Peoples State Forest and Falls Brook Falls | CT

Most of the trail is gentle

Peoples State Forest

We found ourselves back in northern Connecticut for another round of exploration, this time setting our sights on Peoples State Forest. Located in the northwestern corner of the state near the Barkhamsted reservoir, this forest is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s one of those places that locals seem to know about, but somehow it avoids the bigger crowds that tend to flock to other nearby spots like Talcott Mountain.

A number of historic basements remain

We arrived late morning and immediately parked in the wrong parking lot. There's a network of trails here that crisscross through the hills and ridges, some with views and others that wind along the river. The trail is mostly relaxed except near the main parking lot by the water fall, where it is extremely steep.

There is also a number of historic basements to discover, with the majority located near the main parking lot. The most impressive which is pictured here is located near the center of the park.

Cute water fall at Peoples State Forest

If you visit for the water fall though, don't be disappointed. It is a thin and light stream falling between the rocks along the steep incline near the main parking lot. It's not terribly impressive but it makes for a cute companion as you climb. It's also a bit awkward to photograph as there isn't a single large impressive drop at any point. Do be careful of slippery rocks in this are as well. But the real reason you visit this park is for the grand vista, and it is easily one of the best views in the state!

The Grand Vista at Peoples State Forest is impressive

The trail follows the brook the entire way

Falls Brook Falls

A few months later, we were back in the area and decided to do a quick stop just north of Peoples to check out Falls Brook Falls. I’d seen a few photos online and figured it was worth a detour.

This is one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of spots. There's a small pull-off on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, and from there it’s only about a 10-minute walk to the falls. The trail is short, you follow the brook the whole way, and the sound of the water kind of leads you in.

Falls brook falls

When we visited, it had just rained the day before, so the falls were flowing strong. It’s a dramatic little cascade tucked away in the woods, and you can scramble around to get different angles if you’re careful. I wouldn't recommend doing that if it’s icy or slick, but on a dry day it’s perfect for a quick nature fix. If you’re already hiking Peoples and have the time, definitely swing by Falls Brook on your way out. It’s not the kind of place you spend all day, but it’s a great add-on, especially if you’re into waterfalls or just want to squeeze in one more trail before heading home.

The Grand Vista