Balance Rock Cascades

Hartford County, Connecticut

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Hartford County, Connecticut
Access status: Guidebook route and parking documented in Tunxis State Forest
The walk: About 0.5 mile each way
Ground & access: Easy to moderate woodland trail. Swimming not possible or prohibited per the source.

New England Waterfalls: Cascades Near Balance Rock Road

Walk to the end of Balance Rock Road and continue up the dirt road beyond the gate. In 750 feet, turn left onto the blue-blazed Tunxis Trail; after 300 feet turn left again to stay on it. Cross a tiny stream at about 0.35 mile and reach the main brook 0.1 mile later. Go downstream about 300 feet for the larger cascades, which end just below a hikers' bridge. These are small cascades, with the tallest drop about 8 feet.

Plan your visit

End of Balance Rock Road in East Hartland via the Tunxis Trail to the cascades below the hikers' bridge

New England Waterfalls gives 0.5 mile one-way, about 18 minutes. Not measured here.

Easy to moderate woodland trail. Swimming not possible or prohibited per the source.

Where to start

Roadside on the right side of Balance Rock Road about 100 feet before the cul-de-sac. No parking signs at the cul-de-sac are strictly enforced, per New England Waterfalls.

Timing & water

Best April to June, when snowmelt and rain keep the small brook flowing.

Before you go

New England Waterfalls listed the visit as free as of 2016; current rules not verified with CT DEEP.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore Connecticut

Waterfall location

Hartford County, Connecticut.

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