Wadsworth Falls State Park

Geobox Protected Area
name = Wadsworth Falls State Park
native_name =
other_name =
other_name1 =
category_local = Connecticut State Park
category_iucn = IV


image_caption = Wadsworth Falls
etymology_type = Named for
etymology = Clarence C. Wadsworth
country = United States
state = Connecticut
region_type = County
region = Middlesex
district_type = Towns
district = Middlefield
district1 = Middlefield
district2 = Middletown
district3 = | city =
city1 =
location =
lat_d = 41
lat_m = 32
lat_s = 8
lat_NS = N
long_d = 72
long_m = 40
long_s = 34
long_EW = W

Wadsworth Falls State Park, or simply Wadsworth Falls, is a Connecticut state park located in the town of Middlefield. The park lies in the northeast corner of the town bordering Middletown with the main entrance on Route 157. The park itself consists of a series of marked trails covering convert|285|acre|km2 and is intersected by the Coginchaug River, a tributary of the Connecticut River.

There is also a swimming and picnicking area in the park grounds. The swimming pool is paved with soil cement to prevent leakage. Water is pumped from water wells located near the Coginchaug River. Through the hiking trails there is a small brown bridge leading to the falls. Wadsworth Falls is 30 feet (9.1 m) high, with 52 feet (16 m) of water trickling over sandstone along the trail.

History

The falls are named after Clarence C. Wadsworth, a colonel in the New York National Guard who owned the property where the park now exists. He had a fine reputation in academics, and studied linguistics avidly. He settled in Middletown, Connecticut, home of Wesleyan University, it became his passion for 45 years to preserve Wadsworth Falls. His will established the Rockfall Corporation, which is tasked to maintain the protection of the land, plants, and animals in his estate. In 1942 convert|267|acre|km2 of the estate were given to the State of Connecticut. [http://dep.state.ct.us/STATEPARKS/parks/wadsworth.htm] The park is now operated by the Department of Environmental Protection and is open every day until sunset.

Features

This park features a pond with a sandy beach with lifeguard supervision in the summer. Amenities include picnic tables and grills for use in cook outs, flush toilets, a river stocked for fishing and a network of hiking trails.

Dogs are allowed in the park while on a leash.

The Falls

Wadsworth Falls are located at the opposite side of the park from the main entrance and may be reached by car (parking on Cherry Hill Road). They may also be reached by an easy hike, approximatley 1.25 miles in length, from the main entrance on Route 157.

The Mansion

While not a part of the state park property, the Long Hill Estate mansion once belonging to Clarence C. Wadsworth is adjacent to the park, near coord|41|32|8|N|72|40|34|W, and maybe reached by taking the purple-blazed hiking trail across Laurel Grove Road. The mansion is now privately owned, and after undergoing extensive renovations, is used as a reception hall. There are public walking trails around its grounds.

External links

* [http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325274&depNav_GID=1650 Wadsworth Falls State Park Official Site]
* [http://dep.state.ct.us/STATEPARKS/parks/wadsworth.htm Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection]
* [http://www.wadsworthmansion.com/ Long Hill Estate]