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Roaring Brook Falls
4.6 ★★★★★ 72 Google reviews · Running trail in Cheshire, Connecticut · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Roaring Brook Falls' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area popular for its waterfalls, including the second highest in Connecticut.
What runners say about Roaring Brook Falls
“It was beautiful and surreal which most people didn’t get to see.”
“Relatively easy to follow, signage isn't the best.”
“Very peaceful and so very beautiful.”
“This is a fairly easy hike.”
I’ve lived in Cheshire for over 2 years and had no clue about this trail. A definite hidden gem that I can’t wait to keep visiting. The trail can either be out and back or a loop. One part of the trail is EXTREMELY steep, but rewardingly challenging if you are up for it.
This is a fairly easy hike. I had a different experience from the other reviewers. No, the trail isn't a gravel path the entire way, but it is by no means run down and confusing. It was a pretty short and easy hike. If you're looking for a decent water view, and a short, but at times steep hike, this is for you.
Roaring Brook Falls in Cheshire, CT was the most challenging stop on our Connecticut Waterfall Road Trip. The red trail climbs steeply, nearly straight up, and earns a solid 10 out of 10 for difficulty. Every direction is uphill, and what goes up must come down, so be prepared for a serious workout.
Great waterfall with an easy but uphill trail. There is the main waterfall which is large, and a small waterfall before that one.
Trail conditions & character
“The waterfall is about a 20 minute/ half-hour walk from the parking lot/ trail map, not too bad, but it is all mostly going straight uphill.”
“If you're looking for a decent water view, and a short, but at times steep hike, this is for you.”
“No, the trail isn't a gravel path the entire way, but it is by no means run down and confusing.”
“The waterfall is about a 20 minute/ half-hour walk from the parking lot/ trail map, not too bad, but it is all mostly going straight uphill.”
“Area steep, loose gravel, drop-offs with no barriers, bit rocky and exposed roots.”
“I hiked from the left side of the trail loop and get down to the river above the waterfalls.”
Plan your run at Roaring Brook Falls
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance1 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitecheshirect.org
Running trails near Cheshire
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Roaring Brook Park
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Hiking trail featuring waterfalls, woods and a scenic vista.
Lock 12
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The historic Farmington Canal offers a scenic paved trail with many miles for walking and biking.
Linear Path S Brooksvale Intersection
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Farmington Canal Heritage Trail
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Paved trail with a public restroom that's popular for running, walking, and biking.
Brooksvale Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 510 reviews
Park featuring a kids' playground plus farm animals including horses and chickens.
Quinnipiac Trail, Hamden, CT
5 ★★★★★ 8 reviews