Our Hiking Adventures To Indian Well State Trail is our first family adventures as the weather is warming up here in Connecticut. We headed to Indian Well State Park which is a public recreation area occupying 153 acres on the west bank of Lake Housatonic, an impoundment of the Housatonic River, within the city limits of Shelton, Connecticut. The state park’s scenic features include a 15-foot horsetail waterfalls with splash pool at bottom and we couldn’t wait to get our adventure started.
We took a tour of the park that is traversed from north to south by the blue-blazed Paugussett Trail. We drove past a boat launch that provides access to Lake Housatonic, which is a state Bass Management Lake with smallmouth and largemouth bass, white catfish, white perch, yellow perch, American eel, sunfish, and carp. The park also offers lifeguard-supervised swimming and picnicking facilities.
Indian Well was so named because of the Romeo and Juliet-like Native American legend surrounding the Park’s scenic waterfalls and the splash pool at the bottom of the falls. Although the falls are lovely, the park’s primary attraction is its location on the western bank of the Housatonic River. The shaded picnic grove at the water’s edge is a nice spot to spend a lazy summer day. In 1928 Indian Wells was established as a state park.
The park is open from 8 am to sunset. Vehicular traffic is limited to April 1st to October 31st . The fall season may be extended but it’s recommended to call the park office for details. Pets are prohibited, except in Maples area of park and entire park from the day after Labor Day to Memorial Day weekend on a leash no longer than 7 feet. It’s also recommended to call for clarification if traveling with a pet.
When deciding where to go, hikers usually have to make a choice between tackling something challenging that will push them to their limits, or doing something relaxed that is just great to hike. Indian Well State Park blends the line between the two. Since we have a 7-year old, we researched prior to go on our hiking adventures to Indian Well State Trail and were glad to find out that Indian Well Trail is a 1.4 mile loop trail. The trail is rated as moderate and primarily used for hiking, walking, and trail running. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Indian Well Falls is a slender 15-foot plunge that dumps into an attractive pool almost completely enclosed within a circular gorge. The name Indian Well derives its name from this gorge, which greatly enhances the beauty of these falls. The temptation to swim here is strong, but leave the bathing suit at home, as swimming is not allowed in the brook or at the falls. If swimming is what you desire, the state park offers a nearby beach and a swimming area along the Housatonic River.
The entire hike was a wonderful walk and the scenic view all around the trail loop makes it worthwhile. Babygirl was a bit tired when we got to the waterfalls but a rest and some healthy snacks later, she was ready to take the walk back. Overall, our hiking adventures to Indian Well State Trail was a success and we look forward to more hiking around Connecticut and beyond.
