A small waterfall on the rocks in the woods in fall

Indian Well State Park

Shelton, CT

Indian Well State Park, named for its scenic waterfall and gorge, is located on the western bank of the Housatonic River, with a wide, sandy beach and a shaded picnic grove, making it a perfect spot to spend a summer day. The blue-blazed Paugussett Trail traverses the park, which offers bass, perch, and catfish fishing, and the only public boat launch on the river.

Fun fact: Indian Well was named because of the Romeo and Juliet-like Native American legend surrounding the Park's scenic waterfalls and the splash pool at the bottom of the falls. Despite the name, local Native Americans never actually used the area as a well. 

Views from the Park
Location

1 Indian Well Road
Shelton, CT 06484

Details

Open Daily
(8:00 a.m. – Sunset)

November – March
Closed to vehicular traffic
Open to walk-ins only

Contact

Main (203) 735-4311

People rowing a boat in the fall (Instagram@rpungello)
Activities

Overview

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Know Before You Go

Boating

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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Access details about the boat launch at Lake Housatonic.

KAYAK AND PADDLEBOARD RENTALS AND LESSONS

Kayak, tandem kayak, and paddleboard rentals are now available for the 2026 Season.  Rental services are provided on site by Scoot and Paddle (contact info below).  Please be aware that rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and that rental operations close for inclement weather.  

AVAILABILITY

  • 3rd Saturday of April - Memorial Day:  by appointment only for group events, weather dependent on weekends.  Check Scoot and Paddle website (linked below) for availability.  
  • Memorial Day - June 30:  Weekends and holidays, 11am-6pm
  • July 1 - August 31:  Daily, 11am-6pm
  • September 1 - Labor Day:  Weekends and holidays, 11am-6pm
  • After Labor Day - 4th Tuesday in October:  by appointment only for group events, weather dependent on weekends.  Check Scoot and Paddle website (linked below) for availability.  

RENTAL AND LESSON RATES

Singe seat kayak or paddleboard 
Hourly Rate:  $30 per hour, $20 for each additional hour 
Half Day (up to 4 hours):  $75
Full Day (open to close): $95

Tandem kayak 
Hourly Rate:  $45 per hour, $20 for each additional hour
Half Day (up to 4 hours):  $90
Full Day (open to close):  $110

Group paddles
Single kayak or paddleboard:  $30
Tandem kayak:  $45

Lessons
Paddleboard Private Lesson:  $125
Paddleboard Group Lesson:  $75
Intro to Kayak lesson:  $50

Reservations and walk-up rentals are available.  

Accepted forms of payment: major credit cards, ApplePay, and cash.

RENTAL QUESTIONS?

Paddlecraft rental services are provided by Scoot and Paddle
85 Broadway, Milford, CT 06460
Phone:  203-506-5402
Website:  Scoot and Paddle

Fishing

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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Before heading out, be sure to check the latest water conditions and fishing regulations. 

Hiking

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Connecticut Forest and Park Association Paugussett Trail Description.

Nature

Picnicking

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Please note, no alcohol is allowed at the park.

Open Air Picnic Shelter Rental

  • 30 x 70-ft. picnic shelter
  • Space for 100 people, 10 picnic tables, working fireplace in the pavilion, and nearby access to 2 large grills, parking lot, restrooms, and beach/swimming area
  • Reservations available May 23 - September 7. Shelter closed October 1 - March 31. Available at other times on a first come, first served basis
  • Rental Fee: $150 (plus $9 processing fee)
  • Parking fee for out-of-state registered vehicles: Weekend/Holiday: $15 / Weekday: $10
  • Learn more about our picnic shelter rental polices and reservation details

Reserve a picnic shelter

Swimming

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Know Before You Go

Additional Park Info

Fees

FREE – In-State Registered Vehicles
$15 – Out-of-State Vehicles (Weekends/Holidays)
$10 – Out-of-State Vehicles (Weekdays)
$6 – Out-of-State Vehicles (After 4pm)
$112 – Out-of-State Vehicles (Season Pass)

Accessibility

Field Sports

Picnic Shelter

Restrooms

Pets

Memorial Day – Labor Day
Not permitted

Maples Area
Yes, on leash