Family hiking at Wadsworth Falls {Middletown, Connecticut}

We’re leaf-peepin’, maze-minding, rock-climbing, apple-picking people. There’s so much fun here in Connecticut this fall… I figured I’d better share photos before it’s over! First up – kid-friendly family hiking at Wadsworth Falls State Park.

Centrally located in Middletown, Connecticut, Wadsworth Falls is a great spot for a quick and easy family hike. This was our second trip, but our first with the kids.

The 1.6 mile hike out to the Big Falls is easy and rambling, very little incline. Along the way, you’ll go over a stone bridge, see the Giant Laurel (which must have been hit by lightning since the last time we hiked), cross a very low stream and pass by the Little Falls. We were excited to see a group of equestrians riding their horses on the trail.

I love the Little Falls the best, actually – the quiet trickling water over the gleaming black sandstone is peaceful.

And… we spotted several frogs and toads! Do you see him?

At the end of the trail, you’ll come out on the road, and then walk down a few hundred feet to the actual Big Falls. You could just drive there too, but what would be the fun.

The Big Falls is sure to impress – roaring shoots of water splashing over jutting rocks into a smooth pool at the bottom. Just lovely.

While you can’t picnic at the falls itself, there’s a big grassy field just before it where we ate our lunch.

Our fourteen-month old rode in the Kelty backpack carrier, and our little three year old kept up pretty well in his big old hiking boots. Although he got so tired on the way home, sometimes Daddy looked like this:

The best part of my day was watching my son’s delight in the many woodland wonders we saw… and seeing his little feet try to keep up with his Daddy’s. You’ll get there someday, little man. Someday.

Do you have any favorite hikes (in Connecticut or otherwise?).

FLASHBACK TIME: Here’s a photo of our oldest son on last year’s hike – he was IN the Kelty carrier! Now the baby rides there! Wow, look at that baby-face he had!

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Courtney

Friday 18th of October 2013

That waterfall is so pretty. Looks like an beautiful day and that is sooo funny that hubby had to carry 2. Poor guy. Our favorite big hike was in the NC Smokies. It was super fun and the kids ask when we can do it again.

T Rex Mom

Monday 14th of October 2013

Oh gosh, A does still have a baby face there. We looked at a recent photo of our daughter and noticed how no-like-a-baby she appeared. In fact, one of the photos we glimpsed into the future of what she will look like a bit older.

Looks like a wonderful family outing. The photos were lovely. You could make an entire photo book out of these. Oh, and I totally spotted A's hiking books in the first photo with him near the bridge.

We hike the Oregon Trail all the time. Our kids are getting pretty strong and have great endurance. It takes an solid hour of swimming or a 5 mile hike to wear them out now. It's really good for kids to be active outdoors. Glad to see you sharing that with the kids.

Sarah G.

That looks like a beautiful hike! My favorite hike in Virginia is Humpback Rocks - it can be a little strenuous, but it's worth it. The view of the Shenandoah Valley spread out beneath you when you get to the top is just breathtaking. One time we hiked there with friends, we were by ourselves, and decided to have a little hymn sing. It was great, singing The Solid Rock and How Great Thou Art while standing on top of a mountain. :)