Our Hiking Adventures To Wadsworth Falls took our family on a gorgeous Fall weekend to the preserved natural area located on the Coginchaug River in the towns of Middletown and Middlefield in Connecticut. According to Wikipedia, the state park’s 285 acres offer trail hiking and fishing.
Swimming and picnicking are allowed at the pond near the north entrance near 721 Wadsworth Street (CT Route 157) in Middletown. It is managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The history of the area, according to Connecticut State Parks, talks about Clarence C. Wadsworth, a noted scholar and linguist, who had held the rank of Colonel in the New York National Guard before marrying and settling in Middletown.
There he became involved in a forty-year effort to preserve the natural beauty of Wadsworth Falls for all people. By his will which established The Rockfall Corporation, a non-profit organization to administer his plans for the land, the 267 acres were given to the State in 1942.
Our Hiking Adventures To Wadsworth Falls was a 3.6-mile loop trail following the Orange marker. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 24 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash and the trail is good for all skill levels.
Thanks to a more updated version of the app AllTrails, we started our adventure at the orange trail. The terrain was pretty flat throughout and the gorgeous Fall foliage was everything to remind us to take in the beauty of nature all around us. We ended up crossing the railroad near the parking lot near the Big Falls via Route 157.
When we reached the Big Falls, it was our cue to take in the peaceful view and sit for a snack break. It always seems that the hike back goes quicker but took time to loop back to the side trail that leads to the Little Falls. It was important for us not only to explore the beauty of nature around but to learn about our Natural Connecticut and the rich history it carries.
We learned along our Hiking Adventures to Wadsworth Falls that the State Park is comprised of other trails like Laurel Grove Brook (Yellow Marker) and Cedar Loop (Red Marker). Also the permanent signs along the Inner Trail narrate the natural history of the land. The trees marked by waypoints are just some of the unique trees planted by Colonel Wadsworth when he developed the Estate in the early 20th century.
You are welcome to explore The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill. It is an easy walk and can be completed in 30 minutes. Our Hiking Adventures to Wadsworth was one for the memory book in the gorgeous Fall weather we had and we appreciate the fact that it targets wellness and education, a combination that is part of the pillars that makes our WELLthy family lifestyle.
