Rippowan Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (1)
About Rippowan Falls
Rippowan Falls is the name on a spot along the Rippowam River, called the Mill River through downtown Stamford, Connecticut, near the Tresser Boulevard crossing between Mill River Park and Rotary Park. We could not find a current source describing a waterfall here. It is not in Mianus River Park, which is on a different river.
Trail & Hike Details
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Rippowan Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Rippowan Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall flow is strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a unique view of the falls if they freeze.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost or damaging the environment.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Rippowam River, 1.1 miles away, not on Rippowan Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
32 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 30 years of record
1.70 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge RIPPOWAM RIVER AT STAMFORD, CT. (2 km away).
Today
Moderate
34 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Moderate
36 cfs
9/10Tue
Moderate
36 cfs
9/10Wed
Moderate
36 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
40 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
40 cfs
9/10Sat
Moderate
40 cfs
9/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to early May, peaking in March.
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 Cos Cob hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Rippowan Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Rippowan Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 46°F to 37°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 52 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 measures about 17 feet of drop in the ground within a few hundred feet of Rippowan Falls. Elevation at the pin is about 17 feet.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 17 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 17 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Elevation
16 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.050653° N, -73.545957° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be muddy after rain. Bring insect repellent during warmer months.
Where to Stay
The Stamford Hotel
The Armon Stamford Hotel & Conference Center
Norwalk Inn & Conference Center
EVEN Hotel Norwalk by IHG
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
Mill River Park, a downtown riverfront park along the Rippowam (Mill) River, is a short walk upstream.
Wildlife
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also see fish in the river.
Cities near Rippowan Falls
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