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Indian Well State Park: A Natural Connecticut Escape

Discover a scenic escape at Indian Well State Park in Shelton, CT, with its cascading waterfall, swimming, hiking trails, and picnicking by the Housatonic River.

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Indian Well State Park in Shelton, CT, offers a refreshing blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. With its scenic waterfall, swimming area on the Housatonic River, hiking trails, and picnic spots, it's a perfect destination for a day of relaxation and exploration.

A brief summary to Indian Well State Park

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, as the park can reach capacity, leading to gate closures.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy in the shaded picnic grove by the Housatonic River.
  • Bring your fishing gear and try your luck at catching bass, catfish, or perch in Lake Housatonic.
  • Hike the Paugussett Trail for scenic views of the river and surrounding landscape.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    If you are traveling by car from the Housatonic Valley, head east toward Shelton. Take exit 12 for Bridgeport Ave/CT-15 N. Follow Bridgeport Ave for about 1.5 miles, then turn left onto Indian Well Rd. Continue on Indian Well Rd for about 0.5 miles, and you will arrive at Indian Well State Park, located at 1 Indian Well Rd, Shelton, CT 06484. Parking fees are applicable for vehicles without a Connecticut State Park pass. Non-residents can expect to pay $15.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Indian Well State Park using public transportation, take a Metro-North train to the Bridgeport station. From Bridgeport, catch a local bus (CT Transit Bus #10) towards Shelton. Get off at the stop closest to Indian Well Rd and walk approximately 0.5 miles to the park entrance. Bus fares are around $1.75, and train fares vary depending on your starting point. Alternatively, non-Valley residents can take the train to the Derby/Shelton train station and utilize the Valley Transit District (VTD) ParkConneCT service for same-day pick-up and drop-off. This service operates on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day, between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Contact VTD's reservation/dispatch department at (203) 735-6408 for service.

  • Rideshare/Taxi

    If you're already within Shelton or nearby, using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft can be a convenient option. Input 'Indian Well State Park' or the address '1 Indian Well Rd, Shelton, CT 06484' into the app. Expect fares to be around $5-$15 from nearby locations.

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Discover more about Indian Well State Park

Indian Well State Park, a 153-acre public recreation area in Shelton, Connecticut, invites visitors to experience the beauty of the Housatonic River and a charming 15-foot waterfall. Established in 1928, the park has a history rooted in the acquisition of riverfront land from the Ousatonic Water Power Company. In the 1930s and 40s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) enhanced the park, building stone walls and other developments. The park's centerpiece is the scenic Indian Well Falls, which cascades into a splash pool. Although swimming directly in the well is prohibited, the swimming area on the Housatonic River provides a refreshing escape during the summer months. Lifeguards are typically on duty to ensure swimmer safety. For those who prefer to stay dry, the blue-blazed Paugussett Trail traverses the park, offering scenic views of the river and surrounding landscape. The trail extends for less than 2 miles, providing a moderate hike through the park's natural terrain. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines into Lake Housatonic, a state Bass Management Lake, in hopes of catching bass, catfish, perch, and other species. A boat launch provides access to the lake. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking in the park's shaded grove, complete with tables and grills. Indian Well State Park offers a variety of activities and amenities for a memorable outdoor experience.

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