52 Weeks of Fun

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Granby CT

Carpenter’s Falls

Just a short two-mile drive from Enders Forest is Carpenter’s Falls. Located in the McLean Game Refuge, this cascade is part of the 4,400 acres nature preserve with the overwhelming majority of the land being in the town of Granby. There are over 20 miles of hiking trails as well as two horse trails. There are two main entrances and several access points.

The 1.5 mile lightly-trafficked, out and back trail to the falls can be accessed by through the gate on Broad Hill Road, although there is only parking for just a few cars. There is a little chain fence blocking passage to a treacherous dirt road, where the route to the falls begins.

Once through the gate, follow the unmaintained dirt road. Granby Land Trust's Diamond Ledges are to your right and the trails from Holcomb Farm are to your left. At about the 0.70-mile mark, Weed Hill Road will go off to the left and a bridge will cross Beech Brook. The falls are just below the bridge.

Senator and Governor of Connecticut, George P. McLean had purchased the land throughout his life. It was left to the McLean Fund upon his death in 1932 and remains open to the public today. The McLean cabin still sits on the property and although access is not allowed, hikers can look in the windows.

Frederic C. Walcott, who replaced McLean in the Senate, noted that McLean taught those who visited the refuge the “physical and spiritual values of forest, field and stream, the healing values of the great out of doors.” To this day, a visit to the refuge is a chance to be educated and healed no matter what the season.

Pets on a leash are permitted on trails.

Granby CT
Granwood Explores

A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Carpenter’s Falls

The turn-of-the-century McLean cabin still sits on this property and although access is not allowed, visitors can look in the windows.

Attraction Advice

McLean Game Refuge is open daily from 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM or sunset (whichever comes first) year-round. There is no charge to access the trust land.



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The top of Carpenter’s Falls in winter.
Yelp

A dry Carpenter’s Falls.
Wikipedia

The Barn Door Hills entrance to McLean Game Refuge and Carpenter’s Falls.
Granwood Explores

Debris that has washed down following heavy rains adds to the falls.

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