Waterfalls and Swimming Spots Near Hartford Area
This page focuses on Hartford-area swimming spots and waterfalls, including Farmington Valley river access, short cascade walks, and a few parks with clearly posted swim rules.
It is built for day trips from Hartford, West Hartford, and nearby towns. Check each guide for lifeguards, closures, and fast water after rain. For the state's best northwest waterfall loop, use Waterfalls and Swimming Holes in Litchfield Hills.
Rank 1: Cotton Hollow Cascades — Glastonbury
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Cascades and plunge pools on Roaring Brook in Glastonbury's Cotton Hollow Preserve. Swimming prohibited by town ordinance.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 20-30 min
Rank 2: Farmington River — Simsbury
Connecticut waterfall near Simsbury. Open the trip guide for access; flow varies with season.
Rank 3: Stratton Brook — Simsbury
Small sandy pond beach in Stratton Brook State Park, Simsbury. Unguarded swim; paved accessible trails through the woods.
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 5 min
Rank 4: West Hartford Reservoir No. 1 — West Hartford
MDC drinking-water reservoir in the West Hartford Reservoirs district. Trails and fishing yes; swimming strictly prohibited.
- Walk
- 5 min
Rank 5: Scantic River State Park — Enfield
Connecticut waterfall near Enfield. Open the trip guide for access; flow varies with season.
Rank 6: Roaring Brook Falls — Cheshire
Viewing only, not a swim stop
CT's tallest single-drop waterfall: an 80-ft traprock horsetail at the end of Roaring Brook Road in Cheshire.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 25 min
Rank 7: Westledge Trail Cascades — Simsbury
Viewing only, not a swim stop
8 ft overhanging ledge on the Westledge Trail inside McLean Game Refuge, Simsbury. Short 0.3 mi walk from Firetown Road.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 10 min
Rank 8: Ragged Mountain Cascade — Berlin
Viewing only, not a swim stop
Intermittent 40-ft basalt plunge in Ragged Mountain Preserve, 0.75 mi from the West Lane trailhead.
- Can you swim?
- No swimming. View only
- Walk
- 25 min