A waterfall on the Coginchaug River at Wadsworth Falls State Park, set aside strictly for viewing.
Wadsworth Falls drops across the Coginchaug River inside Wadsworth Falls State Park, which straddles Middlefield and Middletown in central Connecticut. The state park system treats the waterfall, known locally as Big Falls, strictly as a viewing destination: swimming and picnicking are prohibited there, and visitors are asked to keep stops brief so others can enjoy the view. A separate swimming pond and picnic grounds exist elsewhere in the park for recreation.
The park maintains about 4.5 miles of trails for hiking and biking, though the official park page does not post a specific distance from parking to the falls overlook - check the current trail map before visiting. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Connecticut-registered vehicles enter free; out-of-state vehicles pay $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends and holidays. Restrooms, parking and all-terrain wheelchairs (by advance reservation) are available, and dogs are allowed on leash on the trails but not at the swimming beach.
Know before you go
Wadsworth Falls State Park, 721 Wadsworth St, Middlefield/Middletown, CT; Big Falls is a short-visit viewing area only.
Open daily 8 a.m. to sunset year-round; check current park alerts before visiting.
About 4.5 miles of park trails total; exact distance to the falls overlook is not specified on the official page - consult the current trail map.
Free for Connecticut-registered vehicles; $10 weekdays / $15 weekends & holidays for out-of-state vehicles.
Parking, restrooms and accessible picnic tables on site; all-terrain wheelchairs available by advance reservation.
2026-10-12. Conditions and requirements can change; confirm with the land manager before travelling.
Sources & further reading
This is a researched visitor guide, not a claim that our editors have personally visited. Trail conditions, permits, and access can change.
