George P. McLean, former Governor of Connecticut and United States Senator, left his property upon his passing in 1932 to trustees who formed the McLean Game Refuge in accordance with his will. Several additional purchases of adjacent tracts of lands since then have increased the size of the refuge. As a result of these conservation efforts, this waterfall should now be forever open to the public. This 18-foot waterfall is gorgeous in high water but nearly lifeless for much of the summer when water is scarce. Under normal water conditions, the brook is split into two segments just below the lip of the waterfall. Both sides are heavily bordered by moss, which always adds a nice element to waterfall photography. Swimming is not an option here, as the pools are shallow and the water often retains an unattractive rust-color. There are many trails within the refuge available for hiking. Take note that despite what the phrase “game refuge” might imply to some, there is no hunting allowed in the park. Fishing and mountain bicycling are also prohibited, and dogs must be leashed. For additional information on the park, including a detailed trail map, visit www.mcleangamerefuge.org.

From the parking area, head downstream on a trail that begins to the left of the bridge. The falls are just ahead. A spur path leads right to an observation point at the middle of the falls. If you travel downstream a few additional feet, another spur path will swing around to the base of the falls.

Directions for this particular waterfall are not posted online. Please see directions in our published guidebook, New England Waterfalls: A Guide to More Than 400 Cascades And Waterfalls, or you can email us and we will happily provide them to you.

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