Wadsworth Falls State Park — Attraction in Middletown

Great nature walks close to home! This park features numerous walking trails ranging from flat and level to wooded. The main trail in orange blazes is reasonably flat and well cleared and can be navigated with a stroller and is appropriate for children. There are some seating options en route. The giant Mountain Laurel is a landmark on the trail. In winter the trail is often covered in snow and used by cross country skiers. There are two water falls. The big falls are accessible from a parking lot in the Middlefield entrance. For the more adventurous, one can hike into the woods to view the small falls. This is a cascading fall with a lower water flow rate than the big falls, but nevertheless a nice site to reward the hiking effort.The trails are more uneven and there are steep drops, making it appropriate for able bodied hikers. For a more secluded walk, the purple laurel brook trail follows a small waterway. It is narrow and has some uneven patches, but is great for a solitary experience in typical New England hardwood forest. The Bridge trail goes over Laurel Brook and connects purple and yellow trails. It runs roughly parallel to Laurel Grove road and is near the point of access from Wadsworth Mansion mentioned below. The park features swimming in the summer months. There are also numerous grill stations for outdoor barbecuing, and some picnic tables. One may also fish in the designated area.

Note that there are two main parking lots but these Middletown lot requires paying a fee. If you have CT plates on your vehicle, the fees are included in your registration and you do not need to pay onsite. Out of state vehicles must pay even if the toll gate is unmanned. Follow the signs to pay with your phone. You may otherwise receive a parking violation. You may also park at the adjacent Wadsworth Mansion and cross Laurel Grove Rd which is unpaved to enter the park. This is free. However you will have a hike about a quarter mile to the swimming, restrooms and grills. If your main purpose is to hike the trails this may be a good option as the lots do tend to fill up in the summer and fall but it is not recommended if you have children or elderly in your party, or if you are toting coolers and baggage. At the Middlefield entrance there is also a lot. However it is much smaller. This is near the big falls. Picnicking in the grass on blankets is appropriate here but there are no grills or tables nearby. Use the Middletown entrance for these amenities.

Overall the park has great trails, beautiful falls, and picnicking and swimming options for enjoying the outdoors. It is family friendly, pet friendly (except in the swimming pond), and has handicap accessible scenery, while also offering some moderate level hiking for the adventuresome. It is truly a gem in the state park...

A wonderful state park with a very reasonable entrance fee. Check the state websites for fees, as it varies during the week. Wadsworth has some fantastic hiking trails during the year, which work wonderfully for snow shoeing during the winter months. The trails are well blazed and cared for. While hiking the length of the park can be a considerable distance (over 3 miles), the hike itself is fairly easy, with wide trails and minimal elevation changes. The views of the falls are fantastic. The southern tip of the park hosts Wadsworth Falls, along with a parking area for anyone not interested in walking along the trails. The northern end of the park has a beach, along with dressing rooms and bathroom facilities. The beach sits on a small lake, so don't expect anything too deep. However, it's perfect for families with young children. There is also a shaded picnic area for lunch or escape from the sun. The Little Falls are found in the middle of the park. Follow the blue blazed trail, looking out for signs directing you to Little Falls. (Wadsworth Falls is marked as "Big Falls.") This park is also home do a giant laurel, a mountain laurel that has grown to be over 15 feet tall and 30 feet in diameter. Many of the stems and branches are nearly a foot wide. A very interesting specimen for any flora...

Park in the Cherry Hill St. lot for a short walk to the big falls. The lot is unmarked until you are pulled in all the way so it's easy to miss. We walked up the road, over the train tracks, to the marked trail and just took the half mile yellow trail. Trails were not marked frequently enough as we approached intersections, and I was with a retired military and Eagle Scout, so it wasnt just me craning my neck looking down the next marked tree. The yellow trail has no water areas, but we spied lots of little creatures and the wild roses were in bloom (early June) so it was a nice little walk. Some uphill but manageable. On the walk back to the lot, we stopped to look at the river from the other side of the highway, which was pretty and worth a peek for a few minutes. Back to the waterfall, it became later in the morning and so. More visitors, a few swimming dogs, and a casual fisherman. We also saw a lump in the grassy field and upon investigation met a slepping tortoise. Funny place for a nap, but we left him to it. Parking at this lot was free. But I believe there is a charge (for out of state plates) at the main lot in summer. Check the CT DEP website before...