A short walk from the parking area (equipped w an outhouse). Very well constructed stone and wooden steps / stairways going gradually downhill. Hand railings help. Both upper and lower falls not very forceful in the dog days of summer, especially w little recent rain. Probably a better time to visit is spring. Still, very scenic and well shaded on a hot summer day. And there are many opportunities to cool off in the babbling brook! Note approx 130 steps total, broken off in sections. Not really handicapped accessible. read more

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A gorgeous place to go for a hike, swim or picnic. It is free to enter, has free parking and a porto potty. The trails are clean. When I went there was a steady stream of people. I saw two small waterfalls. I enjoyed getting my fill for the day of nature here. read more

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Absolutely loved this park! Parking was plentiful and a porta-potty available. My family and I did the easy out and back 1-mile trail, Enders Brooks Falls. This was easy enough for my 3 year old. The trail was along the water; stairs and railings were meticulous installed for the safety of nature lovers of all ages. We were in awe by all the waterfalls; the sounds, ambiance, and smells were so peaceful. We saw quite a few people enjoying it too but it wasn't crowded. This park is located in Barkhamsted and Granby; both beautiful towns. There is a second out and back 4.4-mile trail, Fox Road Trail; we didn't hike this one yet but look forward to it next time. read more

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My wife and I are novice hikers and were very pleased with Enders State Forest. The trails clean and are well marked, with plenty of side paths that lead to various small waterfalls. Other reviews mention the ability to swim in some areas. I would only caution hikers to be aware of the loose rock going down to some of these spots. It can be treacherous if you aren't careful. We will definitely be back with our kids for another hike. read more

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Located in a peaceful state forest, one of Connecticut's prettiest trails offers a serene escape from the tropical jungle. Its beauty is likely to be enhanced before the rain. Due to the steep slopes and slippery rocks, it is recommended that you wear hiking shoes. read more

Enders State Forest - Parks Near Me - Granby, Connecticut

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Enders Falls State Forest is one of Connecticut's gems. This beautiful natural area has heen upgraded considerably in the last five years. Newly widened and improved trails make for an easy hike for most people, and viewing stands and stairs have been added to the most popular spots. The five very nice waterfalls are beautiful even when waterflow is down. Viewing is best from the Sputh side of the river, but the hiking is more dangerous as the rocks and cliffs can be slippery. You won't be disappointed with this oark. Swimming is allowed, and there are four or five good swimming holes. Be prepared, however, as river water is very cold all summer. read more

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I heard about the waterfalls at Enders State Park on tik tok and was like it's so close, we gotta go see for ourselves! So we packed up my son and our Great Pyrenees who loves water and off we went! There was a decent amount of parking and the trail is right off the lot. We only went in one direction so next time we'll have to go the other way to explore. The hike is pretty decent, maybe not strenuous enough for big time hikers but it was good enough for my 11 yr old and my dog. He isn't much on the strenuous. Some of the trail is roped or has stairs and other parts are dirt and boulders. It goes right past the water so you're able to walk across the rocks to the other side in some places. It hadn't rained in a bit when we went so the waterfall action wasn't spectacular but it was still a lot of fun. A good intro for my son who is neurodivergent and takes time to get past fears when we do things like that. Once he did he had a total blast! We saw some kids and families swimming in deeper areas so that's a plan as well next time. It was a nice hike and going back is a plan! Next time we're gonna try to get there after a good rain so the falls will be full! read more

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Do you like scenic waterfalls? Do you hate having to do a long hike to see them? Do you like seeing more than one waterfall in one spot? Then Enders Falls State Forest is for you. Big parking lot with a very short gravel trail leading to a few sets of stairs along the river with multiple falls. I've been here three times in very different conditions and it's always beautiful. It also doesn't take very long to see everything, so you can make it a quick stop if you're pressed for time. read more

"Turn off your mind, relax and float downstream Lay down all thoughts, surrender to the void It is shining, it is shining" (The Beatles) Once you make it all the way down to the gorge, you will see so much breathtaking scenery! Be prepared to walk through forests, see steep rock walls, jagged gorges cut deep into the earth, and running streams of water. We didn't make it all the way down to the waterfalls, but what we saw was beautiful. There were quite a few warning signs everywhere asking you to mind what can be treacherous conditions. Our descent into the gorge was very steep and kind of dangerous with tree roots, rocks, fallen trees, and slick soil on the path. Even on a relatively dry day like today I slipped a few times and I thanked the Lord we were using our hiking poles. Eventually we ran into a wide level stone dust path marked with purple signs. This path led to a series of stairs and boardwalks that took us deep into the gorge and down toward the water. This was awesome. We didn't make it all the way to the falls, but what we saw was gorgeous. read more

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Beautiful park. The other pictures and reviews capture it legitimately. I live just down the road so I offer practical advice: 1. Do not park anywhere besides the designated lot. And I mean anywhere. Not across the road, not on the wide seemingly accommodating shoulder, definitely not along the sides of the residential road - Long Lott - the Police go nuts over it. You will be ticketed and in some cases towed before your hike is over. Last time they called the swat team. It was pretty outrageous. 2. Oh right- definitely don't go there outside of marked season- it is actually closed during winter/spring months for safety. It is very dangerous. Life has made several trips to extract people who chanced it. Not worth it. 3.lock your doors - traveling bandits up through these parts. Seriously gorgeous falls though. read more

Enders State Forest is a magical place. I first visited in July of 2015 to include it in my waterfalls blog and I found it to be just a magical place as ever on my recent visit last week. There were at least 5 waterfalls. (plunges, horsetails, cascades and slides) The hike itself isn't too strenuous but there are some steep parts and it'd be good to bring your hiking poles. If you are into Letterboxing, there is said to be a stamp here too. read more

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I was doubtful because my GPS couldn't find the location the first 1000 times I tried. I later learned you have to use "West Granby, CT" and then search for it. There's no maps of the trails here, but I just followed the stream and treaded carefully. There are some spots where you can swim in, but be careful here too (had someone throw something in while I was cooling down). Also, saw someone jump into the swimming hole. I spent about 2 hrs here between making my way down and just walking along the trails. Dog owners are the biggest offenders here because they let the dogs poo here as well as leave the poo bags on the trails. Please bring the trash bag, no need to ruin this great place! read more

Went here last weekend with my sisters. It was a lot of fun and really beautiful. The walk was nice. We went around the loop twice enjoying the little look over areas of the waterfalls, the stairs are placed in a nice way to see everything quite well and have little platforms to stop and look out over the water. I didn't see any litter either which is nice. Overall, quite a nice place and I would definitely recommend visiting. read more

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Super beautiful waterfalls and cool place to relax/bring a book/enjoy nature, but not so much of a hike - there are some limited trails, but things could be marked better. I know people do swim here, but when we went today the water looked a little murky and there was nobody in there so I was a little tentative about going in. Good amount of free parking (probably enough for 15 or so cars) in the lot in Route 219 which I'm pretty sure is just about it, but I could be mistaken. The lot itself could be marked better, too - it kinda sneaks up out of nowhere on a road with a pretty high speed limit. That being said, the Google maps directions were perfect. read more

Stunning State Forest! Very nice trail along the waterfalls with great views. The trail is steep but easy to maneuver. We brought young kids (3 and 5) and they loved it. read more

What a gorgeous area! Amazing scenery that you don't have to hike too deep into the forest to check out. Lots of uneven terrain with giant treeroots, boulders and not to mention, the waterfalls! Worth the trip, just go prepared with proper footwear. read more

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We've been to Enders twice within a week. Great little spot for viewing a multi tiered waterfall. We went back after a bit of rain and the falls were awesome. There are at least three great spots to shoot the waterfalls from. Top just off the parking lot. A hundred feet or so below there and then maybe 50 feet or so for the third and largest falls. Be careful after the third falls on the lower trail. There's a hornets nest on the ground and we got a few stings. Take the high trail from the third fall up above to avoid it. Great spot for hiking and viewing falls. It's a good short trip to be paired with another spot on a day trip. read more

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Short hike from the parking lot to the the various falls on Kendall Brook which makes picture taking a must as there are several beautiful areas to capture digitally. There are numerous spots to swim beneath each of the five falls if you are so inclined. The main falls at the begining of the fairly steep descent was the site of an accident yesterday, a young 26 year old woman trying to walk across the falls took a terrible tumble down one of the slides but miraculously survived without major injuries. Exercise extreme caution and avoid attempting to cross the brook, stick to the trails on either side and enjoy the falls and the surrounding scenery as this is a beautiful area. read more

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If you love waterfalls, this is your spot. I was able to visit this weekend and explore the rocks, waterfall, and the newly developed stairs cases leading you down the cascades of waterfalls. This is not the place for an avid hike but to enjoy nature, the sounds of water flowing, and enjoy the place. The walk pathways are easy to navigate for all ages, including dogs. It is easy parking and the path is right off the lot. Just peaceful! Much needed during these times. read more

I'm so happy I finally got over to Enders State Forest. Sometimes you just have to pick the closest green spot on Google Maps, and go check it out. Enders is known for its series of waterfalls. I really wasn't expecting much, but ended up being pleasantly surprised. There are some rather large waterfalls here, and nice, deep pools you can go swimming in. I believe there are some CFPA trails here, but all I saw that suggested this was one solitary purple blaze. Since the falls are quite close to the road, this appears to have become a little party spot. There is trash scattered about, and quite a few empty beer cans. Pack it in, pack it out, folks. If you're looking to cool off with a nice swim, or just walk around and look at some beautiful waterfalls, Enders is worth checking out. You owe it to yourself. read more

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This is an absolutely beautiful place with multiple waterfalls and swimming holes. However, with its beauty comes great danger. Many of the rocks are covered with moss and very slippery. I wore shoes that are meant for being in and out of the water (KEEN), but took a digger. I was lucky that I just slipped and didn't crack my head open. Almost everyone I've talked to who has been here has either been injured or knows someone who has. Although it is beautiful, there isn't much of a hike and it's very dangerous, so I would find somewhere else to spend the day. I saw many children here and it really made me uneasy. If you go, proceed with caution!! read more

Enders State Forest - Beautiful waterfalls!! - Parks Near Me - Granby, Connecticut

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Had some nice family time here and the waterfall is super pretty. Wear the right shoes since there's a few muddy parts. read more

Enders State Forest - Parks Near Me - Granby, Connecticut

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This is a very beautiful place! Hi he waterfalls are amazing! I was a bit disappointed that there's not much of a trail. There are all of these side trails with warnings everywhere to get you closer to the falls. Wear shoes with good tread - it's very slippery. Especially if it's rained or with wet leaves. Amazing place for a photo shoot! read more

Enders State Forest - Parks Near Me - Granby, Connecticut

Great park with narrow gorge, multiple waterfalls and trails. Very scenic! Don't blame nature- come prepared and wear proper footwear! Lastyly, cool off in the falls and swim holes on hot says. read more

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Saw this place on a Facebook post for a "Waterfall Roadtrip". Typed in Enders Falls State Park in our GPS and it brought us right there. Parking lot holds about 30 or so cars, and on a warm Saturday in May, seemed to almost be at capacity. There is a main trail that is well worn that leads down to the bottom of the waterfalls where there's a shallow area for swimming & hangin out. You can also walk right along the path of the waterfalls. It is steep & slippery in places, but worth it to check out the views. We saw lots of family with kids here, like toddlers in diapers. I don't think this would be my top pick to bring small children but to each their own. People really do it up at this place, we saw others bringing coolers, Beach chairs, etc. We didn't know about the swimming area on our first trip, but we'll definitely be returning to do this. Awesome place, spectacular waterfall views! read more

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Definitely a beautiful place to check out year round, although if you're going in the winter you'll definitely want to make sure you've got appropriate footwear and a trekking poles to be safe. The hike is a short one, with the main path being nice and flat, but you really have to go down on the sub-paths toward the water if you want to enjoy the falls. Once you get to the third fall or so this is where things can get a little slippery and you need to watch your step. Definitely worth checking out in my opinion, pretty cool that one of New England's top 10 waterfalls is right here in CT! read more

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Ender's is my local spot for swimming and cliff jumping in the warmer months. Its located in west Granby and is easy to get to. Enders consists of a few very light liking trails and a series of waterfalls. I like Enders for the fact that there are a number of spots to cliff jump from and there's a natural waterslide. For cliff jumping there are two spots. The first spot is down the falls a bit and is located in a swimming hole the shape of a horseshoe. Water depth varies from 5-9 feet deep. There are 3 spots to jump into the hole. 1) is from a flat surface across from the main path to the hole. Its about 15-20 feet high. 2) from a tree that has fallen blocking the Curved part of a the "U" shaped swimming hole. About 20-23 feet high. 3) is from the other side of the U and is about 35 feet high. The other spot is located near the natural waterfall (I'll get to that). While I haven't had the balls to jump here, I've seen kids doing it. Id say the jump is well over 60 feet and the base water depth wasn't over 6.5 feet when these kids were doing it. Crazy stuff!!! However adjacent to the 60 foot jump is a natural waterside. As long as the water is flowing, its a fun time. Enders is an overall good time. Its moderately trafficked with people and is a great spot to relax on a hit summer's day enjoy with your friends or take a date to. read more

Beautiful trails with natural waterfalls right off of Route 219. Bring appropriate hiking clothing and shoes and be mindful of the water depth. During the summer months it can be quite busy and there have been quite a few injuries from people falling over the waterfalls. Please be smart! read more

I didn't get a chance to explore too much of it when I was by myself, but Enders seemed like a great place for a hike or a picnic by the waterfalls. From the little bit that I explored, it looks like there is a trail that runs next to the falls. I'm not sure how far the trails go, but you could probably get in a good hike here while enjoying nature. read more

Enders State Forest - Parks Near Me - Granby, Connecticut

A beautiful place to visit. Lots of swimming areas. Limited trails and lots of up and down climbing from waterfall to waterfall. We brought our dogs who were on leashes and that made it hard to walk around due to the rocky terrain. Would definitely go again but with no dogs. read more

There is a dearth of information on Enders on the Internet, and so we were a little over-prepared last weekend when we showed up in hiking gear with backpacks full of apples and granola bars. We assumed there were legit hiking trails, which isn't really the case. There are a few paths through the woods down to the falls, but that's about it. You can see the whole thing in 30-45 minutes. That said, it is really cool. The falls are impressive, and (as long as your fiance and brother don't attempt to cross them via slippery rocks that are a minimum of five feet apart from one another, and your friend's dog doesn't try to herd you off the cliff,) it's worth a visit. read more

Gorgeous location. The Trails are very scenic and peaceful and the multiple cascading waterfalls are amazing. It can be a little difficult to find and it seems you have to park by just pulling over on the side of the road because they have the parking area barricaded. But this still didnt deter people from coming out to view this picturesque environment. read more

Absolutely loved going here! Amazing time for kids, couples, families, friends and dogs. Cant go wrong if you appreciate nature. Wonderful place to go on a hot day. Felt like it was 20 degrees cooler under the trees. Very peaceful. read more

Easily accessible series of scenic cascading waterfalls and associated swimholes traversing a narrow gorge. The gorge runs parallel to Route 219, off which the small parking area is located. From there it's a short hike down to the trail that runs along the upper ridge with multiple options for traversing down to the falls themselves. Not much in the way of hiking but a great spot for photos or a cool dip on a hot day. read more

A couple friends and I took the drive here from Westerly, RI today and we were fairly disappointed with what we experienced considering the reviews and things we had heard about the falls. I gave it 3 stars merely from a hikers perspective since it is a very lovely place to climb and crawl over rocks and tree roots; very serene. This place gives you the feeling that you are in Vermont or New Hampshire somehow.We came hoping to do some cliff jumping and swimming since we assumed that was the main attraction. There was one waterfall safe enough to jump from that had water actually deep enough to wade in but the place was filled with people with beer cans and music playing so we decided to opt out. We witnessed a few people leave trash and even carve into trees in the short time we were there. Perhaps a nice place to swing by if you are local but definitely not worth a day trip. We had the feeling that we were intruding on some weird college student drinking/make out party. If you do plan on making a long drive to Enders Falls, I would recommend taking the scenic route as it's a bit longer than the highways but much less stressful to drive. read more

Interested in checking out Enders CT State Forest? I just wrote a blog with pictures and a hiking video about my experience there! Please check it out! http://lifesabeachmom.blogspot.com/2013/08/enders-ct-state-forest-hike.html read more

Giving 4 stars for the nature experience and hiking trails. Biggest disappointment is the fact that there are no trash receptacles and port a johns at the entrance! There is no reason the town or the state DEEP can't afford a dumpster or basic sanitary facilities! As a result the trash left by visitors is a slight turnoff and holding your bodily functions isn't a health benefit. The main trail is also not well maintained so not sure how emergency services can get there in the event of a serious injury fast enough. The rocks are quiet treacherous even for intermediate to advanced hikers. read more