Roxbury Falls waterfall
Live Conditions · 242 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Roxbury Falls

Connecticut

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
1.
Garret Voight CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr
2.
Garret Voight CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr
3.
Garret Voight CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr
4.
Garret Voight CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr
5.
Garret Voight CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Roxbury Falls

Roxbury Falls is a small, picturesque cascade tucked into the conserved woodlands of Roxbury, Connecticut. Nestled on land managed by the Roxbury Land Trust, the falls offer a peaceful escape into a forested setting that draws locals and nature lovers alike for quiet viewing and seasonal foliage. The scene is intimate rather than dramatic—ideal for photographers and anyone after a short nature outing. Access is via a moderately paced hike through the preserve: the trail to the falls is an out-and-back route covering about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain. The route rewards hikers with a close-up view of the waterfall and the surrounding greenery; comfortable footwear is recommended for the modest climbs and natural surface underfoot. The preserve setting and easy distance make Roxbury Falls a pleasant half-day option for most hikers seeking a low-key waterfall visit.

The Setting

Roxbury Falls sits at 213 feet along the Pomperaug River, in the coastal lowlands of Connecticut.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

This is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail on Roxbury Land Trust preserves, gaining approximately 350 feet and commonly rated moderate in difficulty. The path follows a natural woodland route to a viewing area at the falls; while mostly straightforward, the hike includes some uphill stretches and uneven, natural surfaces. There is no USFS trail number for this route—trail stewardship is local to the Roxbury Land Trust.

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 Roxbury Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Roxbury Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically stronger during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

The rocks around the falls can be slippery, especially after rain. Exercise caution and supervise children closely. Be aware of ticks in the area and take appropriate precautions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Strong

242 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

3.97 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

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

USGS 01204000
5.1 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 75 sq mi
Altitude: 165 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge POMPERAUG RIVER AT SOUTHBURY, CT (8 km away).

High confidence
Strong right now
242 cfs
→ Holding steady
87878787959999TodayTomorrowThuFriSatSunMon

Today

Strong

242 cfs

10/10

Tomorrow

Strong

261 cfs

9/10

Thu

Strong

251 cfs

10/10

Fri

Strong

251 cfs

10/10

Sat

Roaring

282 cfs

6/10

Sun

Roaring

282 cfs

6/10

Mon

Roaring

271 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to mid 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 Bridgewater 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.

Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 48 feet of drop through Roxbury Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 211 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 21 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 20 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Roxbury Falls near Bridgewater, Connecticut, for comparison with the lidar view LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Roxbury Falls near Bridgewater, Connecticut, showing about 48 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing west
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation
211 feet
Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls
About 48 feet
Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces
West
Glows in afternoon and evening light.
Ground profile through the falls

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

Roxbury Falls is located near Falls Road in Roxbury, Connecticut. The area is accessible by car, and visitors can follow local signage to reach the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is limited parking available near the falls, typically along the roadside. Visitors should be cautious and ensure they are not blocking traffic or private property.

Elevation

213 feet above sea level

Coordinates

41.510651° N, -73.315395° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit during the spring or after rainfall for the best water flow. Wear sturdy shoes as the area around the falls may be slippery. Be mindful of private property nearby and respect local regulations.

Where to Stay

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

HOP BROOK LAKE RECREATION AREA

12.9 miles away · 5 sites

Reservable

Overview Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area is located within the towns of Middlebury, Naugatuck and Waterbury, Connecticut. Its 536 acres provide excellent recreation opportunities and a chance to escape from the growing suburbia surrounding the park. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing/kayaking, swimming and fishing.Recreation Exploring Hop Brook Lake by canoe, kayak or rowboat is a favorite activity of visitors. The park's beach and designated swimming area are also a

Book on Recreation.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include Mine Hill Preserve, which offers additional hiking trails and historical sites.

Wildlife

The area is home to various bird species, small mammals, and native plants. Visitors may spot wildlife along the trail.

Cities near Roxbury Falls

Writing about Roxbury Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.

← → walk · Esc to stop