Enders State Forest
Enders State Forest things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Enders State Forest is a Connecticut state forest located in the towns of Granby and Barkhamsted. The forest was established in 1970 with a 1,500-acre parcel of woodlands donated to the state by the children of John and Harriet Enders.
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Description
Enders State Forest is a Connecticut state forest located in the towns of Granby and Barkhamsted. The forest was established in 1970 with a 1,500-acre parcel of woodlands donated to the state by the children of John and Harriet Enders.
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Such a hidden gem. This is a fantastic place to hike, photograph, or just come and enjoy nature. Enders is basically a ravine in the forest with a river flowing through it down a series of waterfalls. When you park, you walk a short distance down to a main gravel pathway that runs parallel to the ravine, with staircases and pathways that branch off closer to the falls. From this parking lot, take the little trails into the woods and turn left (most of the waterfalls are downhill from the parking area). There's not much manmade here and it really helps preserve the beauty of the area. The waterfalls are amazing and be sure to come after there's been a rainy day or two when the falls will be the strongest. The pathways definitely discourage getting near the water, and if someone is being careless or under the influence I could easily see someone getting injured here, but you technically can swim here in certain deeper sections. I grew up coming here to swim and it can be a really cool place for that, but you need to know what you're doing and be very careful as it will be at your own risk. Lately they have been adding more signs to warn people away from swimming though. But just being here and walking is a serene experience and worth the trip to visit. Definitely one of the best nature spots around.
Tyler SalterTyler Salter
40
Absolutely love this place. From the small parking area, just follow the wide trail down the hill to the top of the falls. If you continue to follow the trail to the left (when facing the falls at the bottom of the hill) you will reach the first set of stairs that will take you all the way down through the many tiers. The middle falls is my favorite. There are areas where you can walk around the barriers to get closer but it is very steep and there are signs everywhere with cliff warnings - which seemed well deserved since the areas closest to the falls are wet with spray it looks very easy to slip and fall down the cliff. The stairs are wide and sturdy and not as much fun going back up LOL - but there is a loop you can do which includes a gradual incline back up instead of the stairs. We went late in the day, during the week and there were only a handful of people there.
Jena VignolaJena Vignola
00
Absolutely loved this park! Parking was plentiful and a porta-potty available. My family and I did the easy out and back 1-mile trail, Enders Brooks Falls. This was easy enough for my 3 year old. The trail was along the water; stairs and railings were meticulous installed for the safety of nature lovers of all ages. We were in awe by all the waterfalls; the sounds, ambiance, and smells were so peaceful. We saw quite a few people enjoying it too but it wasn't crowded. This park is located in Barkhamsted and Granby; both beautiful towns. There is a second out and back 4.4-mile trail, Fox Road Trail; we didn't hike this one yet but look forward to it next time.
Kim V.Kim V.
00
Going to Enders is always an absolute pleasure! I try and visit every time I’m in the area since it offers such beautiful views. I’ve visited numerous times and it doesn’t matter if the parking lot is totally empty or filled with cars galore I’ve never felt cramped or that there was too many people around to enjoy all the amazingness this place has to offer. Make sure to explore both sides up and down for different vantage points and experiences. The far side is a bit more rugged and natural for lack of better terms but the closer side has been redone with beautiful stairs that are exceptionally easy to navigate for people of all ages!
Paul RoePaul Roe
20
Parking lot holds 40 cars room for bikes. One Porto potty. Main trail to left heading down from parking lot follow to steps along Brook. Steep so be careful. Stop and take in views throughout short walk. 1/4 mile down 1/4 mile back. Many small trails lead off made by swimmers and picnicker’s. Don’t bring glass. Near bottom of main stairs and taking small trails down leads to the main pool with falls and deep enough for wading or swimming. Other areas throughout allow for your own place to chill. Hot weekend’s may have 200 people around trails. Weekdays better. Even a late wade or swim is nice. I did not see any dogs.
Dan PintonDan Pinton
00
Enders Forest is a beautiful park. This review is not about the park so much as it is about the Connecticut nanny-state. This place used to be filled with people playing in the water and enjoying the thrill of a natural water slide. Now there are warning signs and fences, out up to protect people from themselves. The nanny states yahoos of Connecticut could have come up with other solutions, like adding a life guard and charging a fee for admission. Instead, fences and the culture of "no " won out. Congratulations Connecticut, you took away yet another joy from your residents' lives.
Stephen SelbyStephen Selby
50
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(396 reviews)
Phone
(860) 424-3200
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Website
ct.gov
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Deep Dive
A deep dive into Enders State Forest
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