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Hancock Brook Cascades
Waterbury, Connecticut
Hancock Brook cascade chain along the Mattatuck Trail near Waterbury; best in early spring.
Swim access
Water condition
At a glance
Crowd level
Moderate
Walk time
15 min
Trail difficulty
2 / 5 Easy to moderate
Parking ease
Difficult
Dog policy
Check posted rules
Access type
Trail access
Overview
A string of small cascades on Hancock Brook along the Mattatuck Trail corridor. Flow peaks in early spring; summer reduces to rippling shallows. Viewing only — pools are thin and rocky.
- Also known as
- Hancock Brook Falls
- County
- New Haven
- Region
- Greater New Haven
- Water type
- Waterfall
- Waterfall type
- Cascade
Know before you go
Editorial tags
BrookShort hikeMattatuck trailNo swim allowed
Good for
Waterfall viewingHiking shortPhotographyNature study
Land ownership
Public
Watch for
Slick granite
Tick and snake habitat
Steep trail runoff
No lifeguard
Seasonal flow
Conditions
Conditions snapshot
Check posted signs and official updates before entering.
Getting there
Arrival points
Parking + Trailhead + Attraction
41.67300, -72.94576
Parking: Pull-off · Difficult · Trailhead: 0.3 mi · 15 min · 2 / 5 Easy to moderate · Rock surface · Attraction: Waterfall · Cascade · Swim viewing only
Arrival directions
Reach via the blue-blazed Mattatuck Trail corridor north of Waterbury; follow the brook down to the cascade ledges.
0.3 miRockPull-off309 ft150 ft gain
Parking notes: Informal trailhead shoulder off a local road; 3–4 cars max. Not a managed state-forest lot.
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