Great Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Great Falls
Great Falls in Falls Village, Connecticut, tumbles along the Housatonic River and is a favorite for photographers and nature lovers, especially after heavy rain or spring snowmelt when the cascades are at their most dramatic. The falls are easily reached from a nearby trail and make a rewarding day-trip destination for visitors exploring the northwest corner of the state. While the setting feels remote and scenic, it’s not a backcountry haul—many visitors pair the visit with other nearby sights in the area. The most common approach to the falls follows a 2.4-mile out-and-back route with about 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate, so come prepared for some uphill walking. There isn’t a campground within 10 km—the nearest listed group shelter is about 38.4 km away—so most people plan Great Falls as a day hike. Bring sturdy footwear and a camera: the viewing spots offer great angles for the falls, but conditions can change quickly after rain.
The Setting
Great Falls sits at 643 feet along the Housatonic River, in the foothills of Connecticut.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail: 2.4 miles round-trip (out-and-back); elevation gain ~350 ft; difficulty: moderate. The route follows a primarily dirt path that leads to viewpoints above and beside the falls. Expect some short, steeper pitches that contribute to the moderate rating and sections that can be muddy after rain; appropriate footwear is recommended. The trail is a straightforward hike rather than technical scrambling, with clear footpaths to the main viewing areas.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Great Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Great Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should exercise caution near the falls, as the rocks can be slippery, and the currents are strong. Stay on marked trails and avoid venturing too close to the water.
Current Water Conditions
305 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 113 years of record
2.08 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge HOUSATONIC RIVER AT FALLS VILLAGE, CT (1 km away).
Today
Moderate
305 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
354 cfs
6/10Thu
Moderate
327 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
385 cfs
6/10Sat
Moderate
326 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
344 cfs
6/10Mon
Moderate
377 cfs
6/10Best window: Sat — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to late May, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Falls Village hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 101 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 647 feet.
The ground changes about 75 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 27 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 647 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 101 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Great Falls is located in Falls Village, part of the town of Canaan, Connecticut. It is accessible via Route 7 and Falls Village Road. Visitors can park near the Great Falls Dam and walk a short distance to view the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is limited parking available near the Great Falls Dam. Visitors should arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot.
Elevation
643 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.962871° N, -73.370953° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or peak seasons to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes, especially if visiting after rain, as the trail may be muddy. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.
Where to Stay
The White Hart
Wilder House Berkshires
Manor House Inn
9 Academy
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
NORTHFIELD BROOK LAKE GROUP SHELTERS
23.8 miles away · 2 sites
Overview Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters are located along a small scenic lake in the Naugatuck Valley of west-central Connecticut. Naugatuck Valley boasts picturesque small towns, rolling hills and industry and where public recreation is valued. On warm summer evenings, people gather at the park to enjoy hiking, picnicking and other outdoor activities. Recreation The recreation area provides two picnic shelters that can be reserved for group events in spring, summer and early fall, though g
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Torrington, Connecticut
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Torrington, Connecticut on SoakingSprings.
Explore Connecticut springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Appalachian Trail, which passes through Falls Village, and the historic Falls Village Inn.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, including herons and eagles, as well as small mammals and fish in the Housatonic River.
Cities near Great Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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