Enders Falls

Enders Falls #3, Connecticut

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There are more waterfalls in the northeastern states than one might expect. None of them are wildly tall in Massachusetts or Connecticut…a few are definitely taller in New York, Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. If you want to get out of the city, there are waterfalls to see, though!

Enders State Forest is a really good choice. I visited the falls in August 2012, and that isn’t always the best time to visit waterfalls since it can be dry in July and August. The four Enders Falls were definitely flowing, though. They weren’t intense, but that may have produced a focused flow that was very photogenic. The hike to the falls is short and enjoyable, so again, if you want to get out of the city, these are a good choice in Connecticut!

Directions:

  1. From Hartford, head northwest toward Granby. If you were at the Hartford Airport, you could exit and head west along CT-20.
  2. Keep going on CT-20 through Granby until you come to the intersection with CT-219. (If you’re coming from another direction, head toward CT-219.)
  3. From CT-20, turn left onto CT-219 (Barkhamsted Road).
  4. About 1.5 miles from the intersection of CT-20 and CT-219, you’ll find a sign for Enders State Forest on your left. Park here and start the hike to the falls. It’s just less than half a mile one-way.

Accessibility: 9/10 (easy)
Height: 6′
Length of Hike: 0.8 miles round-trip (for all four falls)

Enders Falls #3 in August 2012

Where in the World is Ender Falls #3?

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Enders Falls #2, Connecticut

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The 2nd drop on Enders Falls (August 2012)

There are at least four visible, photograph-able drops along Enders Falls. I’ve already posted about drops #1 and #4, so check those out to see them. I think the second drop might be my favorite of the drops, though. (I really have to admit it’s fun to explore this area, finding all of these different views.)

The second drop clocks in at about 15-20′, and is taller than it appears in photos. The creek plunges down, and the eroded rocks surrounding it are really truly beautiful. To add to the beauty, it was very peaceful. There were only a few other people at the falls, and there are enough drops that you can find your own place to rest for a bit. If you have the time, check out all of Enders Falls!

Directions:

  1. From Hartford, head northwest toward Granby. If you were at the Hartford Airport, you could exit and head west along CT-20.
  2. Keep going on CT-20 through Granby until you come to the intersection with CT-219. (If you’re coming from another direction, head toward CT-219.)
  3. From CT-20, turn left onto CT-219 (Barkhamsted Road).
  4. About 1.5 miles from the intersection of CT-20 and CT-219, you’ll find a sign for Enders State Forest on your left. Park here and start the hike to the falls. It’s just less than half a mile one-way.

Accessibility: 8/10 (easy/moderate)
Length of Hike: 0.8 miles round-trip (to see all four falls)
Height: 18′

Where in the World is Enders Falls #2?

Enders Falls #4, Connecticut

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The fourth drop of Enders Falls (August 2012)

I’ve mentioned this before: Connecticut has more waterfalls than one might imagine. Now, I haven’t visited a many of them, but they do exist, and they’re not just small 1 or 2 foot drops. If you’re in the area, and you have limited time, then visiting the waterfalls in Enders State Forest is your best bet.

The first waterfall that I noticed is smaller in size, and not extremely interesting. The two middle waterfalls are the most impressive of the bunch, and are very beautiful. The fourth waterfall is also enjoyable, but is more difficult to photograph. You’ll want to bring a wide-angle lens in order to catch both of the drops. You might be able to photograph the upper portion separately, though I’m not sure how safe it was. The lower drop is smaller. Both of the drops together does lead to an enjoyable view, though a portion of the upper drop becomes hidden. You might get a sense of the complexities of this waterfall.

Directions:

  1. From Hartford, head northwest toward Granby. If you were at the Hartford Airport, you could exit and head west along CT-20.
  2. Keep going on CT-20 through Granby until you come to the intersection with CT-219. (If you’re coming from another direction, head toward CT-219.)
  3. From CT-20, turn left onto CT-219 (Barkhamsted Road).
  4. About 1.5 miles from the intersection of CT-20 and CT-219, you’ll find a sign for Enders State Forest on your left. Park here and start the hike to the falls. It’s just less than half a mile one-way.

Accessibility: 8/10 (easy/moderate)
Height: 12′
Length of Hike: 0.8 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Enders Falls #4?

Enders Falls #1, Connecticut

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Connecticut probably doesn’t conjure up many thoughts of waterfalls, but there are actually a surprising number in this small state. The Berkshire Mountain range passes through portions of Connecticut, leading to enough topographical changes to produce some waterfalls.

Northwest of Hartford is a set of waterfalls (on the same stream) known as Enders Falls. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly how many significant drops there are, because it depends on your definition of “significant.” I found four obvious drops during my visit, but I’ve seen five and six reported also. It may also depend on how adventurous you are, as there might be more falls further downstream. The first of these waterfalls, the furthest upstream I observed, is not the most exciting of the bunch. Don’t let that deter you from visiting this area, though, as the falls are very scenic. I do think this falls is nice, it’s just not very tall. If it were the only one there, I wouldn’t suggest going out of my way to visit it.

Directions:

  1. From Hartford, head northwest toward Granby. If you were at the Hartford Airport, you could exit and head west along CT-20.
  2. Keep going on CT-20 through Granby until you come to the intersection with CT-219. (If you’re coming from another direction, head toward CT-219.)
  3. From CT-20, turn left onto CT-219 (Barkhamsted Road).
  4. About 1.5 miles from the intersection of CT-20 and CT-219, you’ll find a sign for Enders State Forest on your left. Park here and start the hike to the falls. It’s just less than half a mile one-way.

Accessibility: 9/10 (easy)
Height: 6′
Length of Hike: 0.8 miles round-trip (for all four falls)

One of the Enders Falls (August 2012)

Where in the World is Enders Falls #1?