A very nice trail for all ages. Following the orange signs will lead to the waterfall. Now it’s a dry season. The waterfall is not big. But the fall foliage adds color to it. The orange trail is easy and flat. If you want some challenges, the blue trail has some steep ups and downs. Plenty of parking spots. During the weekend the trail can be crowded though. I like to go there during the weekdays at lunchtime. It’s very quiet without too many people. The whole loop is about 4miles.
Absolutely beautiful forested area with a pretty long trail that branches off in multiple areas, each one leading to an even more breathtaking site! The waterfalls are just as majestic and captivating as the forest, if not, more so. They keep it clean and its even somewhat easy to navigate through the dark because of the lighted areas surrounding it but definitely need to watch for the rocky outcrops spread out throughout the trail! As long as you remain aware of your surroundings and you should have an amazing time! Stay safe and enjoy!
There are two locations for Wadsworth Falls in google. One for the location of the parking lot that closes to the falls itself. While the other for the park main parking lot.On October first I wanted to go and see the water before it gets dark. But unfortunately, I googled the park instead of the falls. I had no chance to walk to the water before its too dark. I had to go back another day. So next time you want to see the waterfall only, google Wadsworth falls but the parking lot there is smaller.
First time there and believe me it worth it!!! Walking in the forest, was an excellent experience!!! The view, the smell of the wood, the birds make it so exciting... at the end the falls were a nice place for pictures, you can try it with a pick nick event or just for a walk in the forest... kids will love it
Great place to go on a summer or fall day particularly if the water is high. Many people go to shoot photos, wade in the water or fish. There is no swimming but I always notice little ones in their bathing suits. Be sure to wear water shoes because the wet rocks are quite slippery. Falls get crowded on a hot summer day.
Such a peaceful and beautiful place. The big waterfalls have to be accessed by the road. The small falls are in a gorgeous locations. Nice beautiful easy hiking paths. Area to swim was closed. There are lots of BBQs too. Free parking for CT plates.
This is a very pleasant park with a nice water feature and a great network of trails. There are two entrances at opposing ends of the park with easy access to the trails from either end but more parking and picnic space on one end. On a recent trip, several park rangers were present to monitor social distancing and provide information about trails and wildlife. I found them all to be very friendly and helpful.
With little water ie lack of substantial rain only half of the Falls were running. Though it gave good photo ops and fall color is showing. Very easy to walk across the river/stream because it virtually dry. Next visit will be when its frozen. It has tremendous potential.
We parked at original entrance and did the hike to get to the falls which was nice. But there is a second entrance thats literally next to the falls. Gave it a 4 star because I was hoping to have a picnic by the falls but its not allowed
I was so excited to get to this park and see the big falls that everyone raves about. It wasnt very clear where the trails started. I finally found the main trail entrance and followed the trail that I thought would bring me to the falls. I followed the trail until it came to the other end of the park, but I never saw the falls. So I tried the yellow trail to see if that would take me to them, but it didnt. There needs to be better marking telling where to find the big falls. I never found anything on how to get to them after hiking well over an hour. So I just went back and figured I could at least see the small falls. Those were marked. The path down was quite steep, and I was disappointed that there wasnt more to see. Disappointing trip. These were the only pictures I got.
Went for a short hike 11/3/20 it was really windy will go back to fully hike the trail. Other than that it is really nice, some pretty nice trails.
Had a great time hiking here. They have a wide main trail for an easy hike, but if you choose the path less traveled the other trails are really well marked.
When I lived in CT, I used to bring my children there all the time. They could swim to their hearts content, where I didnt have to worry about them, we brought lunches and hiked the trails. Other times we hiked to the falls. Great experiences in a beautiful, relaxing area that gave us all wonderful memories.
Great view. Very relaxing
Nice little walk about 90 mins youll be done, just follow the color codes and you wont be stuck in a loop. The big falls is a better sight to see.
Its a great place to hike but there is really no parking. There are only 10 spots. People seem to picnic there illegally, there is no bathroom and the falls area is a mess. Not sure what other people are talking about, there are signs posted every where no picnics or grilling. As far as calling it Wadsworth Falls, you can leave the s off cause there is only one.
Nice waterfall near busy locality of middle town. waterfall is easily accessible from waterfall parking lot. For people who like to hike they can take 1.5 mile long trail from pond parking lot & follow return loop from waterfall to pond parking. Even tough swimming is not allowed but still people don’t hesitate in quickly getting under the waterfall for fun. Waterfall & nature around are very photogenic for shoots.. dogs are allowed but they need to be leashed all the time. Seems safe for kids & families.
I thought the falls would be bigger n better but they wasnt such a long walk and wasnt really worth it
Trail was nice. Little falls were quiet and beautiful. The big falls area was crowded and felt like a total circus.
Beautiful view and decent hike
Not my #1 waterfall in CT, but its definitely an amazing sight. I wasnt super big on the hiking in the area - really its all about the falls.
This park and it’s natural waterfalls, would be far more beautiful without the pervasive littering. There is Trash everywhere and is certainly ruining the experience for not just people, but certainly the wildlife as well. It’s either poorly managed and/or we need to start fining people. In fact, a “No Littering - $500 Fine” sign would be a great start. Shame, shame, shame.
Great hike! Lots of elevation and very easy to navigate.
These is very nice place have a small parking you can enjoy your day you and your children i proposed these it free plase you can visit it any time in the day it free and open all day for all people really i enjoy my day . You can find lot of poeple playing and making music.
Easy.. 2 min walk and bam youre at a waterfall lol
Absolutely love this place. The trail is so beautiful and I enjoy every time I go on a walk with my dog.
NOTICE - The FALLS are NOT a picnic or swimming area. Enjoy the views and the trails but respect the posted rules. The grounds are being RUINED from garbage left everywhere, the woods being used as a toilet and from people deciding they can sit out in the water for hours at a time putting a strain on the ecosystem.This is a SCENIC area. That means enjoy the views but leave it as you (should have) found it.SWIMMING and PICNICKING are NOT ALLOWED.
Great trail walk...went on a rainy day but it still was adventurous. Good mapping and great view of the falls
It was hard to locate the waterfall. It was a very long walk trying to locate it without success, but I came back the following week and there it was. Somehow I found the beautiful waterfall which wasnt so far after all if one pays careful attention to the direction or ask people to direct you to the fall. Its a wonderful site and cant believe theres such a place close to the road.
The falls are pretty to see both small falls and big falls,and nice maintained trails well marked,but short,good place for anyone
About 1.5 to the big falls. (Orange trail)Less than a mile to the small falls, turn left when crossing the stream or you will miss it. Better viewing the small falls after a good rain.
On the smaller side and not much to do. But still a great way to spend time outdoors. Cant go swimming here though.
Pretty, trails well marked. Main trail too crowded, side ones way better.
Beautiful day to walk the orange trail. Very easy to meander along
I LOVE Wadsworth Falls. It reminds me of my childhood
A walk through this park will wash away all your worries. Guaranteed!
Some part of the trails are a bit steep so might be hard for very small kids. But overall its a great experience for family.
Good park. Free parking. I is a short walk from the parking lot to the waterfall. No swimming in the waterfall.
The water falls is not located in the same location as the trail. Waterfall is beautiful but there is not a lot of parking and gets crowded. The trail is down the street from the waterfalls. Nice trails.
Beautiful park as usual. Not nearly as crowded as I expected.
Good place to walk/jog/run or bike on the trails and enjoy nature. Plenty of lovely views from all the trails just watch out for the rocks and roots. Never a dull walk with plenty of trails besides the main one which leads from the park to the main falls with the little falls in between. Be sure to explore all that this park has to offer
Beautiful place for an easy hike!
Not too much to do... not really baby friendly. They charge a $17 parking fee for out of state vehicles - we looked for an attendant but the booth was closed - when we returned, a parking violation ticket had been issued.
So much better than summer. Quiet and peaceful.
It has a large falls and really charming. Great place for family outing, who love nature , tracking and picnicking
Note for first timers, there are 2 parking lots. 1 for the trails, and one thats directly next to the falls. If you want to skip the hike and just check out the falls, ask someone for directions to that parking lot.
Decent hike, the falls were both nice, but the park is pretty close to roads and homes so you dont really get that windedness feel
Excellent hike. Everyone friendly and polite. Great weather.
I love this place but one puzzling thing. When I was there recently, the lake was drained. Just a big hole in the ground. But the trails are great the falls are beautiful.
Beautiful state park conveniently located in Middletown! Breath taking views of big waterfalls and the little falls if you wanna take a little hike its definitely worth it. It’s such a beautiful relaxing atmosphere.
Horrible. The falls are beautiful, the hike is wonderful. Unfortunately when I went people were playing their style music with a huge speaker that you literally couldnt hear the falls well. On the trail, there was just one person blaring music. I think earbuds should be required so that people who choose to be in nature, hear nature. I think they should manage the State Parks better.
Great nature walks close to home! This park features numerous walking trails ranging from flat and level to wooded. The main trail in orange blazes is reasonably flat and well cleared and can be navigated with a stroller and is appropriate for children. There are some seating options en route. The giant Mountain Laurel is a landmark on the trail. In winter the trail is often covered in snow and used by cross country skiers. There are two water falls. The big falls are accessible from a parking lot in the Middlefield entrance. For the more adventurous, one can hike into the woods to view the small falls. This is a cascading fall with a lower water flow rate than the big falls, but nevertheless a nice site to reward the hiking effort.The trails are more uneven and there are steep drops, making it appropriate for able bodied hikers. For a more secluded walk, the purple laurel brook trail follows a small waterway. It is narrow and has some uneven patches, but is great for a solitary experience in typical New England hardwood forest. The Bridge trail goes over Laurel Brook and connects purple and yellow trails. It runs roughly parallel to Laurel Grove road and is near the point of access from Wadsworth Mansion mentioned below. The park features swimming in the summer months. There are also numerous grill stations for outdoor barbecuing, and some picnic tables. One may also fish in the designated area.Note that there are two main parking lots but these Middletown lot requires paying a fee. If you have CT plates on your vehicle, the fees are included in your registration and you do not need to pay onsite. Out of state vehicles must pay even if the toll gate is unmanned. Follow the signs to pay with your phone. You may otherwise receive a parking violation. You may also park at the adjacent Wadsworth Mansion and cross Laurel Grove Rd which is unpaved to enter the park. This is free. However you will have a hike about a quarter mile to the swimming, restrooms and grills. If your main purpose is to hike the trails this may be a good option as the lots do tend to fill up in the summer and fall but it is not recommended if you have children or elderly in your party, or if you are toting coolers and baggage. At the Middlefield entrance there is also a lot. However it is much smaller. This is near the big falls. Picnicking in the grass on blankets is appropriate here but there are no grills or tables nearby. Use the Middletown entrance for these amenities.Overall the park has great trails, beautiful falls, and picnicking and swimming options for enjoying the outdoors. It is family friendly, pet friendly (except in the swimming pond), and has handicap accessible scenery, while also offering some moderate level hiking for the adventuresome. It is truly a gem in the state park system of CT!
Great place to escape! $10 for out of state license plates is it applies to you!
Such a beautiful waterfall! Pretty good hike and perfect for a date!
Very pretty with picnic tables and grills under shade from the many water- burch trees next to a rolling stream loaded with schools of minnows that scrambled for cracker crumbs tossed in a pool of clear fresh water just a few meters from the falls.Down side is the people who really dont deserve access to this State Park that leave their garbage; including human excrement, along pathways even though there are well maintained bathrooms convenient for use. What could they be thinking!
$12 parking fee for out of state license plate is expensive we thought, but the views were worth it. Many photo ops in this area.
Wow what an amazing park. The waterfall is huge and beautiful. This place is amazing. Good parking really close and the park was very clean and kept up very well. Didnt really explore the lake too much but this place is beautiful.
Beautiful waterfall. This was a relaxing visit. We will be back
A great place to take the family, nice beach area to relax and swim. They also have nice trails and a very beautiful waterfall and stream.
The views are excellent, but the place itself is overrun with people illegally swimming, drinking, picnicking and smoking pot. Poorly staffed and overrun with out of state visitors. Best to avoid this place completely in the summer months.
Overly crowded, trails are okay and the falls are a major let down. If you park at the falls parking area its not even a hike, its a walk. If you park in the main entrance then you literally have to cross a rode to get to the falls. If you want a hike its okay if you want to see the falls. Theres better.
Large groups on the trails and no one was wearing masks. Plenty of park staff ( also, not wearing masks tho they told us the had them) but they were not enforcing any Covid practices or even mentioning them. It was hard for us to keep our distance when passing, on the trails.The park was beautiful. I will wait, before I go back. I will improve my rating then.
Very gorgeous and big also a place u should visit
The waterfall is amazing and peaceful I love going there.
Nice place for a quick visit with family if you are looking for good trail with waterfall. State park has beach and swimming pool as well.. beach is nice but not well maintained.. too much dog poop all around the beach
Small place for quick trip on a weekend to relax and return.
Nice place for hiking. Great waterfalls
Very sweet and easy hike on the orange trail. Very mild.
Nice place to bring the family. Going back in the winter when it is frozen...
Beautiful waterfall, but, yep, like reviews stated a lot of trashy low-life’s all packed on top of each other like sardines (not following social distance), leaving garbage, trash. Now park has to enforce stricter rules which sucks (but obviously needed).
Nice walk except for having to walk on a busy road
No access to the falls after a long hot hike. Almost no one practicing social distancing and no masks to be seen. Disappointing at best.
Nice open space, good trails that are well marked. The falls are a little quiet right now, because of the lack of rain, but a good day trip.
The waterfalls was,the park is beautiful no swimming though, pond and lake are drain
Beautiful trail water fall is really nice
Nice park for a hike with trails to Little Falls and Big Falls. The later is Wadsworth Falls. You may need to be a bit adventurous as some trails start off with blazers that disappear. Also finding the trail head from the Wadsworth Falls parking lot is a challenge and requires a short walk along the roadside. But trails are well worth the hunt.
Unfortunately the falls are drying up due to lack of rain and snow this year. Too many people trying to visit all at once. The water there has become infested with knats, and other flying pests and the water that connects to the falls has become stagnant and filled with algae and bacteria. No longer a place to take a quick dip. Sad how dry it is.
Very cool place for any gathering or family picnic!!
There are two parking lots for the falls. Theres one at the park which you would have to hike about a mile to see the falls. Then theres one a mile down the road which will take you right to the location of the falls themselves.
This place is really nice and quiet. Kids friendly and easy to get to.
Nice park and waterfalls were a good sight.
Beautiful green every where. Great little trails. Water fall is pretty. Some a*%holes leave trash behind. Don’t be that person.
Great place to hike. Labeled fairly well, most paths were cleared well just depends if you got off the beaten path. The falls were beautiful. Dog friendly and plenty of passers by so you didnt feel alone
Perfect place for a leisurely stroll through nature. Well marked and easy trails with picture perfect views all along your routes. Not too strenuous for kids and enough visual interest to engage even the littlest hiker.
Great walk to the big water fall will be back again soon
Really pretty place. Has 2 entrances. Beautiful falls to take pictures at one entrance and the other has a place to swim in the lake as well as changing rooms and restrooms.
Beautiful but yet stinky because people keep peeing and pooping the water. Trash was everywhere...
Nice place to hang out.Nice scenery with the big falls on cherry hill.Although the swimming area water dried up.
There were a lot of people in the water, but it was fun to walk upto the little swamp
- Address:721 Wadsworth St, Middletown, CT 06457, United States
- Site:http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325274&deepNav_GID=1650%20
- Phone:+1 860-345-8521
- State park
- Tourist attraction
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
- Good for kids:Yes
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