Are there fees or permits required for Silver Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Silver Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Silver Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Silver Falls.

Nearby gauge (East Branch Eightmile River) · 44 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Silver Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Silver Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Silver Falls.

Connecticut

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 16 other waterfalls also named Silver Falls, see below

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.6 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

50 ft

About Silver Falls

Silver Falls is a small but picturesque waterfall located in the town of Roxbury, Connecticut. It is known for its serene surroundings and is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Chapman Falls, the tallest waterfall in Connecticut at 60 feet, lies 8.0 miles to the northwest.

Chapman Falls

Trail & Hike Details

0.6 mi distance 50 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Silver Falls is short and relatively flat, making it suitable for most visitors. It passes through a wooded area and leads directly to the waterfall. The path may be uneven in some spots, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

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 Silver Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Silver Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Silver Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 45°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

The rocks around the waterfall can be slippery, especially after rain. Exercise caution and avoid climbing on wet surfaces. Be aware of ticks in the area and check yourself after your visit.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

These readings come from the USGS gauge on East Branch Eightmile River, 6.1 miles away, not on Silver Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

44 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

7 12 44 144

Based on 69 years of record

2.32 ft

Water depth at gauge

45°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 45 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.

About This Gauge

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

EAST BRANCH EIGHTMILE RIVER NEAR NORTH LYME, CT

USGS 01194500

6.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 22 sq mi

Altitude: 53 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge EAST BRANCH EIGHTMILE RIVER NEAR NORTH LYME, CT (10 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

44 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

44 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

46 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

46 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

48 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

52 cfs

8/10

Fri

Moderate

56 cfs

8/10

Sat

Moderate

56 cfs

8/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid 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 Niantic hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Silver Falls Frozen?

Updated about 17 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded

Silver Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 46°F to 35°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 48 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 45 feet through Silver Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 107 feet.

The ground changes about 35 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 39 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northwest, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Silver Falls near Niantic, Connecticut, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Silver Falls near Niantic, Connecticut, showing about 45 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 107 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 43 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Silver Falls is located off Route 67 in Roxbury, Connecticut. The falls are accessible via a short walk from the road, but specific trailhead details may vary. Visitors are advised to check local maps or guides for precise directions.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Limited roadside parking is available near the falls. Visitors should ensure they park in designated areas to avoid blocking traffic or private property.

Elevation

108 feet above sea level

Coordinates

41.412482° N, -72.218803° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit after a period of rain for the best water flow. Bring sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy or slippery in wet conditions. Be mindful of private property in the area and stick to marked paths.

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For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.