Waterfalls–this natural attraction draws in visitors from far and wide. From bucket list trips to Niagara Falls to finding a hidden waterfall stream on a walk in the woods, waterfalls intrigue and inspire. For our itinerary, we’re sticking mostly to our backyard of New England with three water road trips in Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. After that, we’ll foray into two farther afield road trips which are all about impressive waterfalls, Snoqualmie Falls in Washington and the waterfalls of Iceland.
Eastern Connecticut Waterfall Road Trip
The first of our waterfall road trips begins in the small town of Franklin, heads next door to Norwich, travels west to East Haddam, and finishes in Middlefield, toward the middle of the state.
Bailey’s Ravine at Ayers Gap
This small waterfall is located in the tiny town of Franklin, Connecticut. Although the parking lot for the Bailey’s Ravine preserve is located on Route 207, the biggest of the waterfalls is just a small jaunt down the road to Ayers Road. Catch the first of our cascades here.
Yantic Falls
The legend of Uncas leaping over this breathtaking vista gave the falls the nickname “Indian Leap.” Unlike many of my favorite Connecticut parks and preserves where a good amount of walking is in store, this waterfall is only a few steps from the parking lot on Yantic Street. Watch as the seemingly benign Yantic River cascades ferociously over the rocks below. This is easily one of the most impressive waterfalls in New England. Although the spring’s rushing water is awe-inspiring, an iced-over falls in the winter is also a sight to see.
Chapman Falls at Devil’s Hopyard State Park
For such a diabolic place name, it looks more like a slice of heaven. Make sure to check out Chapman Falls which is close to the parking lot and is a serene waterfall that makes this state park stand out. It is located in East Haddam, Connecticut.
Wadsworth Falls
Our route ends in Middlefield, Connecticut. Wadsworth Falls State Park is located in both Middletown and Middlefield. There are two parking areas. The one closer to the fall’s access is in Middlefield on Cherry Hill Road. If you’re looking for a longer hike, park in either lot and explore for hours. If you’re looking for a quick, pretty jaunt, the Cherry Hill Road lot provides an easy viewing point for the impressive waterfall. (There are also smaller falls farther upstream.) Spend a few minutes or a few hours at Wadsworth Falls State Park.
Vermont and New Hampshire Road Trip
If you’re adventurous, this waterfall road trip can be one looooong day of travel. If I were you, I’d space these out since many of these hiking areas are much more than simply a quick look at a waterfall. We’re starting in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The east side of the mountains takes us to Jackson for two stops, then a drive along gorgeous Route 302 for more falls. Now on the western side, two popular touristy spots await. Venturing out of state to Vermont’s Stowe region, two more falls await, and we finally hit the manmade (but certainly impressive) waterfall in Quechee, Vermont.
Glen Ellis Falls
Glen Ellis Falls, located off of Route 16 on the Jackson/Gorham border is a perfect easy hike to a waterfall. Flat at the beginning, the walk quickly descends via a staircase made of stone. This provides different viewsheds of the falls. Feel the spray at the bottom of the falls from the path.
Jackson Falls
We’re skipping the uber-popular Diana’s Baths which is also a series of falls. Instead, we’re onto Jackson. Situated in the heart of the village, this is a series of cascades of varying sizes. None are too steep though, which makes exploring the waterfall’s rocks fun for adults and kids alike. Look for parking alongside Carter Notch Road. If the lot is full, park in the center of town and walk up the road. There are plenty of pools to play in and rocks to climb. As we drive from Jackson to Carroll, New Hampshire, the site of our next waterfall, notice the waterfall in Crawford Notch, located on gorgeous Route 302.
Lower Ammonoosuc Falls
With all of the mountain climbing and deep woods rambles that can be done in the White Mountains, one of my favorites, especially with kids, is the Ammonoosuc Lower Falls. This is located in Carroll, close to the Omni Mount Washington Resort. Access it by Lower Falls Road which is two ends of a parking lot. The road is now a path only accessible to two feet or two wheels. The Ammonoosuc River rushes through the rock-strewn landscape creating cascades. It’s not a dramatic drop but, instead, a continuous rushing landscape of beautiful cascades. It’s not a long walk for little feet too, and closer to the eastern parking lot, the river is calm enough to climb on the rocks and splash through the crystal clear mountain water.
The Basin
These next two cascading destinations are certainly ON the beaten path in the tourist-centric Franconia Notch. Even with that, the Basin in Franconia Notch State Park is truly one of my favorite walks. It is short in length and accessible to older and younger legs. What it lacks in length it makes up for in natural beauty. The Pemigewasset River flows from the mountains up and around bends and cascades over rocks culminating with the actual Basin which the river has carved out of rock from eons of rushing water. It may not have the height of some New Hampshire waterfalls, but it sure is pretty.
The Flume
Waterfalls abound in this favorite White Mountains hike. It’s not only one of my favorites, it’s a stop where most vacationing families venture. (FYI: it costs money). It’s worth it though, as trails and boardwalks meander through woodlands and waterfalls with impressive views that get so close that you feel the spray. The New Hampshire granite (which gives the mountains its “white” name) seems as if it’s closing in on you as you traverse the terrain.
Moss Glen Falls
North of Stowe Village, off Route 100 on Moss Glen Falls Road is Moss Glen Falls. This impressive waterfall is accessed from the ground up. The path begins flat and soon the river is spotted. Hearing the falls, it soon comes into view. Options are to view it from here or to take the steep path alongside the falls to the top.
Bingham Falls
Bingham Falls is located in the woods off Route 108, on the north side of the road before reaching Stowe Mountain Resort. It’s a downhill jaunt to the waterfall. Watch the rushing mountain water cascade over the rocks below. It’s a beautiful spot.
Mill Pond Falls
Quechee is known for the always impressive Quechee Gorge, a man-made canyon in the middle of Vermont. Along with the gorge, another impressive waterfall is in the village center of Quechee. Mill Pond Falls not only provides plummeting rapid water but is also situated almost underneath an iconic Vermont wooden bridge.
Western Massachusetts/Connecticut/New York
This three-state waterfall road trip from western Massachusetts to Connecticut passes through New York on your journey from Mt. Washington, MA to Kent, CT.
Bash Bish Falls
Bash Bish provides a classically gorgeous waterfall setting, with its steep falling water cascading into a serene lagoon. The falls are located in a small slice of scenic heaven where Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut all become intimate with one another. For a quicker walk to the falls, try the parking lot at Mt. Washington on Falls Road; for a longer hike with the falls as your reward, try the parking lot on Route 344 in Copake Falls, New York. Never fear, one parking lot is just down the same street as the other.
Woodstock Waterfall
Just off the main drag in hip Woodstock, New York is the Woodstock Waterfall. This serene spot is a great way to take a break from the touristy shops of the town. Grab a picnic lunch and watch the falls as there is not a whole lot else to do at the falls. It’s a nice natural spot amidst the busy downtown and is located just behind the shops and businesses of Tinker Street.
Kent Falls
Kent Falls State Park is one of the most popular in the Connecticut state park system, and it is a stunning cascade of flowing water. Sure, you can view it from the parking lot or even the base, but for a real treat, scale the steps on the path that goes up and around the falls for an up-close view. Lovely in any season, but fall is transcendent.
Further Afield
Let’s visit the Pacific Northwest and Iceland for a few bonus waterfalls for our waterfall road trip!
Snoqualmie Falls
Not far out of the city of Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is certainly worth the trip. This towering cascade is viewable from a hike overlooking the falls. There is also a hotel, restaurant, and tourist center on the other side of the falls. The waterfall is simply stunning. At 268 feet, this waterfall’s drop is the tallest on our list.
Iceland
Okay- we’re heading out of our backyard for this excursion. But hey, I’m sure this is in someone’s backyard! Iceland holds some of the most awe-inspiring scenery that I have ever witnessed. Keeping with our theme of waterfall road trips, here are three of the most famous, all breathtaking and easy to get to. The first is located on the Golden Circle, a tourist route in the southwest of the country. The final two are along the country’s South Coast.
Gullfoss
Arriving at Gullfoss, notice the visitor center. Stop in and have yourself the lamb stew. Oh my God, it’s good. But on to the waterfall. Gullfoss can be viewable from above or down below and is only steps away from this visitor center. The glacial water violently drops 105 feet creating a blur of white foam on its way down. Couple that with the bright green terrain and this enchanting waterfall is not easily forgotten.
Seljalandsfoss
Taking Route 1 south from Reykjavik, the first major waterfall with easy access one encounters is Seljalandsfoss. Majesty, pure majesty is the view of the water falling 197 feet over the sheer rock face. Since it’s Europe, you can get up close to this waterfall, and even walk behind it. Past the falls in a “secret” cavern is a second waterfall, Gljufrabei. Two for the price of one!
Skogafoss
Another towering waterfall, Skogafoss, at 197 feet, is another stunner. It drops from a cliffside bathed in green. The mist of the splashing water on a sunny day creates a rainbow, which adds even more color to a vibrant scene.
Whether staying in New England or venturing far to Iceland or the Pacific Northwest, waterfall road trips await. Of course, this isn’t a comprehensive list since many books have been dedicated to this subject. Whether a series of rapids such as Jackson Falls, a towering cascade of Snoqualmie Falls, or a hidden jewel such as Yantic Falls, all of these are unique and recommended for their own reasons.
