Are there fees or permits required for Yantic Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Yantic Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Yantic Falls.

Live Conditions · 162 ft³/s · About average

Yantic Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Yantic Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Yantic Falls.

Connecticut

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (1)

hyperion327 CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

50 ft

About Yantic Falls

Yantic Falls, also known as Indian Leap, is a picturesque waterfall located in Norwich, Connecticut. The falls are steeped in local history and are named after a Native American legend. The waterfall is formed by the Yantic River cascading over a rocky ledge, creating a dramatic and scenic view.

The Setting

Yantic Falls sits at 49 feet along the Yantic River, in the coastal lowlands of Connecticut.

Trail & Hike Details

0.4 mi distance 50 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 0.4-mile out and back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Yantic Falls is very short and easy, leading directly to a viewing area. The path is mostly flat and suitable for visitors of all ages. Visitors can enjoy views of the waterfall and the surrounding rocky gorge.

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 Yantic Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Yantic Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

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

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

The rocks around the falls can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on designated paths and avoid getting too close to the edge of the gorge.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

162 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

30 48 190 349

Based on 96 years of record

2.47 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

YANTIC RIVER AT YANTIC, CT

USGS 01127500

2.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 89 sq mi

Altitude: 94 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge YANTIC RIVER AT YANTIC, CT (4 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

162 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

162 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

193 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

193 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

205 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

221 cfs

8/10

Fri

Moderate

199 cfs

8/10

Sat

Moderate

185 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 Norwich hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Yantic Falls Frozen?

Updated about 17 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Yantic 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: 183 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.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 79 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 52 feet.

The ground changes about 37 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 47 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Yantic Falls near Norwich, Connecticut, showing about 79 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 52 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 79 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Yantic Falls is located near downtown Norwich, Connecticut. The falls can be accessed via Yantic Street, and there is a small parking area nearby.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is limited parking available near the falls, typically along Yantic Street or in nearby lots.

Hours

Elevation

49 feet above sea level

Coordinates

41.533916° N, -72.089828° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit after heavy rainfall or during spring for the most dramatic water flow. Wear sturdy shoes as the area around the falls can be slippery. Be cautious near the edge of the gorge.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

For this easy 0.4 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.