Blackledge Falls is a 25-foot plunge waterfall in Blackledge Falls Park, a wooded town-owned park in Glastonbury, Connecticut. The park adjoins Gay City State Park, and an easy loop through the woods leads to the falls, which run best in spring.
The falls
The water drops over an overhanging ledge, so the fall is fully vertical. Depending on flow it splits into one to three side-by-side ribbons, each 22 to 25 feet tall. The current data gives a single 25-foot drop; earlier surveys listed 26 feet. The stream above has a very small watershed.
Getting there
The park address is 3874 Hebron Avenue, with a small parking area. The loop is 1.46 miles with 207 feet of gain, following the blue-and-white trail and then the blue trail, rated easy. The path crosses the stream on rock-hops and has rocky, wet footing and a steep final descent to the falls. There is no wheelchair access.
When to go
Late March through May is the recommended season, or a spell after heavy rain; the falls often slow to a trickle after May. Icicles form behind the falls in winter.
On site
The town prohibits ice climbing at the falls. Dogs must be leashed or tethered on town property. Swimming is poor.
History and name
Thomas and Joan Kemble sold the falls property to the town in 1990 for $700,000, and another 7.49 acres were added in 2006.
Nearby
Flat Brook Falls is about 1.3 miles away, Wyllys Falls about 4.6 miles, and Center Spring Falls about 6.3 miles. Gay City State Park borders the town park.
Distances are straight-line.