Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middletown CT is a popular Connecticut state park with easy hiking trails that lead to two sizable waterfalls. The park also has a popular beach swimming area. Read on for some ideas.
The main waterfall here is Big Falls, which is much more powerful than its sister falls, Little Falls. There are many hiking trails that branched off the main trail that we hiked.
Stream Fishing
With 107 State Parks and 32 State Forests, Connecticut is no stranger to outdoor recreation. This State Park in Middletown is a great place to hike, swim, fish, and enjoy a picnic.
This 267-acre preserve was willed to the State by Clarence Wadsworth in 1942. Located in both Middletown and Middlefield, the property features two brooks, the Coginchaug River, and two waterfalls.
Stream fishing is permitted at Wadsworth Falls State Park. The most popular spot for catching trout is near the swimming area in the park’s main section.
The park is also home to a small pond and the Coginchaug River. This freshwater tidal river is a nationally recognized wetland, water bird habitat, and rare species area.
Hiking Trails
The park’s 285 acres include curated horticulture, historic and natural areas, and trails that lead to two dazzling waterfalls. The hiking trail system offers a variety of scenic views and trails for strolls or vistas, from easy to challenging.
The red-blazed trail in the main section of the park hugs the Coginchaug River and begins with a fairly level path that winds through hickory, oak, and black birch forest with ironwood and witch hazel in the understory. The trail then climbs through the wooded bluffs of the park to reach Bible Rock, an eight-foot-tall granite boulder with a biblical inscription.
The white-blazed trail, on the other hand, is a bit more difficult to follow because it crisscrosses the other trails and traverses private property. Hikers should stay on the trail and only explore lands with permission from the landowners. Explore more!
Picnicking
Throughout the summer, families visit to cool off in the spray of Wadsworth Falls and the designated swimming & picnic area. During the winter, the park offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities on trails through the woods.
The 285-acre park is noted for its beautiful curated landscape and trails that lead to two dazzling waterfalls as well as mountain laurel. It is popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and horses.
The Little Falls Trail (dark blue blaze) branches off of the main trail and crosses Wadsworth Brook at its lowest point. On the upstream side of the brook is a large brownstone outcrop that is particularly beautiful in spring or after a rain storm.
The bridge trail (light blue blazed) leaves the main trail and swings north paralleling Laurel Grove Road. It eventually connects to the main entrance road. The main parking lot is on Route 157 in Middletown near the town line with Middlefield.
Camping
The main entrance provides a large lot with easy access to the beach swimming area popular in the summer. From here hikers can take one of the many trails that wander between the park’s notable water features.
Stream fishing is also a popular activity at Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middletown CT and picnicking is allowed in designated areas. There are 51 campsites available in the woodland, meadow, and by the brook.
The main waterfall here is the impressive Wadsworth Big Falls a beautiful example of staircase falls. If you venture along the orange or blue-blazed trail from here you will find Little Falls a less powerful yet lovely waterfall. The yellow trail takes you along Laurel Grove Brook while the purple trail follows an old sweeping road that leads to the Wadsworth Estate providing additional hiking opportunities.
Wadsworth Falls State Park is a great place to visit year-round. There is a day pass fee for out-of-state registered vehicles ($15 weekend/holiday, $10 weekday) but Connecticut residents with valid vehicle registration can enjoy free admission. Find out more!
Driving directions from The Powerwashing Kings to Wadsworth Falls State Park
Driving directions from Wadsworth Falls State Park to Hubbard Park
