10 Best Waterfalls in Connecticut (2026 Updated)
Of the 11 named waterfalls in Connecticut, these 10 earn the strongest visitor ratings, led by Chapman Falls, Wadsworth Falls, and Yantic Falls. The list spans the Lower Connecticut River Valley, Eastern Connecticut and the Thames Basin, and Western Hills and the Naugatuck.
How We Picked
We ranked the 9 publicly accessible Connecticut waterfalls with at least five Google reviews by a weighted rating that balances score against review volume, so a 4.9 from a dozen reviewers counts for less than a 4.8 from thousands. Remaining spots go to falls with documented USGS history. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Chapman Falls
Moodus, CT · Lower Connecticut River Valley County · Lower Connecticut River Valley
Why it made the list
It holds a 4.7-star Google rating and is the 2nd most reviewed in the state, with 118 reviews. 80% of reviewers give it five stars. Google's listing sums it up as: "A short trail leads to this 60-ft. waterfall that cascades over stone steps amid deciduous trees." Older records also call it Chapman's Falls and Foxtown Falls. It is one of 3 named falls in the Lower Connecticut River Valley region. The nearest town is Moodus, about 5.8 miles to the west.
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2. Wadsworth Falls
Durham, CT · Lower Connecticut River Valley County · Lower Connecticut River Valley
Why it made the list
It holds a 4.7-star Google rating and is the 5th most reviewed in the state, with 86 reviews. 78% of reviewers give it five stars. Older records also call it Middlefield Falls and Little Falls. It is one of 3 named falls in the Lower Connecticut River Valley region. The nearest town is Durham, about 3.1 miles to the south.
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3. Yantic Falls
Norwich, CT · Southeastern Connecticut County · Eastern Connecticut and the Thames Basin
Why it made the list
It is the most reviewed waterfall in Connecticut, holding 4.6 stars across 122 Google reviews. 71% of reviewers give it five stars. Google's listing sums it up as: "Dam & natural waterfall in a scenic environment with hiking trails & legends of the Mohegan Indians." Older records also call it Unca's Leap. It is one of 4 named falls in the Eastern Connecticut and the Thames Basin region. Quinebaug Falls is only 2.9 miles away, so the two are easy to pair in one outing. The nearest town is Norwich, about 1.0 miles to the southeast.
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4. Buttermilk Falls
Terryville, CT · Naugatuck Valley County · Western Hills and the Naugatuck
Why it made the list
It holds a 4.5-star Google rating and is the 6th most reviewed in the state, with 80 reviews. It is one of 4 named falls in the Western Hills and the Naugatuck region. The nearest town is Terryville, about 2.4 miles to the north.
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5. Great Falls
Canaan, CT · Northwest Hills County · Western Hills and the Naugatuck
Why it made the list
It holds a 4.5-star Google rating and is the 3rd most reviewed in the state, with 100 reviews. 78% of reviewers give it five stars. Google's listing sums it up as: "Picturesque waterfalls & a swimming hole surrounded by a variety of hiking trails." Older records also call it Turner's Falls and Fishing Falls. It is one of 4 named falls in the Western Hills and the Naugatuck region. The nearest town is Canaan, about 4.9 miles to the northeast.
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6. Shetucket Falls
Lisbon, CT · Southeastern Connecticut County · Eastern Connecticut and the Thames Basin
Why it made the list
It holds a 4.4-star Google rating and is the 8th most reviewed in the state, with 7 reviews. It is one of 4 named falls in the Eastern Connecticut and the Thames Basin region. Quinebaug Falls is only 1.2 miles away, so the two are easy to pair in one outing. The nearest town is Lisbon, about 2.8 miles to the northeast.
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7. Rippowan Falls
Stamford, CT · Western Connecticut County · Western Hills and the Naugatuck
Why it made the list
It holds a 4.0-star Google rating and is the 9th most reviewed in the state, with 7 reviews. It is one of 4 named falls in the Western Hills and the Naugatuck region. It is right in Stamford.
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8. Westfield Falls
Middletown, CT · Lower Connecticut River Valley County · Lower Connecticut River Valley
Why it made the list
It holds a 4.2-star Google rating and is the 4th most reviewed in the state, with 94 reviews. It is one of 3 named falls in the Lower Connecticut River Valley region. The nearest town is Middletown, about 3.6 miles to the east.
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9. Roxbury Falls
Heritage Village, CT · Northwest Hills County · Western Hills and the Naugatuck
Why it made the list
It holds a 3.1-star Google rating and is the 7th most reviewed in the state, with 9 reviews. Older records also call it Shepaug Falls. It is one of 4 named falls in the Western Hills and the Naugatuck region. The nearest town is Heritage Village, about 4.4 miles to the southeast.
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10. Quinebaug Falls
Norwich, CT · Southeastern Connecticut County · Eastern Connecticut and the Thames Basin
Why it made the list
It is one of 4 named falls in the Eastern Connecticut and the Thames Basin region. Shetucket Falls is only 1.2 miles away, so the two are easy to pair in one outing. The nearest town is Norwich, about 2.8 miles to the southwest.
When to Visit Connecticut's Waterfalls
Spring, from late March into May, is the peak for Connecticut waterfalls. Snowmelt from the western hills and frequent spring rain keep streams high, and the falls are at full volume before the trees leaf out. Early summer still offers good flow in most years, but by July and August many smaller streams drop considerably, and falls like Buttermilk and Chapman can thin to modest trickles during dry spells. Autumn is a strong second season: foliage usually peaks from early to late October, moving from the northwest hills toward the coast, and a few days of rain can bring the falls back. Winter visits can reward with ice formations on cold, still days, but ledges and stone steps become very slippery, and short daylight hours limit time on the trail.
Before You Go
Most of Connecticut's well-known falls are on state land, including Devil's Hopyard and Wadsworth Falls state parks, or in town-owned parks and open space. Connecticut State Parks generally allow free entry for vehicles with Connecticut plates, while out-of-state vehicles pay a parking fee at many parks. Parking at small town sites can be limited to a few roadside spaces and fills quickly on warm weekends. Many falls sit next to old dams and mill structures, so stay on marked paths and away from dam spillways, where currents can be dangerous. Wet schist and moss-covered ledges are slippery year-round. Swimming is restricted at some sites, so look for posted rules. Rapid rises after heavy rain can be sudden in narrow ravines, especially in the western hills.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out.
Explore More Connecticut Waterfalls
See all 11 waterfalls in the Connecticut waterfall guide, or browse by town: Moodus, Durham, Norwich, Terryville, Canaan, Lisbon, Stamford, Middletown.
More Connecticut Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best waterfall in Connecticut?
Chapman Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.7-star rating from 118 Google reviews. It is near Moodus in Lower Connecticut River Valley County.
How was this list made?
We ranked the 9 publicly accessible Connecticut waterfalls with at least five Google reviews by a weighted rating that balances score against review volume, so a 4.9 from a dozen reviewers counts for less than a 4.8 from thousands. Remaining spots go to falls with documented USGS history.
How many waterfalls are in Connecticut?
Our directory lists 11 named waterfalls in Connecticut. See them all, sorted by town, in the Connecticut waterfall guide.
Which Connecticut waterfall is easiest to reach?
Chapman Falls in Devil's Hopyard State Park is reached by a short trail, and Yantic Falls in Norwich is close to town with walking paths. Both are good options for a short outing.