Enders State Forest

Enders State Forest is a state forest spanning over 2,000 acres across Granby and Barkhamsted, featuring dense woodlands and several waterfalls. The terrain offers multiple hiking trails through varied landscapes with changing elevations.

The forest was established in 1970 when the four children of John and Harriet Enders donated approximately 1,500 acres of woodland to Connecticut. This major gift formed the foundation of the state forest that exists today.

The forest forms part of a larger protected area alongside the McLean Game Refuge, preserving Connecticut's woodland heritage for visitors to experience. This network of protected lands shapes the region's identity as a forested landscape.

A marked trail with purple blazes leads to the waterfalls and can be completed in less than an hour. Swimming is not permitted for safety reasons, but visitors should wear good hiking shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain.

The forest relies on elevation changes between 900 and 1,100 feet to create a network of streams flowing eastward toward the west branch of the Salmon River. This topography makes the terrain varied and creates the conditions for the multiple waterfalls visitors discover.