On Riverbank Road in North Stamford is a 7 acre park with a beautiful waterfall steps from the parking lot. Note that I read that you need a resident beach parking sticker to park here in-season.
I should share right from the start that I have known of this park for 25 years and was warned it to be a hangout spot for some questionable behavior so was not one to which I would have encouraged a visit. However, I have heard it’s not that way anymore. Regardless I would not go alone unless you have the savvy to handle any shenanigans.
My understanding is that the grist mill was built in 1726 was owned by Nathaniel Newman and operated into the mid 1900s. In the 1960s it was restored and in 1969 destroyed by vandals (perhaps that’s the source of the rumor that the place isn’t safe).
The above notwithstanding, I have always enjoyed stealing a few photographs of the waterfall at various times a year as part of a bicycle loop I do in North Stamford.
The “keep beautiful” sign below is new. Likely as I have seen a bunch of trash around. I think the area often has fisherman and kids like to stand under the falls.
Pieces of the foundation remain and you can carefully walk it and see the falls from above.
I got such a kick out of seeing that huge yellow leaf waiting at the top of the waterfall enjoying the view in the photo below.
On the way to the car I could not resist finding another angle to photo the falls from the bottom. What a great way to spend 15 minutes!!
I would recommend combining this stop with visits to Fort Stamford (1/2 mile) and Mianus River Park (1 mile) – blogs pending for both
Newmann Mills Park, 310 Riverbank Road, Stamford, CT
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