Ready to make a splash? These waterfall swimming holes in Connecticut offer a cool and refreshing escape from the summer heat in addition to peaceful, scenic views. The hike to these spots is quick and easy but the memories will last a lifetime. Skip the concrete pools and spend the day exploring the state’s wild side. Plan a picnic, as long as you promise to take your trash with you, and enjoy the fresh water. You can check out our collection of waterfalls in CT for swimming below:

1. Enders Falls, Enders State Forest, Granby
John Schiller/Flickr
Enders State Forest, Granby, CT 06035, USA
Connecticut 219, CT-219, New Hartford, CT, USA
ilirjan rrumbullaku/Flickr
This epic spring might be the most beautiful in the state. Stand underneath the small falls for a one-of-a-kind nature massage or just hang out on the rocks. There are actually several sets of falls here so you won't have to share with the crowd. This charming pool will have you mesmerized. It's one of the best waterfall swimming holes in the state. For more information, visit the Enders State Forest webpage.

Check out this short video by @hoffmanbike:
2. Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middletown
Sean C./Yelp
Wadsworth Falls State Park, 721 Wadsworth St, Middletown, CT 06457, USA
721 Wadsworth St, Middletown, CT 06457, USA
Patrick Franzis/Flickr
Wadsworth Falls State Park will make you feel one with nature. Though visitors are prohibited from swimming and picnicking near the Big Falls, which is one of the prettiest waterfalls in Connecticut, there are several nearby pools available for all day adventure. Splash in the water and enjoy the refreshing fun! Plus, Pets on a leash are totally allowed. Feel free to bring the whole gang! For more information, visit the Wadworth Falls State Park webpage.

Check out this video by @MICROPROG:
3. Indian Well Falls, Shelton
Trenten Kelley/Flickr
Indian Well State Park, 1 Indian Well Rd, Shelton, CT 06484, USA
Trenten Kelley/Flickr
Who wouldn't want to dive in to these crystal clear waters? The pool here is like an enclosed crater that gives this space a feeling of intimacy, making it one of the loveliest waterfalls you can swim in Connecticut. Sit on a log and dip your feet, hand out in the shallow waters with your dog, or test your bravery by jumping off the rocks. The hike to this spot is only .2 miles. For more information, visit the Indian Well Falls webpage.
4. Riga Falls, Salisbury
Decaseconds/Flickr
Connecticut 4, CT-4, Farmington, CT, USA
Decaseconds/Flickr
Be careful here, as the rocks are slippery. This isn't a spot for jumping but its large pool and cool waters make it perfect for lounging about. This space is pretty remote, which makes it feel like an island oasis. Plus the tree canopy keeps it from getting too hot.
5. Farmington River, New Hartford
Farmington River Tubing/Facebook
92 Main St, New Hartford, CT 06057, USA
David F/TripAdvisor
So I know what you're thinking -- this is not a waterfall. But with its level three rapids it has all the illusions of one. This nature lake lazy river is a three-hour journey full of dips and splashes, giving it that extra thrill. You can learn more about this adventure by reading about tubing on the Farmington River.

These waterfall swimming holes in Connecticut are pretty great, aren’t they? What are some of your favorite waterfalls in CT for swimming? Let us know! For a calmer swim, skip the falls and head to one of these other nature-made swimming holes.

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Waterfall Swimming Holes in Connecticut

Melissa M | April 16, 2021

What is summer like in Connecticut?

July is usually the hottest month of the year in Connecticut and the average summer temperatures range from 78-85 degrees and while this is seemingly tolerable, humidity is an added factor that makes it seem hotter. Nights are much cooler, though, dipping down to 55-65 degrees. Although there are quite a few sunny days, expect rain showers and thunderstorms throughout the warmer months.

Are there any waterfall hikes I can take in Connecticut?

Yes, there are waterfall hikes you can take in Connecticut including:

  • Head to Middletown in central Connecticut to take a 0.1-mile hike to the stunning Wadsworth Falls which pours down 30 feet into a pool below.
  • At Devil’s Hopyard State Park in East Haddam, you can hear Chapman Falls as soon as you exit your vehicle in the parking lot. In just a short walk, you can then see this picturesque waterfall with its cascade of 60 feet. 

 

Where can I go swimming in Connecticut?

You can go swimming at the following places in Connecticut:

  • Beaches along the Long Island Sound. You’ll find pristine soft white sand at Ocean Park Beach in New London. Not only can you swim in the ocean, but there is an Olympic-sized swimming pool as well as a boardwalk, a miniature golf course, a cafe, and more. This place guarantees a day of summer fun!
  • Head to Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme for trails, a salt marsh that is ideal for viewing wildlife, and its soft sandy beach where you can sit and stay for a while or jump in the water for a swim. 

 

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