Falls
Village with its historic
iron works site, waterfalls,
Appalachian Trail access, and one
of the few wheel-chair friendly
trails, offers a wide range of
experiences nestled in one of the
most picturesque towns in
Connecticut.
One hundred and fifty years ago,
Falls Village was known as
Amesville and it was a bustling
iron works region.
This part of Connecticut produced
an incredible amount of iron for
quite a long time.
During both the Revolutionary and
Civil Wars, Amesville was a major
source for materials used in
producing much of the armaments
used by our nation's military.
At its peak three shifts of 800
men worked around the clock
producing iron.
The Housatonic River powered the
production system and the railroad
provided transportation and
delivery.
When the iron ran out, the whole
thing went bust. Over time, nature
and the agricultural industry
turned Falls Village region into a
quaint New England town.
However, this site provides plenty
of reminders of what once was and
it's definitely worth the trip to
learn more about it.
If you're just into the hiking,
then you couldn't ask for a better
jumping off point.
Falls Village is a favorite stop
for those making the long trek
over the Appalachian Trail.
The river views, open fields,
rolling hills, and colonial
setting make for some of the
nicest scenery along the A.T.
The white hash marks of the A.T.
abound here and you can easily
find a good jumping off point for
serious hiking, day hikes, or
small jaunts into the woods
without having to journey too far
from your car.
If you're the type that just likes
to pull your car up to an
interesting place and investigate,
there's plenty here.
The obvious spot is the dam and
waterfall at the old iron works
historical site.
After a good rain or snow melt,
the water rages through the man
made ravine putting on a powerful
performance.
There are a few overlooks along
the trail (or road if you want to
drive around) that offer fantastic
views of the falls and old power
station.
Warning: Use extreme caution as
you approach these overviews as
well as the top area parking lot
where you can pull right up to
the riverbank.
The water rushing through here
is powerful even when it's
small. Little children are
likely to run up ahead to get a
look for themselves.
Don't let them go up without
you. There's potential for
disaster if you take this area
for granted.
Large slippery rocks, steep drop
offs, and the temptation to wade
into the river amongst smooth
rock surfaces can spell
disaster.
It may not be Niagara Falls but
the power of the river here is
deceiving. Enjoy awesome views
but please be careful.
And don't forget to walk the short
footpath at the top of the falls
(walk to your left along the river
from the parking lot here).
There's an educational path with
markers and info along the way the
explains the fascinating history
of old Amesville.
Maybe the best part of this area
is the wheel-chair friendly trail
back at the main area, just to the
left of the hydro-electric power
station as you enter this area.
It's a great idea and those
responsible for building it should
be commended. There's not enough
of this sort of thing.
Two trail loops, 3,215 feet or
5,058 feet (or about a 1/2 mile to
1 mile) meet up with the A.T.
The pathway is compacted gravel
with tree roots and other
obstructions taken out.
It's firm and wide, providing
ample support and accommodations
if your group as many hikers who
need wheelchair access.
This trail offers great river
views, open fields, serene
woodlands, and other natural
highlights. Mixed in with this is
the interesting power station
built on the old Falls Village
Fairgrounds.
Another attraction is the world
class rapids that can be produced
by the power station providing
kayakers with a dream playground.
On a bright sunny day or during
the foliage, you couldn't find a
better spot to investigate.
If you need a workout or want to
hike the Appalachian Trail a bit,
head into the woods and on up to Prospect
Mt. and Rand's
View. But you need to be in
reasonably good shape because to
get to both places you have to
hike up and down some good sized
hills along the way.
Directions: Get
on Route 7 and head towards Falls
Village (northwestern region of
Connecticut). At the intersection
of Route 7 and Route 126 in Falls
Village, go west on Rt. 126
following the signs for Falls
Village.
A short distance later you'll come
upon the center of town.
An old railroad car diner will be
easily seen.
Just to the right of the diner
take the small road (Water St.) as
it dips down under the railroad
bridge.
A few hundred yards later the
hydro-electric power station will
be clearly visible on your left.
A nice parking area greets you
with a decent information board.
This is also where you need to
park for the wheel-chair friendly
trail loop.
To get to the waterfall you will need to walk go past
the power station and over the old
iron bridge (THE BRIDGE IS CLOSED TO CARS NOW - you can only walk it).
Printable
version of the Falls
Village page
If you have any trail updates to
share or have feedback/questions
please click
here to send email or call
203.788.7665
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