At Enders Falls, take a simple stroll along a babbling brook.

This is a great tramp for little legs. Gentle grades, stairs, railings, and an exciting payoff make it a great family outing. At just over a mile out and back, the trail feels even shorter as it travels along a brook that alternately babbles and roars. There are platforms overlooking multiple levels of falls along its course. Framed by mossy boulders and ferns, they are really lovely in the fall but are worth checking out in any season. Just be careful in the winter - the stairs ice over and get very slippery - manageable with spikes. In the winter long icicles form around the edges, making the falls look like ice caves. 

Towards the end, the trail descends to the level of the brook. My little ones always have a grand time splashing around in the water. There are plenty of rocks to climb and minnows to chase. 

Make a day of it

This is a short hike - I would definitely combine it with another activity in the area if you are not local. There are plenty of options in the area - Falls Brook Falls is another short, easy walk to picturesque falls. Peoples State Forest has some of the best views in the state (Jessie Gerard Trail is our favorite for views). The Tunxis Trail - a 79-mile trek across Connecticut’s western ridges - runs nearby as well. 

Check out Sweet Wind Farm for maple syrup and maple products made on the spot. In the spring they hold sap boiling demonstrations and offer delicious pancakes during their maple festival. 

Just down the road is the Barkhamsted Reservoir - we often combine a trip to Enders Falls with a drive over the Saville Dam. There is what looks like a castle turret in the middle - framed by the reservoir and surrounding mountains, it feels like you are entering a fairytale as you round the corner on Rt 219. This would be a great spot to picnic. Just hold on to everybody’s hands - you do have to walk along a busy road after you park. This is another quick stop - maybe 10-15 minutes if you are not picnicking here.