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Kent Falls State Park: A Cascading Paradise

Experience the majesty of nature at Kent Falls State Park, home to Connecticut's tallest waterfall and scenic hiking trails.

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Kent Falls State Park, nestled in the Litchfield Hills, is a scenic wonderland featuring Connecticut's tallest waterfall. The falls cascade 250 feet down a series of drops, surrounded by lush forests, hiking trails, and a charming covered bridge, offering a refreshing escape into nature.

A brief summary to Kent Falls State Park

  • Monday 8 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-8 pm
  • Friday 8 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as the parking lot fills up quickly, and the park closes when it reaches capacity.
  • Out-of-state visitors must pay a parking fee, which is $15 on weekends and holidays and $10 on weekdays.
  • Stay on designated trails and heed posted warnings, as entry into the water is prohibited.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at the well-maintained picnic areas with tables and benches.
  • Consider visiting during the quieter months, from November to April, for a more peaceful experience.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Kent Falls State Park is located on Route 7 (Kent Cornwall Road). From the north (Pittsfield/Great Barrington, MA), travel south on Route 7. From the south (Greater Danbury area), travel north on Route 7. From the east (Hartford area), take I-84 west to Exit 39, then follow Route 4 west to Route 118 in Harwinton, then Route 202 west to Route 341, and finally Route 7 north. Parking is free for Connecticut residents with state-registered vehicles. Out-of-state vehicles are charged $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends and holidays. Purchasing a pass in advance does not guarantee entry once the park is closed to capacity.

  • Walking

    From the parking lot, a paved path leads to the covered bridge and picnic area. Cross the bridge to access the base of the falls via an ADA-accessible path. To ascend alongside the falls, follow the Kent Falls Trail, which includes stone steps and viewing platforms. The trail is steep in places. No entry fee is required for pedestrians, but out-of-state vehicles parked in the lot must pay the parking fee ($10 weekdays, $15 weekends/holidays).

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Discover more about Kent Falls State Park

Kent Falls State Park, a true gem of the Connecticut State Park system, invites visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of a cascading waterfall and the surrounding natural landscape. Located in the town of Kent, within the Litchfield Hills region, the park's main attraction is Kent Falls, a series of waterfalls on Falls Brook, a tributary of the Housatonic River. The falls descend 250 feet in less than a quarter mile, with the largest cascade plunging over 70 feet into a serene reflecting pool before continuing over smaller falls. Visitors can experience the falls from various vantage points, including an ADA-accessible paved path to the base and a steeper trail with stone steps that winds alongside the cascading water. Observation platforms along the trail offer stunning views. The area has a rich history, with Native Americans, known as the Scatacook, having used the falls for fishing and camping. During colonial times, mills were powered by the brook. The park was established in 1919, thanks to a donation by Alain C. White of the White Memorial Foundation. Today, Kent Falls State Park is a popular destination for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the beauty of nature. A replica of a covered bridge adds to the park's charm, providing access to the waterfall trails. The park is open from 8 am to sunset daily, offering a refreshing escape any season.

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