Southford Falls State Park is a cozy nook of peace and quiet that is easily accessible from the I-95 corridor. A day trip brings you to a delightful waterfall spilling from a still fishing pond. There are plenty of picnic tables with views, a short riverside boardwalk, a covered bridge, a lookout tower and miles of hiking an walking trails.
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The first time I saw Southford Falls I was driving past on my way from Waterbury to Oxford. From the road the falls were quite impressive - splashing over schist rocks glimmering with mica lacework. I made a point of going back for a walk the next weekend.
I arrived and the small gravel lot was nearly full. A woman shaded by an umbrella was selling snacks and concessions while toddlers and grandfathers fished the reservoir. The falls were impressive enough without being majestic. you can bound across the rocks and cool yourself in the mist. A misplaced red covered bridge crosses the gorge at the bottom of the falls.
I enjoyed the hiking more than the waterfall itself. There was plenty of rigorous climbing. This is a difficult trail maked with red spray painted dots on the trees. It seems very under traveled, but an eager explorer can find his way. On top a hill was a small reward for the climb: a lookout tower which might have splendid views if it were two levels higher.
