Riga Falls
Salisbury, Connecticut
| GPS: |
42°0'18.5"N 73°27'30.0"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Connecticut |
Swim
Riga Falls is one of Connecticut's loveliest and least-known waterfalls — a scenic cascade tumbling down Wachocastinook Creek in the wild Mount Riga Preserve above the charming town of Salisbury, in the state's northwest corner. It's a quiet, unofficial wading and swimming spot in a beautiful ravine, a refreshing reward at the end of a short hike.
Getting there is part of the appeal: from Salisbury, follow Washinee (Factory) Street and the signs for Mount Riga as the road turns to dirt, continuing just under three miles to a pullout on the right where an obvious trail drops into the ravine. The trail is short but moderately steep and narrow, with rocks and roots that turn slippery after rain, so wear solid footwear and take care.
At the bottom you'll find the falls spilling into pools good for a cool dip or a wade. It's an undeveloped spot — no restrooms, no lifeguards, no facilities of any kind, and no fee — and parking is a small unpaved pullout, so arrive early on busy summer days.
Pack in everything you need and pack out all your trash; camping isn't permitted in the preserve. Watch depth and footing around the wet rocks, keep an eye on kids, and enjoy one of the Litchfield Hills' hidden gems.
More Information
swimmingholes.org Connecticut Swimming Holes and Hot Springs rivers creek springs falls hiking campi
THE web site for beautiful, natural places for a cool dip or hot soak. Including 25 States in the Eastern & Mid U.S. - and many favorites in the West and British Columbia as well!
https://www.swimmingholes.org/ct.htmlVisit Riga Falls: A Connecticut Swimming Hole Guide
Plan your trip to Riga Falls in Salisbury, CT. Get essential info on access, the steep trail, and safety for this natural wading spot.
https://www.hiddenswimmingholes.com/swimming-holes/riga-falls-ct
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Salisbury, Connecticut
- Head southwest toward CT-41 N (194 ft)
- Turn left onto US-44 W (0.1 mi)
- Turn right onto Factory-Washinee (0.2 mi)
- Slight right to stay on Factory-Washinee (0.4 mi)
- Continue onto Factory St (0.2 mi)
- Slight left to stay on Factory St (243 ft)
- Slight right onto Mt Riga RdRestricted usage road(2.3 mi)
Other Swimming Holes Nearby
Bash Bish Falls
Mount Washington, Massachusetts
7.8 miles NSwim near Mount Washington, Massachusetts
Swim
Ore Pit Pond
Copake Falls, New York
8.6 miles NA roped-off quarry swimming area with a diving platform and lifeguards — a classic Taconic-region swim spot in Copake Falls, New York.
Swim
Umpachene Falls
New Marlborough, Massachusetts
11.4 miles NESwim near New Marlborough, Massachusetts
Swim
Green River
Southwick, Massachusetts
12.7 miles NSwim near Southwick, Massachusetts
Swim
Buck River
Sandisfield, Massachusetts
19.3 miles ESwim near Sandisfield, Massachusetts
Swim
Red Hook Area
Utica-Rome, NY, New York
23.4 miles WSwim near Utica-Rome, NY, New York
Swim
Upper Goose Pond
Lee, Massachusetts
24.3 miles NESwim near Lee, Massachusetts
Swim
Hubbard River
Granville, Massachusetts
25.6 miles ESwim near Granville, Massachusetts
Swim
Glenerie
Saugerties, New York
26.7 miles WSwim near Saugerties, New York
Swim
Satans Kingdom
New Hartford, Connecticut
27.7 miles ESwim near New Hartford, Connecticut
Swim
Woodstock Area
Diamond Point, New York
32.3 miles WSwim near Diamond Point, New York
Swim
Hotchkissville Bridge
Woodbury, Connecticut
32.7 miles SSwim near Woodbury, Connecticut
Swim
Granville Gorge
Southwick, Massachusetts
32.8 miles EGranville Gorge is a magical little slice of the southern Berkshire Hills — a lush, green gorge where the Hubbard River carves a series of mini waterfalls and clear swimming holes through the...
Mountain Bike, Swim 0.4 mi
Kaaterskill Fall
Hunter, New York
33.6 miles NWKaaterskill Falls is one of the most storied waterfalls in the eastern United States — a spectacular two-tiered cascade in New York's Catskill Mountains near Hunter that plunges roughly 260...
Hike, Swim
Nassau Area
Ravena, New York
34.1 miles NSwim near Ravena, New York
Swim
Huntington Area
Granville, Massachusetts
34.2 miles NESwim near Granville, Massachusetts
Swim
Glendale Falls
Chester, Massachusetts
34.7 miles NESwim near Chester, Massachusetts
Swim
Durham Area
Croton-on-Hudson, New York
36.3 miles NWSwim near Croton-on-Hudson, New York
Swim
Litner Rock
Elka Park, New York
37.2 miles WSwim near Elka Park, New York
Swim
Windsor State Forest
Cummington, Massachusetts
41.6 miles NESwim near Cummington, Massachusetts
Swim
