5 Must-See Waterfalls in Connecticut (2026)
If you only have time for five Connecticut waterfalls, make it these: the state's most visited falls, spread out so the list covers the Eastern Connecticut and the Thames Basin, Lower Connecticut River Valley, and Western Hills and the Naugatuck.
How We Picked
These are the five most visited Connecticut waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Yantic Falls
Norwich, CT · Southeastern Connecticut County · Eastern Connecticut and the Thames Basin
Why it is a must-see
With 122 Google reviews it is the single most visited waterfall in Connecticut, and it holds 4.6 stars. In short: "Dam & natural waterfall in a scenic environment with hiking trails & legends of the Mohegan Indians." Older records also call it Unca's Leap. 4 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Quinebaug Falls and Shetucket Falls. It is one of 4 named falls in the Eastern Connecticut and the Thames Basin region. The nearest town is Norwich, about 1.0 miles to the southeast.
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2. Chapman Falls
Moodus, CT · Lower Connecticut River Valley County · Lower Connecticut River Valley
Why it is a must-see
With 118 Google reviews it is the 2nd most visited waterfall in Connecticut, and it holds 4.7 stars. In short: "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. 2 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Silver Falls and Yantic 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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3. Great Falls
Canaan, CT · Northwest Hills County · Western Hills and the Naugatuck
Why it is a must-see
With 100 Google reviews it is the 3rd most visited waterfall in Connecticut, and it holds 4.5 stars. In short: "Picturesque waterfalls & a swimming hole surrounded by a variety of hiking trails." Older records also call it Turner's Falls and Fishing Falls. 5 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Bear Rock Falls and Campbell 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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4. Westfield Falls
Middletown, CT · Lower Connecticut River Valley County · Lower Connecticut River Valley
Why it is a must-see
With 94 Google reviews it is the 4th most visited waterfall in Connecticut, and it holds 4.2 stars. 1 more named waterfall lies within 15 miles, including Wadsworth Falls. 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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5. Buttermilk Falls
Terryville, CT · Naugatuck Valley County · Western Hills and the Naugatuck
Why it is a must-see
With 80 Google reviews it is the 6th most visited waterfall in Connecticut, and it holds 4.5 stars. 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.
A Route Linking All Five
Starting from the northernmost pick and always heading to the nearest remaining one, the five cover about 79 straight-line miles. Road distances are longer.
- Great Falls (start, near Canaan)
- Buttermilk Falls, about 29 mi southeast
- Westfield Falls, about 16 mi east
- Chapman Falls, about 21 mi east
- Yantic Falls, about 13 mi east
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: Norwich, Moodus, Canaan, Middletown, Terryville.
More Connecticut Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one must-see waterfall in Connecticut?
Yantic Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.6-star rating from 122 Google reviews. It is near Norwich in Southeastern Connecticut County.
How was this list made?
These are the five most visited Connecticut waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state.
Can you see all five in one trip?
The five are about 79 straight-line miles apart in total when visited in the order suggested above. Most people split them across two or more days.
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.