Pond State Park
Killingly, Connecticut
Undeveloped state park on 45-acre Ross Pond, Killingly. Woods-road access, no beach, no lifeguard.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Sandy Beach at Bantam Lake
Morris, Connecticut
Morris town beach on 947-acre Bantam Lake — the largest natural lake in Connecticut. Lifeguards, sand beach, concession.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4Satan's Kingdom State Recreation Area
New Hartford, Connecticut
Farmington River tubing put-in in New Hartford. 2.5-mile Class I–III float with tube-and-PFD rentals each summer.
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Swim possibleSaugatuck River
Westport, Connecticut
Tidal lower Saugatuck in Westport. No designated swim — DEEP boat launch and upstream dam pool only.
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Swim possibleSears Park Beach
East Hampton, Connecticut
Resident-only Lake Pocotopaug beach, East Hampton. Lifeguards 12–5 PM mid-June to mid-August; cyanobacteria advisories common.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4Swim possibleSharon Town Beach
Sharon, Connecticut
Sand beach on 188-acre Mudge Pond in Sharon. Swim lanes, rafts, pavilion — daily non-resident fee in season.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4Swim possibleSherman Town Beach Park
Sherman, Connecticut
Sherman's resident-only Candlewood Lake beach. Sand shore, swim raft, pavilion, tennis; sticker access only.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4Swim possibleSouth Norwalk Reservoir
Wilton, Connecticut
Aquarion drinking-water reservoir in Wilton — no swimming, no boating. Perimeter hiking trails only.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Squantz Pond State Park
New Fairfield, Connecticut
Lifeguarded swim beach on Candlewood's Squantz arm in New Fairfield. Advance parking reservations on weekends/holidays in summer.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4Staffordville Reservoir
Stafford, Connecticut
108-acre millpond on Morey Brook in Stafford. Unofficial causeway swim — roadside, no beach, no lifeguard.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Swim possibleStratton Brook State Park
Simsbury, Connecticut
Small sandy pond beach in Stratton Brook State Park, Simsbury. Unguarded swim; paved accessible trails through the woods.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Topstone Park Beach
Redding, Connecticut
25-acre pond beach in Redding's Topstone Park. Sand beach, free paddle-craft fleet, summer lifeguards.
Trail: very easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4Wadsworth State Park
Middlefield, Connecticut
Upper Wadsworth Falls State Park area, Middlefield. Picnic grove and short Coginchaug spur — swim pond is half a mile south.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Wadsworth Falls State Park Swim Area
Middlefield, Connecticut
Wadsworth Falls State Park's designated river-pond swim area in Middlefield. Seasonal lifeguards, weekly water-quality testing.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4West Hartford Reservoir No. 1
West Hartford, Connecticut
MDC drinking-water reservoir in the West Hartford Reservoirs district. Trails and fishing yes; swimming strictly prohibited.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3West Hill Pond
Barkhamsted, Connecticut
Spring-fed pond with DEEP boat launch off Perkins Road. Public swimming is at Brodie Park on the New Hartford shore.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Wharton Brook State Park
Wallingford, Connecticut
Pitch-pine rimmed DEEP swim pond off Route 5, Wallingford/North Haven line. Trout stocking in spring, picnic groves, summer water-quality testing.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Acme Pond Waterfall
Stafford, Connecticut
Minor spillway cascade off Acme Pond in Stafford. Worth a quick stop, not a dedicated trip; no established swim access.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Ambler Cascade
Weston, Connecticut
Stepped ~20 ft cascade on the West Branch Saugatuck, reached via Pent/Den Trails in Devil's Den Preserve, Weston.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Aspetuck Falls
Washington, Connecticut
20 ft part-natural part-mill-made plunge behind the New Preston village shops; fed from Lake Waramaug.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Bailey's Ravine
Franklin, Connecticut
10 ft plunge deep in TNC's Ayers Gap Preserve, Franklin. Rugged 1.4-mile loop on Bailey Brook.
Walk: mediumTrail: moderateParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Bantam Falls
Bantam, Connecticut
Small Bantam River riffle at the White Memorial Foundation; more rapid than waterfall.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Bear Hill Falls
Middletown, Connecticut
Unofficial ~30 ft cascade series on the Mattabesett Trail near Aircraft Road, Middletown. Best at April/May high water.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Beulah Falls
Colebrook, Connecticut
, unverified Colebrook cascade on Sandy Brook. No official trail; likely private, please respect.
Trail: moderateParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedBlack Pond Falls
Middlefield, Connecticut
Seasonal trap-rock cascade into Black Pond in Middlefield. Passed on the Mattabesett Trail; viewing only, not maintained.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Blackberry River Falls
East Canaan, Connecticut
12 ft ledge falls on the Blackberry River near Beckley Furnace, East Canaan. View from the Iron Trail.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Blackledge Falls
East Glastonbury, Connecticut
Three 22–25 ft plunges in a town preserve that abuts Gay City SP; parking at 3874 Hebron Ave in East Glastonbury.
Walk: mediumTrail: moderateParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Bulls Bridge Cascades
Kent, Connecticut
~12 ft chain of Housatonic cascades at the 1842 Bulls Bridge covered bridge. AT crosses here; viewing only.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Bull's Bridge Falls
Kent, Connecticut
Dam spillway drop on the Housatonic just upstream of Bulls Bridge covered bridge, Kent. Viewing only.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Burlington Falls
Burlington, Connecticut
15 ft Bunnell Brook horsetail right off Hotchkiss Road, Burlington. Roadside view on private land — don't trespass.
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedBurr Falls
Torrington, Connecticut
45 ft stepped cascade along the Burr Pond State Park access road, Torrington. Historic Borden condensed-milk site.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Cameron Farm Falls
Moodus, Connecticut
private cascades behind the former Cameron Family Farm in Moodus. No public access — try Chapman Falls nearby.
Trail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedCampbell Falls
Norfolk, Connecticut
Two-tier ~50 ft Whiting River cascade on the Norfolk CT / New Marlborough MA line. Short steep path to the base.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Cargill Falls
Putnam, Connecticut
16 ft Quinebaug drop in downtown Putnam, beside the historic Cargill Falls Mill. Paved riverwalk and restaurants at hand.
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedCaroline Glen Cascades
Roxbury, Connecticut
Rocky-gorge cascades on Moosehorn Brook inside Roxbury's Beardsley Preserve. View-only; no swim access.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Carpenter Falls
Granby, Connecticut
Lower drop below Carpenter's Falls inside McLean Game Refuge, Granby. Seasonal cascade on a Salmon Brook tributary.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Carpenter's Falls
Granby, Connecticut
18 ft seasonal waterfall in McLean Game Refuge, Granby. 1.5 mi out-and-back from Broad Hill Road; view-only.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Carr Brook Falls
Portland, Connecticut
Tiered 10-20 ft drop on Carr Brook, Portland. On private property with no official trail; no swim access.
Trail: moderateParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedCascades Along Schaghticoke Road
Kent, Connecticut
Two roadside horsetails on Schaghticoke Road, Kent — north of Bulls Bridge. View from the road only; tribal land nearby.
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedCascades Along The Falls Cut Off Trail
Barkhamsted, Connecticut
80 ft chain of cascades on a steep scrambling trail in Peoples State Forest, Barkhamsted. Lower falls at 0.15 mi, upper 30 ft drop at 0.25 mi.
Walk: mediumTrail: hardParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Cascades Along The Westledge Trail
Simsbury, Connecticut
8 ft overhanging ledge on the Westledge Trail inside McLean Game Refuge, Simsbury. Short 0.3 mi walk from Firetown Road.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Cascades At Chapman Pond Preserve
East Haddam, Connecticut
Small cascades along the 3.1 mi loop at Chapman Pond Preserve, East Haddam. 60-acre tidal pond managed by TNC; no swim, no pets.
Walk: longerTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Cascades Near Balance Rock Road
Hartland, Connecticut
Short horsetails and slides off Balance Rock Road, Hartland. Crosses the Tunxis Trail near the old Tunxis ski cabin.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Case Falls
Manchester, Connecticut
Man-made weir-falls at the Case Mountain Recreation Area gate in Manchester. Easy scenic pause before the carriage-road climb.
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedCathles Falls
Simsbury, Connecticut
Seasonal secondary cascade in Simsbury tied to the Cathles name. Obscure; most traffic heads to Cathles Trail Falls to the west.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Cathles Trail Falls
West Simsbury, Connecticut
~30 ft seasonal horsetail on the Simsbury Land Trust's Cathles trail in West Simsbury. Short white-blazed spur from North Saddle Ridge Drive.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Cedar Mill Brook Falls
Oxford, Connecticut
6 ft seasonal horsetail on Cedar Mill Brook in Jackson Cove Park, Oxford. 0.1 mi on the blue-blazed Pomperaug Trail.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Center Spring Falls
Manchester, Connecticut
Paired 12 ft and 10 ft drops on Bigelow Brook in Manchester's 57-acre Center Springs Park. Short flat viewing path.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Chapman Mill Falls
Westbrook, Connecticut
10 ft drop over a historic dam on the Menunketesuck River in Westbrook's Chapman Mill Pond conservation area. Short pond loop.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Clarks Falls
North Stonington, Connecticut
Historic mill dam at Spaulding Pond on Wyassup Brook inside Avalonia's Yannatos Preserve, North Stonington. Not a natural waterfall.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Codfish Falls
Mansfield, Connecticut
7 ft plunge + 4 ft fan on Fishers Brook in Storrs. Very short, unofficial path from Codfish Falls Road; on private land.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Colebrook Falls
Colebrook, Connecticut
10 ft Center Brook cascade viewed from the CT 183 bridge in Colebrook. Roadside only; private property surrounds it.
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedCotton Hollow Cascades
Glastonbury, Connecticut
Cascades and plunge pools on Roaring Brook in Glastonbury's Cotton Hollow Preserve. Swimming prohibited by town ordinance.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Cox's Falls
Portland, Connecticut
Small dam on Carr Brook off Rose Hill Road in Portland. Roadside view only; not a true waterfall.
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedCussgutter Brook Cascades
Bristol, Connecticut
Ravine cascade chain under Lake Compounce, Bristol. Rough 0.4 mi scramble; no real swim pools.
Walk: mediumTrail: moderateParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Day Pond Brook Falls
Colchester, Connecticut
40 ft cascade chain on a short spur off Day Pond State Park's pond loop in Colchester.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Day Pond Falls
East Hampton, Connecticut
Small spillway below Day Pond's dam near the Colchester/East Hampton line. Quick look, not a swim.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Devil's Glen
Weston, Connecticut
Roadside cascade on the West Branch Saugatuck at the edge of Devil's Den Preserve, Weston. No swim.
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedDevil's Hopyard State Park
East Haddam, Connecticut
Classic CT state park around Chapman Falls in East Haddam. Picnic grove, covered bridge, and loop trails.
Walk: longerTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 4Diamond Falls Ledge
West Stafford, Connecticut
Small cascade by the quartz-veined Diamond Ledge in West Stafford's school-yard conservation area.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Diana's Pool
Chaplin, Connecticut
Gorge plunge pool on the Natchaug River in Chaplin. Swimming is prohibited; cliff jumping has caused deaths.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 4Dividend Falls
Rocky Hill, Connecticut
28 ft triple horsetail below Dividend Pond in Rocky Hill, reached by stone steps from the lot.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3East Meadow Brook Falls
Woodbury, Connecticut
Small tiered drop on East Meadow Brook in Woodbury. Mostly private; no formal access.
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedEnfield Falls
Enfield, Connecticut
Historic rapid section on the Connecticut River; view from Windsor Locks Canal rail-trail. No swim.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Falls Along The Indian Rock Shelters Trail
Madison, Connecticut
~15 ft cascade at the 0.7 mi mark on the Indian Rock Shelters loop, Madison. Best in spring.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Falls at Green Fall Pond
Voluntown, Connecticut
~18 ft dam spillway at the south end of Green Fall Pond in Pachaug State Forest, Voluntown.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Falls At Sheepskin Hollow Preserve
East Haddam, Connecticut
Small ledge cascade inside East Haddam's Sheepskin Hollow Preserve. Best in spring; minimal signage.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Falls Brook Falls
Hartland, Connecticut
Two-tier Tunxis State Forest cascade in Hartland: ~20 ft upper and ~30 ft lower drop. No dogs.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Falls in Pequonnock River Valley State Park
Trumbull, Connecticut
Ledge drops on the Pequonnock River along Trumbull's rail-trail. Scenic stop, not a swim pool.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Falls on Madden Pond Outlet
Torrington, Connecticut
Minor cascade below Madden Pond's outlet into Still River, Torrington. No maintained trail.
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedPine Brook Falls
East Hampton, Connecticut
6-ft Pine Brook drop inside East Hampton's preserve, passing mill ruins on a short flat path.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Pine Swamp Brook Falls
Sharon, Connecticut
Stepped 30-ft drop on Pine Swamp Brook, visible straight from US-7 in Sharon.
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedFalls on Sages Ravine Brook
Salisbury, Connecticut
Hemlock-ravine cascade chain on the CT–MA line, Salisbury. Reached by AT via Undermountain Trail.
Walk: longerTrail: hardParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Falls River Preserve Falls
Essex, Connecticut
Low cascade on the Falls River at Essex Land Trust's Falls River Preserve, Ivoryton. Red trail is easiest.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Far Mill River Falls
Shelton, Connecticut
Roadside Far Mill River ledge in Shelton. Industrial surroundings; no swim access.
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedFlat Brook Falls
Glastonbury, Connecticut
Hidden 18-ft Shenipsit Trail cascade in Meshomasic State Forest. Seasonal; best after snowmelt.
Walk: mediumTrail: moderateParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Fort Hill Brook Falls
Groton, Connecticut
Sheep Farm preserve waterfall in Groton: 10-ft horsetail plus upper cascades via red-blazed trail.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Gladdings Falls
Chester, Connecticut
Small seasonal Chester cascade with informal trail; flow thins fast after spring.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Glen Falls
Portland, Connecticut
Low Portland-area cascade on a small brook; flashy flow, quick approach from pull-off.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Gorge Cascade Falls
Hamden, Connecticut
Short Hamden ravine cascade near the Mill River; slick rock, informal access, no swimming.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Grayville Falls
Hebron, Connecticut
8-ft Raymond Brook drop in Hebron’s Grayville Falls Town Park. Short trails link to the Air Line Trail.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Great Unconformity Falls
Cornwall, Connecticut
cascade tied to a Roaring Brook geologic unconformity; no official trail or verified access.
Walk: mediumTrail: moderateParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Greenleaf Falls
Stamford, Connecticut
lost Stamford waterfall in the Long Ridge district. No confirmed public access.
Walk: shortTrail: moderateParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Griswolds Falls
Chester, Connecticut
Obscure small Chester cascade with minimal trail information; flow is modest and seasonal.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Hancock Brook Cascades
Waterbury, Connecticut
Hancock Brook cascade chain along the Mattatuck Trail near Waterbury; best in early spring.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Hatch Brook Falls
Sharon, Connecticut
25-ft Pine Knob Loop horsetail in Housatonic Meadows State Park, Sharon. Seasonal; best after rain.
Walk: mediumTrail: moderateParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Hemlock Falls
Ridgefield, Connecticut
Minor seasonal step in Ridgefield’s Hemlock Hills open space above Lake Windwing.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Higganum Creek Falls
Haddam, Connecticut
Twin man-made spillways at Higganum Reservoir State Park, Haddam. Short gravel-road access; no swim.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Hockanum Falls
Vernon, Connecticut
15-ft horsetail encircled by Rockville’s old mills, viewed from a roadside pull-off. Private property.
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedHopp Brook Falls
Bethany, Connecticut
Tiered Bethany cascade on Hopp Brook. Short informal approach; shallow rocky pools.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Horseshoe Falls
Terryville, Connecticut
1851 Eli Terry dam on the Pequabuck; roadside view from Canal Street in Terryville.
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedHousatonic River Gorge & Cascades
Kent, Connecticut
Bulls Bridge AT walk past an 8-ft Housatonic cascade and Ten Mile River bridge. View only.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Humaston Brook Falls
Northfield, Connecticut
Obscure Northfield-area tiered cascade on Humaston Brook. Informal approach, seasonal flow.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Jack's Brook Cascade
Roxbury, Connecticut
Small Roxbury-hills cascade on Jack's Brook; informal access with rough footing.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Jelliff Mill Falls
Stamford, Connecticut
Historic mill-dam cascade on the Noroton River near the Stamford/New Canaan line. Roadside view only.
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedJim Brook Falls
Canton, Connecticut
Small Jim Brook cascade tucked into Canton woods. Short bushwhack, viewing only.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3John Dees Falls
Waterbury, Connecticut
Hidden Waterbury brook cascade. Short slide, shallow pool, not a destination swim.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Kettletown Brook Falls
Southbury, Connecticut
Tiered Kettletown Brook cascade inside Kettletown State Park, Southbury. Viewing only.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Koons Preserve Waterfalls
Southbury, Connecticut
Land-trust brook cascades in Southbury's Koons Preserve. Easy loop, no swim.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Lake Mohegan Cascades
Fairfield, Connecticut
Mill River bedrock cascades inside Lake Mohegan Open Space, Fairfield. Red Trail access.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Leesville Falls
East Hampton, Connecticut
Leesville Dam drop on the Salmon River with an active fish ladder. East Hampton side access.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Lost Lake Falls
Guilford, Connecticut
Small outlet cascade at Lost Lake in Westwoods Trails, Guilford. Hike-in, brackish, viewing only.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: confirmed / officialCrowd: 3Lowden Brook Cascades
Voluntown, Connecticut
Quiet Pachaug State Forest brook cascade on Lowden Brook, Voluntown.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Macedonia Gorge & Falls
Kent, Connecticut
Macedonia Brook State Park gorge with tiered brook cascades, Kent. Hike-in viewing.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Mad River Cascades
Wolcott, Connecticut
Mad River ledge cascades near old mill sites in Wolcott. Short bank-side view.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Mansfield Hollow Cascades
Mansfield, Connecticut
Natchaug River ledge cascades below Mansfield Hollow Dam, Mansfield. State-park bank view only.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Middle Falls
Seymour, Connecticut
Middle tier of a three-drop Naugatuck State Forest brook cascade, Seymour. Rough access.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Mill Pond Falls
Newington, Connecticut
12-ft Piper Brook cascade in Newington's Mill Pond Park. Paved town-park access, viewing only.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Mohegan Sun Falls
Uncasville, Connecticut
Indoor 55-ft Taughannick Falls decorative waterfall at Mohegan Sun casino, Uncasville.
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedMoodus Falls
Moodus, Connecticut
Lower Moodus River ledge drop near the Salmon River confluence, Moodus. Bankside viewing.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Mount Carmel Spring Falls
Hamden, Connecticut
Seasonal spring cascade off Mount Carmel in Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Muddy Brook Falls
East Haddam, Connecticut
Small 3–4 ft Muddy Brook cascade near the Salmon River confluence, East Haddam.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Naugatuck Falls
Seymour, Connecticut
12-ft Naugatuck River ledge beside Tingue Dam's fishway in Seymour. Paved overlook access.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Negro Hill Brook Falls
Burlington, Connecticut
Three-plunge 20-ft drop deep inside Sessions Woods WMA. Long, stair-descending spur off the main loop.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Nineveh Falls
Killingworth, Connecticut
Hammonasset River cascades beside the Route 80 bridge with a grim 'Lover's Leap' ledge above.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Northgate Falls
Simsbury, Connecticut
Three-tier 30-ft drop inside McLean Game Refuge, reached by a short Firetown Road pull-off.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Pequabuck Gorge Falls
Plymouth, Connecticut
Terraced cascade below an 1851 mill dam on the Pequabuck River in Terryville; roadside view.
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedPixie Falls
Ashford, Connecticut
Boston Hollow Brook drops ~40 ft through moss ledges off the Nipmuck Trail, past Ladies Room Rock.
Walk: longerTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Pomperaug Falls
Woodbury, Connecticut
Dam-fed Pomperaug River cascade visible from Pomperaug Road, framed by 19th-century mill stonework.
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedQuinebaug Falls
Jewett City, Connecticut
Low-dam drop on the Quinebaug River in Jewett City, seen straight from CT-138 / Slater Avenue.
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedRagged Mountain Cascade
Berlin, Connecticut
Intermittent 40-ft basalt plunge in Ragged Mountain Preserve, 0.75 mi from the West Lane trailhead.
Walk: mediumTrail: moderateParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Rippowam Falls
Stamford, Connecticut
Low Mianus River ledge drops reached by a 1-mi loop inside Mianus River Park on the Stamford-Greenwich line.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Roxbury Falls
Roxbury, Connecticut
Shepaug River rapids above Lake Lillinonah, viewable from River's Edge Preserve trails in Roxbury.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Saugatuck Falls
Redding, Connecticut
Low Saugatuck River cascades inside Redding's natural area, parking at John Read Middle School.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Seven Falls
Haddam, Connecticut
Bible Rock Brook cascades at a Route 154 roadside park; trailhead for the Mattabesett and Seven Falls Loop.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Shelter Falls
Mansfield, Connecticut
Three small Cedar Swamp Brook tiers beneath a sheltering ledge in a 75-acre Mansfield town park.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Shetucket Falls
Norwich, Connecticut
Short Shetucket River cascade off the Norwich boat-launch drive, 2.5 mi below the Greeneville hydro dam.
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedShipyard Falls
East Hampton, Connecticut
20-ft Mine Brook plunge over a partial stone dam seen from the Shipyard Road bridge in Middle Haddam.
Trail: very easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Not recommendedSilver Falls
Montville, Connecticut
Small 11-ft curtain waterfall in a shaded Montville ravine, 5-15 minutes in from Silver Falls Road.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Southford Falls
Southbury, Connecticut
Eight Mile Brook cascades under a covered bridge at Southford Falls State Park, 175 Quaker Farms Road.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Sperry Falls
Woodbridge, Connecticut
Twin-chute 6 ft drop on the Sargent River in Sperry Park, Woodbridge. Public-supply stream, no swimming.
Walk: shortTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Spruce Brook Falls
Beacon Falls, Connecticut
Ravine with multiple drops to 40 ft in Naugatuck State Forest West Block. Trail damaged by 2024 floods.
Walk: mediumTrail: moderateParking: trailheadCrowd: 3Spruce Glen Falls
Wallingford, Connecticut
13 ft drop on Spruce Glen Brook beside Route 15. Wallingford Land Trust loop, 2.3 mi.
Walk: mediumTrail: easyParking: trailheadCrowd: 3