Middlefield: Waterfalls, History, and Seasonal Activities

Middlefield combines a distinctive landscape with places of natural and historical interest, as well as activities that vary by season. When planning your trip, you can focus on nature, local history, or seasonal activities. Wadsworth Falls, the Metacomet Ridge, and Lake Beseck define the area’s natural character; the Old North Burying Ground and Lyman Homestead offer historical points of interest.

Landscape, Water, and Rock

Wadsworth Falls State Park extends across Middlefield and Middletown. Wadsworth Falls is 30 feet (9.1 meters) high. The Metacomet Ridge, a mountainous traprock ridge that stretches from Long Island Sound to nearly the Vermont border, borders Middlefield to the west. The 50-mile Mattabesett Trail runs along Middlefield’s Metacomet Ridge. This means a single waterfall and a landscape feature that extends far beyond Middlefield offer two distinct ways to experience nature.

Lake Beseck offers swimming; seasonal conditions and local rules may apply. At Higby Mountain, The Nature Conservancy manages the summit and rock ledges. Access conditions may vary, so check them before visiting if Higby Mountain is part of your plans.

History and Local Sites

The Old North Burying Ground is the final resting place of many of Middlefield’s earliest settlers and preserves artwork from the time it was established. Lyman Homestead was built in the 1860s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Together, these sites reflect different periods: the cemetery is associated with the earliest settlers, while the homestead dates to the 1860s. Powder Hill Dinosaur Park offers a different point of interest: footprints were discovered there during stone quarrying.

Harvest Season and Offerings at Lyman Orchards

From mid-June through the end of October, Lyman Orchards offers the chance to pick nearly 100 varieties of fruit. These include honeyberries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, jostaberries, peaches, nectarines, apples, and pears. Which fruits are available depends on the date and the fruit, so check what will be offered on your visit date. The Strawberry Festival takes place at Lyman Orchards every June; the date and program may vary. The festival and pick-your-own season have different time frames: the festival is in June, while the picking season runs through the end of October.

The Apple Barrel farm market offers freshly baked pies, apple cider donuts, sandwiches, and salads, as well as seasonal Connecticut-grown fruits and vegetables. The selection of seasonal produce and baked goods may vary.

Seasonal Activities at Powder Ridge

Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort offers different activities depending on the season. Winter activities include skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. In warmer weather, the offerings include paintball, water slides, zip lines, disc golf, and mountain biking adventures. Schedules and conditions vary. The resort also hosts music festivals; individual events and dates may vary. If you’re planning a visit, check the dates and conditions for your preferred season.

Discover more destinations: Cromwell, Haddam, Middletown, Old Saybrook, Essex

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