Quinebaug Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Drive Up
About Quinebaug Falls
Quinebaug Falls, also known as Cargill Falls, is a small but scenic waterfall located in Putnam, Connecticut. It is part of the Quinebaug River and is known for its historical significance as a site of early industrial development.
The Setting
Quinebaug Falls sits at 43 feet along the Quinebaug River, in the coastal lowlands of Connecticut.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Quinebaug Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
There is no formal hiking trail to Quinebaug Falls as it is visible from nearby roads and public areas in Putnam.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Quinebaug Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Quinebaug Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting due to higher water levels.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the riverbanks as they can be slippery. Avoid visiting during heavy rains or flooding conditions.
Current Water Conditions
1,150 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 108 years of record
6.64 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 QUINEBAUG RIVER AT JEWETT CITY, CT (7 km away).
Today
Moderate
1242 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Moderate
1391 cfs
5/10Sat
Moderate
1327 cfs
6/10Sun
Moderate
1224 cfs
8/10Mon
Moderate
1295 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
1279 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
1335 cfs
8/10Best window: Sun — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to mid 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 Norwich hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Quinebaug Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded big river, rarely freezes solid
Quinebaug Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 57°F to 44°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 1320 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 86 feet through Quinebaug Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 45 feet.
The ground changes about 91 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 26 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 45 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 86 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Quinebaug Falls is located in the town of Putnam, Connecticut, near the intersection of Kennedy Drive and Pomfret Street. The falls are easily accessible from the road.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is limited parking available nearby, including street parking in the town of Putnam.
Hours
Elevation
43 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.555336° N, -72.041617° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during the spring or after heavy rains for the best water flow. Be cautious near the riverbanks as they may be slippery.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn Griswold
Comfort Suites Near Casinos
La Quinta by Wyndham Norwich-Plainfield-Casino
Bellissimo Hotel, Trademark by Wyndham Near Foxwoods Casino
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Downtown Putnam offers shops, restaurants, and antique stores. The nearby Quinebaug River Trail is a popular spot for walking and biking.
Wildlife
The area around the falls may feature common river wildlife such as ducks, herons, and fish.
Cities near Quinebaug Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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