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Wadsworth Falls State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 2,371 Google reviews · Running trail in Middletown, Connecticut · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 4.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Wadsworth Falls State Park's 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.
Swimming pool & trails in a picnic-ready park that contains a waterfall, streams & a pond.
What runners say about Wadsworth Falls State Park
“The park is perfect for hiking enthusiasts and families alike, with well-maintained trails that wind through lush woodlands.”
“Wadsworth Falls State Park is a hidden gem in Connecticut that offers a serene and beautiful natural escape.”
“they felt well-maintained, not slippery, and easy to navigate.”
“The views of the falls are stunning without requiring a strenuous hike, and the overall walk felt calm, scenic, and doable at an easy pace.”
“The trails range from easy to moderate, making it accessible for all ages.”
Big falls are a must see!! We parked on the main parking lot which is really far from the big falls only to discover there was another parking lot right by it. We had an awesome hike to the big waterfall which took us about 40 minutes. The waterfall is gorgeous!
Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middletown, CT The falls…a little falls and big falls here…are marvelous! Little falls was flowing very lightly today, as Earth 🌍 asks to be loved on all of her days and within all of her seasons. Oh, and big falls was flowing powerfully even with a downed tree laying across her top.
We visited during COVID and it was absolutely beautiful. I was pretty pregnant at the time and felt very comfortable on the trails... they felt well-maintained, not slippery, and easy to navigate. It was a great walk for both a pregnant person and a kid, which isn’t always easy to find.
Excellent multi-use trail system and pond side beach. The park gets very busy as the day progresses so I recommend going early. The small falls is a relatively easy hike. The larger falls requires a short hike along a road to get to it if you're going to the main viewing area.
Trail conditions & character
“Wadsworth Falls State Park is a hidden gem in Connecticut that offers a serene and beautiful natural escape.”
“We parked on the main parking lot which is really far from the big falls only to discover there was another parking lot right by it.”
“Wadsworth Falls State Park is a hidden gem in Connecticut that offers a serene and beautiful natural escape.”
“The trails range from easy to moderate, making it accessible for all ages.”
Plan your run at Wadsworth Falls State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance4.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitectparks.com
- Phone(860) 345-8521
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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