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4.4
53 votes

Wadsworth Falls State Park

178 Stonington St Hartford Ct, Middletown, Connecticut 06481 USA

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“Let Nature Provide the Air Conditioning!”

Enjoy hiking or biking the varied trails of the park or spend some time enjoying the beautiful falls.  For a longer stay, visit the designated swimming and picnic area of the park.  Please note that swimming and picnicking are prohibited at the Big Falls - it is an area intended for short visits to view the scenic falls. Clarence C. Wadsworth, noted scholar and linguist, had held the rank of Colonel in the New York National Guard before marrying and settling in Middletown. There he became involved in a forty-year effort to preserve the natural beauty of Wadsworth Falls for all people. By his will which established The Rockfall Corporation, a non-profit organization to administer his plans for the land, the 267 acres were given to the State in 1942.The Coginchaug River, flowing north along the western fringe of the park has been an important stream providing industrial waterpower. Only the sluiceway of a textile mill remains by Wadsworth Falls in the southwest corner of the park. Nearby, one of the first pistol factories in Connecticut was operated during the 1800's by Simeon North, developer of the interchangeable parts system for firearms used in the Civil War.Gunpowder was made at the factory established by Jehosophat Starr at Powder Mill Pond in 1794, until the business literally blew up in 1892. Today, the waters of this pond are used as a reserve to replenish the Bone Mill Pond below.The swimming pool, a saucer-shaped basin hollowed out of the level plain south of Route 157, is paved with a soil cement to prevent water from leaching out. Water pumped from a series of inter-connected wells located near the river is directed into the pool creating a circulating effect.There is a level walk from the parking area on Cherry Hill Road, off Route 157, to the brink of the falls. A trail system connects the falls with the main swimming/picnicking area and other scenic areas of the park. From a stone bridge used by the Colonel, the trail passes through densely wooded areas, the Little Falls and several meandering streams.Others may wish to explore or fish the cold waters of the Coginchaug River. Here, beneath great hemlocks and noble oaks, nature provides her own air-conditioning. Wadsworth Falls was designated as a park in 1942.

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Reviewed by
decoster99

  • 2 Reviews
  • 3 Helpful
August 10, 2016
Rated 5.0

These directions take you to the parking lot next to the swimming area. If you are looking for the big falls, you can hike from here or take 157 down a little further and turn left onto Cherry Hill (a few minutes drive only). There is another sign for Wadsworth Falls, and a small parking lot on a hill. It's a quick walk from there! Very pretty!

3 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
golas

  • 7 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
August 29, 2020
Rated 1.0

Some disgusting locals trashing the place, couldn't stop there again

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Reviewed by
firefly08

  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
July 30, 2019
Rated 4.0

This place is amazing. As a member of the local community, I wouldn’t suggest visiting on the weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day. It is overrun. People are parking illegally all over the place, and littering near the falls. To best enjoy this park, visit during the week.

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Reviewed by
Teumessian

  • 12 Reviews
  • 5 Helpful
April 14, 2019
Rated 4.0

Wadsworth Falls is a great little place to stop and stretch your legs while also getting to see a waterfall and go wading. Very easy to find, short 5 minute walk down to the water, with plenty of room to find a spot to sit and enjoy nature for a little bit.

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Reviewed by
Andy

  • 3 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
October 21, 2018
Rated 5.0

This was so awesome. Had a great time.

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Reviewed by
snehavankireddy1

  • 2 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
May 27, 2018
Rated 5.0

Awsomeeeee waterfalls... i would recommend this scenic beauty to any one

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Reviewed by
jcohen

  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
December 20, 2014
Rated

Drove all through the night from Maryland to get here at sunrise....there's nothing here

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Wadsworth Falls State Park

178 Stonington St Hartford Ct
Middletown, Connecticut
06481 USA
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