Guide to Wadsworth Falls State Park, Connecticut
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Despite being one of our smaller states, there’s a lot to love about Connecticut – specifically, all of its waterfalls, which are renowned throughout New England. Wadsworth Falls State Park offers those in spades, with thousands of visitors coming to enjoy the incredible scenery every year.
Tucked in near the center of the state, these 250-plus acres offer you a great respite from your RV for a while and encourage you to get out and see waterfalls that have been adored for hundreds of years. It’s an ideal stopover when you’re making a New England road trip in your rental RV.
There are two main waterfalls in the state park. Little Falls, the aptly named smaller of the two, sits on Wadsworth Brook. It drops roughly 40 feet down over a nice outcropping of sandstone. You’ll come across this one first on Little Falls Trail, and it’s less than a mile from the park entrance.
The larger of the two is called Wadsworth Falls, the park’s namesake. It’s a large, grandiose water feature. It’s on the Coginchaug River and drops the full breadth of it, down 52 feet. There’s a quickly accessible path that gets you there off Cherry Hill Road, or you can hike in from the park entrance at a little over one mile. Take note that swimming and picnicking at the big falls is strictly prohibited.
There are several great fishing spots along the Coginchaug River. The stream is stocked with trout and you may come across a few other species of fish as well. Whether you’re bank fishing or wading in, the clear water makes this place a fishing hot spot.
The Coginchaug River is really ideal for fly fishing. Even if you’re new to it, the river is forgiving, and you can take a few steps out into the stream to try your hand. Who knows? You may even hook into a sizable trout and be able to brag to the rest of your family.
Most of the hiking in and around Wadsworth Falls State Park is easy and accessible. For most ability levels, you should be able to enjoy a nice walk in the woods and see some waterfalls. There’s even a road walk, which lets you cross a river and railroad tracks along the way, giving you a bird’s eye view of the area beneath you.
There are six total trails, all marked with different colored blazes. There are other areas to visit nearby as well, plus other sights to see, which are all accessible from these trails. For example, you can see an old, abandoned pumphouse, plus take a trail that leads you to the Wadsworth Estate grounds for more hiking.
Mountain biking is a popular pastime at Wadsworth Falls State Park. There are four total trails that are marked for mountain biking. Two of them fall on the easier side, which are great for taking out the family. Two are marked intermediate, on which you may want to have some experience with trickier terrain to tackle.
Main Trail and Bridge Trail are collectively about two miles long. These easy trails would be good for a nice afternoon cruise with the whole crew. Little Falls Trail, Laurel Grove Brook, and Sidewinder are more difficult, with bigger climbs and slightly steeper descents. As you’re mountain biking in the area, keep an eye out for hikers and always wear a helmet.
Named for Colonel Clarence S. Wadsworth, the same man who Wadsworth Falls are named after, Wadsworth Mansion is the brainchild of this academic. Construction began in 1900 with it being built near the area that is now Wadsworth Falls State Park, originally part of his estate.
Today, the mansion operates primarily as a wedding venue. However, the grounds and trails are open daily for visitors. And if you happen to be hiking on a Wednesday, the mansion itself is open for guided tours.
You can feel right at home down on the farm at Riverdale Farm Campsites. There are full hookups available for your RV, plus Wi-Fi access. A camp store keeps you stocked with all the goods, and a laundromat, shower, and restroom facility keep you feeling fresh. For fun, there are loads of recreational opportunities, from shuffleboard to basketball, a video arcade, and trout fishing on a nearby river.
There’s more than just camping at Bear Creek Campground. Lake Compounce is actually a family theme park with a wide variety of rides and fun. Meanwhile, the sites themselves offer full utility hookups, plus a fire pit and picnic table. Of course, the real perk is that they offer free transportation to and from the theme park, so you can enjoy a full day, then happily cruise back to camp and enjoy your evening fire.
Witch Meadow Lake Family Campground is in nearby Salem, Connecticut, which shouldn’t be confused with the more infamous one in Massachusetts. All that said, the campground is worth staying at. A large lake offers swimming, boating, and fishing. Tennis courts and a recreation hall with video games, pool, and pinball can keep you busy during the day. Need a reprieve? There’s an adult’s-only lounge for playing cards and a large screen TV to catch the game. There’s even food service onsite, which saves you the trip to a restaurant (or from cooking).
When you’re traveling with your family, why not stay at another family campground? Nelson Family Campground is in central Connecticut and offers a ton of amenities. Let’s start with full utility hookups. Then let’s talk about basketball, volleyball, and gaga ball courts. There’s hiking and fishing on site as well. A 60-foot swimming pool is massive and perfect for a family’s enjoyment. There’s also Wi-Fi on site available. There are even theme nights over the summer with meals and great opportunities to meet your fellow campers.
In a quiet forest campground called Markham Meadows, you’ll find plenty of rest and relaxation during your stay. There’s a pool onsite, plus Wi-Fi. An arcade and a pool table can keep things fun, as well as a paved basketball court. Two ponds with free paddle boats and free kayaks let you enjoy the water, and there’s even catch and release fishing available. A general store and snack bar are also both on site to satisfy cravings and keep your RV stocked.
There are no restaurants or snack shops inside the park. When you’re hiking, plan on bringing a quick snack along with you to enjoy on the trail, and as always, pack out whatever you pack in—there aren’t trash cans inside the park. If you’re hoping for something more substantial, there are picnic areas here where you can make your own meal in your RV’s kitchen, toss it in a basket, and have a good, old-fashioned picnic.
In nearby Middletown, right on the Connecticut River, you’ll find a diverse selection of restaurants. A wide variety of ethnic foods, from Vietnamese to Mexican and everywhere in-between, are all scattered across the city. You’ll also find classic American like burgers, family-friendly pizza places, and great diners slinging hot, fast breakfasts. It’s perfect before or after a nice hike.
Middletown is a small, quaint river city with plenty to offer as well. Whether you’re driving through and hoping for a quick bite or planning on staying in the area for a bit, make sure to spend some time there after your meal. You may find something special to take home as a reminder of your vacation.