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Connecticut’s Scenic Waterfall Loop Will Take You To 4 Different Waterfalls

Explore a scenic waterfall loop in Connecticut featuring some of the state's most beautiful waterfalls.

Updated Mar 21, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

When it comes to natural wonders, CT waterfalls are one of everyone's favorites. If you're looking for a great road trip that will show you some of the best waterfalls in Connecticut, you'll definitely want to check out this scenic waterfall loop in Connecticut!

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Google Maps

The entire trip will take right around four hours of driving time. You'll get to see some of the biggest and most hidden waterfalls in Connecticut, along with two of our loveliest state parks. You can view the entire itinerary on Google Maps and add or remove stops if you like.

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1. Kent Falls State Park, Kent

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Mike Stewart / Google Reviews

Did you know Kent Falls State Park was named the most beautiful place in Connecticut? The crown jewel of this state park is the series of cascades that continue for 250 feet.

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bob sweezey / Google Reviews

However, the rest of the park is definitely worth exploring if you have the time. There are several creeks, wonderful hiking trails, and even a covered bridge to see here.

2. Enders State Forest, Granby

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Michael M / Google Reviews

Enders Falls is a rare quintuple waterfall within a massive state forest that shares its name.

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Koby Kovitz / Google Reviews

While this place is deemed a state forest, it also includes wetlands and creeks within its 2,100+ acres. A recent improvement project means that you can now get even better views of the waterfall than before!

3. Chapman Falls, Haddam

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Brendon T. / Google Reviews

Devil's Hopyard State Park is an allegedly haunted state park in East Haddam that has some fascinating legends surrounding it.

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CJ Oliver / Flickr

According to Puritan folklore, the devil himself used to sit atop Chapman Falls and play his fiddle! Lesser demons sat at the base, brewing mysterious potions.

4. Buttermilk Falls, Plymouth

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David Scarmozzino / AllTrails

The last stop on this road trip in Connecticut is the lovely Buttermilk Falls. The trail that leads to the falls is one of our favorite easy hikes in Connecticut.

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Lauren Palasiewicz / AllTrails

The entire trail spans about 38 miles, but to reach the waterfall, you just need to trek about 0.6 miles.

Have you taken a Connecticut waterfall road trip? You don't need to Google "waterfalls near me" anymore with this incredible road trip experience. How many of these CT waterfalls have you seen? Do you have any favorites that weren't included on this road trip? Share your thoughts in the comments!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/connecticut/hidden-waterfalls-ct/

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Trip Ideas

The Eclectic Neighborhood In Connecticut You Could Spend Weeks Exploring

Published Aug 13, 2024

Written by 

Lisa Sammons

We talk a lot about towns and cities here at Only In Connecticut, but let's be real: many cities are made up of a collection of neighborhoods that each has its own distinct personality. A visit to the west side of a city may have you thinking you're in a completely different place than the south or north. One neighborhood in Connecticut that we're especially fond of is New Haven's Westville. This is one of the oldest areas of the Elm City, and no visit to New Haven is complete without stopping by what many call the best neighborhood in New Haven, CT.

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Westville is, as the name implies, located in the western part of New Haven, just west of the West River. It's an incredibly walkable area that houses several of Yale University's athletic facilities, including the Yale Bowl football stadium.

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Welcome to Westville

The area is also home to plenty of shops and restaurants.

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Welcome to Westville

This is also a popular residential neighborhood with a reputation for fantastic schools and low crime rates.

Art is a big deal in Westville. You'll find a variety of galleries here, plus plenty of street art.

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DaSilva Gallery/Facebook

Each year, in early May, the neighborhood hosts the Westville Artwalk, a day where locals and visitors are invited to check out all the neighborhood galleries.

Another annual tradition here is the Halloween Puppet Parade.

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Welcome to Westville

From antique shops to restaurants, you'll find no shortage of cute spots to stop in along Whalley Avenue.

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Vinthanthro Modern & Vintage

The neighborhood also houses a variety of great outdoor attractions, like the beautiful Edgewood Park.

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Visit New Haven

Have you ever visited the best neighborhood in New Haven, CT? Share your favorite things to do in Westville in the comments!

For more information about Westville, including some more of the shops and restaurants located there, check out the Visit Westville website. Looking for the perfect place to stay in Westville? Check out this great modern apartment right in the heart of the neighborhood.

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Trip Ideas

5 Ridiculously Charming Train Rides To Take In Connecticut This Fall

Discover five unique scenic train rides in Connecticut perfect for autumn family outings.

Updated Aug 1, 2024

Written by 

Natalie Clunan

Autumn is a wonderful time of year in Connecticut. It's one of my favorite times to visit. Apple picking, pumpkin carving, and scenic hikes are tried-and-true activities that we all love. A more unique way to capitalize on the season is to hop aboard one of these ridiculously charming scenic train rides in Connecticut, where the entire family can enjoy a little leaf-peeping and maybe visit a pumpkin patch or two. Each is distinctive and special in its own way and you're sure to find at least one you'll love to ride.

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1. Essex Steam Train, Essex

A steam train travels along a river, surrounded by colorful autumn foliage reflecting in the water.
Facebook/Essex Steam Train & Riverboat

All aboard for a 12-mile journey through the countryside on the Essex Steam Train, one of the most scenic train rides in Connecticut. This historic steam train is a relaxing way to take in the autumn colors as you pass through charming towns and along the riverbank.

2. Buttonwood Farm Cow Train, Griswold

Children ride in cow-shaped carts through a sunflower field on a sunny day.
Lauralee Hayes/Google Local

When you think of Connecticut fall foliage trains, the Buttonwood Farm Cow Train probably doesn't cross your mind. While this super cute tractor-pulled cow train may seem like it's just for kids, adults can easily fit into the passenger seats too! Take a short ride around the farm and then join in some fall fun. Visit the pumpkin patch, get lost in the corn maze, savor homemade ice cream, and much more.

3. Pumpkin Patch Trains, Thomaston

A scenic view of autumn trees with vibrant orange leaves beside a winding river and railway tracks.
Railroad Museum of New England/Facebook

The Pumpkin Patch Train is an enchanting family outing. Ride along the Naugatuck River and up to the Thomaston Dam along this Connecticut fall foliage train ride. A bright and bold show is just outside the window. The train also stops at a pumpkin patch where kids get to find their perfect pick. Trips run on weekends in October.

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Take a look at this video by @WFSB:

4. Railyard Local, Danbury

A train yard with colorful train cars and tracks under a cloudy sky, surrounded by greenery and buildings in the background.
TripAdvisor/Alaina L

Take a tour of the historic railyard by train at this train museum in Connecticut in the fall. The 20-minute ride includes a spin on an active turntable. Kids will love seeing all the old trains at this spot. During the fall, the Railyard Local usually runs every weekend in October, and the Pumpkin Patch Train includes a visit to their pumpkin patch where kids can pick out a free pumpkin. For more information, visit the Danbury Railway Museum website.

Take a look at this video by @LoveWhatYouDo:

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5. Lavender Express, Killingworth

A colorful train with a passenger car parked in a green park under a blue sky with trees in the background.
Facebook/Lavender Pond Farm

Check out one of the most extraordinary scenic train rides in Connecticut. Ride a whimsical purple train on a tour of this lovely 25-acre lavender farm. Rides last approximately 20 minutes. Learn more about what's in store for you at Lavender Pond Farm.

Have you ever hopped aboard one of these charming scenic train rides in Connecticut? Are you aware of any great Amtrak train routes and prices? Tell us in the comments below!

If you'd rather be out stretching your legs, check out this beautiful fall hike and check out our Ultimate Hiking Packing List before you go!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/connecticut/short-fall-hike-ct/

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