Wadsworth Falls
Connecticut • 30 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Wadsworth Falls
Wadsworth Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middletown, Connecticut. The waterfall is part of the Coginchaug River and features a wide cascade that is especially impressive after heavy rainfall.
The Setting
Wadsworth Falls sits at 135 feet within Wadsworth Falls State Park, in the coastal lowlands of Connecticut. The falls drop 30 feet.
Height: 30 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Wadsworth Falls is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it accessible for most visitors. It winds through a forested area and follows the Coginchaug River, offering scenic views along the way.
What to Expect
The falls drop 30 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Wadsworth Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Wadsworth 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.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Be cautious near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or flooding conditions. Stay on marked trails to protect the environment and ensure safety.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Coginchaug River, 0.6 miles away, not on Wadsworth Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
27 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 45 years of record
5.32 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 COGINCHAUG RIVER AT MIDDLEFIELD, CT (1 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
27 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
25 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
25 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
32 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
38 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
37 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
32 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to late April, peaking in February.
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 Middletown 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.
The bare-earth surface loses about 39 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The falls are listed at 30 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 128 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 55 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 40 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and 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
- 128 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 39 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
Wadsworth Falls State Park is located off Route 157 in Middletown, Connecticut. The main parking area provides access to trails leading to the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area at Wadsworth Falls State Park. Parking is typically free, but it may fill up during peak seasons.
Elevation
135 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.525654° N, -72.696484° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
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 a camera to capture the beauty of the falls.
Where to Stay
Hilton Garden Inn Wallingford/Meriden
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Wallingford New Haven
Inn at Middletown
Holiday Inn Cheshire - Southington 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.
Nearby Campground
HOP BROOK LAKE RECREATION AREA
19.2 miles away · 5 sites
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.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in the park include Little Falls, a smaller waterfall, and several hiking trails. The nearby town of Middletown offers restaurants and shops.
Wildlife
The park is home to various bird species, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also see frogs and turtles near the river.
Cities near Wadsworth Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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