Falls Brook Trail

Tunxis State Forest, Connnecticut

Here are six photos from my October 17 hike of the Falls Brook Trail in Tunxis State Forest, Hartland, CT.

From the small parking area on Route 20, a blue-blazed trail leads west approximately 0.3 miles to a 1.1-mile loop. To the right is the upper part of the loop and a bridge over the eastern branch of Falls Brook. To the left is the lower part of the loop and the main waterfall, unofficially named Falls Brook Falls. This waterfall is near the southeastern (bottom) end of the loop, and getting a decent view of it requires some off-trail scrambling.

The trail is not strenuous, as there is little elevation change, but the footing can be tricky, especially when the rocky trail is covered with leaves. The loop includes three brook crossings, but only one has a bridge, so some care is required for making the other two crossings in high water. It is possible avoid fording the brook and still enjoy most of the scenery by treating the hike as an out-and-back to the confluence of the two brook branches with a spur to the main waterfall - only about 0.2 miles of the loop would be sacrificed.

Falls Brook cascade and pool above main waterfall

Falls Brook cascades above main waterfall

Falls Brook Falls (unofficial name)

Falls Brook Falls

Downstream from Falls Brook Falls

Small waterfall at the confluence of the Falls Brook branches

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