Westfield Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Westfield Falls
Westfield Falls is a small, picturesque series of cascades tucked into Middletown, Connecticut. The falls are especially lovely after heavy rain or during spring melt, when the water flows are most dramatic, yet the site remains intimate and popular with locals. The waterfall sits on city-owned land (designation: LOTH) and is managed at the municipal level; specific management details are not listed in the available data.
The Setting
Westfield Falls sits at 105 feet within Unknown, fed by the Coginchaug River, in the coastal lowlands of Connecticut.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Westfield Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
The most direct access to a roadside viewing area is a short, informal path from the road, making the falls easy to reach for a quick stop. For hikers seeking a fuller outing, the maintained approach is an approximate 2.4-mile out-and-back route with about 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. USFS trail name/number and specific surface, grade, or trail class data are not specified in the provided records; the approach combines a very short informal roadside spur to the viewing spot with the longer 2.4-mile in-and-out hike.
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 Westfield Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Westfield Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and after heavy rainfall are the best times to visit for optimal water flow, but the falls can be enjoyed year-round.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
The ground near the falls can be slippery, especially after rain. Exercise caution when walking near the water. Be mindful of traffic when parking along the roadside.
Current Water Conditions
464 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much higher than usual for this time of year
8.29 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge COGINCHAUG RIVER AT MIDDLEFIELD, CT (7 km away).
Today
Roaring
462 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Roaring
565 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
873 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
776 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
747 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
977 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
862 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
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 84 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 105 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 109 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 33 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest 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
- 105 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 84 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- 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 northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Westfield Falls is located off Miner Street in Middletown, Connecticut. The falls are situated near the road, making them easy to access without a long hike.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Limited roadside parking is available near Miner Street. Visitors should be cautious when parking and ensure they are not blocking traffic or private property.
Elevation
105 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.580529° N, -72.715252° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit after a rainstorm or during the spring for the best water flow. Be cautious when parking along the roadside, as space is limited. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to explore the area around the falls, as the ground may be uneven or slippery.
Where to Stay
Quality Inn Cromwell - Middletown
Best Western Plus New England Inn & Suites
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Hartford Cromwell
Holiday Inn Express Hartford-Newington 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
18.8 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
Nearby attractions include Wadsworth Falls State Park and the city of Middletown, which offers dining and shopping options.
Wildlife
The area around the falls may feature common Connecticut wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and small mammals.
Cities near Westfield Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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