Hiking at Kent Falls State Park: Tips & Trails

Planning a visit to Kent Falls – the tallest waterfall in CT?! This guide to Kent Falls State Park guide tells you everything you need to know to plan a visit to Kent Falls including trail information, tips for visiting, history and highlights of the park, and other fun things to do in the area!

Known for its beautiful 250-foot waterfall, Kent Falls located in Kent Falls State Park is home to scenic trails, a covered bridge, picnic spots, and wide-open lawns to enjoy the tallest waterfall in CT.

The base of the falls is accessible via an ADA-accessible paved path great for strollers, wheelchairs, or for the able-bodied young and old! Beyond the base of the falls, there is a trail along the falls via a series of steps at first which I go over further in this post.

I’ve lived in Connecticut all my life and have been hiking here for decades. I usually visit Kent Falls once per season and love how it magically transforms from partially to fully frozen in winter to free-flowing in spring.

While summer is a popular time to seek our waterfalls and get your walking shoes on, I’ve always loved coming to Kent Falls in the quieter months from November to April. This is your best chance to get the falls all to yourself and really take in the scene.

I also love these falls framed with colored leaves in the fall and taking a drive here in the summer. So if you’re visiting in either of these seasons and want more of a quiet experience then head to the park early in the morning if possible.

To get to the falls you’ll likely be driving in along Route 7 (Kent Cornwall Road) – a scenic winding country road lined with trees and charming homes with plenty of space between. You’ll start to breath more deeply and hopefully feel yourself decompress then, out of nowhere, an opening in the trees appears and the park reveals itself with the roaring falls set in the background.

Let the adventure begin! 💦

A Guide to Visiting Kent Falls

✅ Key Facts About Kent Falls State Park

• 🗺 Address is 462 Kent Cornwall Rd, click here for directions
• You can walk as little as 0.1 miles or 528 feet to get to the base of Kent Falls, trail continues up steps from there making the loop around the falls 0.8 miles
• There is an ADA-accessible path (smooth paved path) that runs to the base of the falls
• Restroom facilities and picnic areas available
• Large parking lot off Route 7/Kent Cornwall Rd that tends to fill up on weekends
• 🚗 Free parking for CT residents
• 🚙 Out-of-state vehicles pay a $15 fee on weekends and holidays and a $10 parking fee on weekdays

☑️ Rules to keep in mind when visiting Kent Falls:

• 🐾 Dogs welcome on leash
• Alcohol not allowed in the park
• Drones not allowed
• 🏊🏼‍♂️ No swimming or entry into the water
• 🥾 Stay on hiking paths and trails
• No littering!

Located in the northwest corner of CT, in Litchfield County, Kent Falls has become a popular destination for those seeking easy outdoor beauty in CT.

While the total height of Kent Falls is 250 feet – it falls in a series of cascades before joining the Housatonic River. The highest fall or cascade is about 70 feet and known as the “big fall”.

For those who enjoy angling, the park’s streams offer excellent opportunities to catch trout!

Trail Options at Kent Falls State Park

1) Kent Falls Steps Trail

The Kent Falls Steps Trail is the best way to see all the different cascades along the 250-foot Kent Falls.

All you have to do is walk down the paved path from the parking lot up to the base of the falls and then head to the right up the stairs. There area several sets of stairs each one leading you to a viewing platform and different vantage point of the falls.

While the stone stairs trail only runs for about 0.3 miles up the right side of Kent Falls, you can spend a lot of time at the various viewing platforms taking photos and taking in the scene!

2) Kent Falls Red and Yellow Loop

The Kent Falls Loop is a 0.84-mile out-and-back trail that is considered moderately difficult with its 250 feet of elevation gain up and then down.

Like the steps trail mentioned above, you will head up the steps to the right of the main falls for 0.4 miles on the red trail. As you climb, you’ll be treated to ever-changing perspectives of the falls which helps disguise the steepness.

Once you get to the top of the loop, at 0.4 miles in, you’ll briefly meet and walk on Dugan Rd. Take a left on Dugan Road and find the yellow trail that winds its way down the left side of the falls.

The yellow trail on the way back, the left side of the loop, is mainly a woods walk so wear good hiking boots as it will no longer be a set of stairs on this side! 🙂 🥾

3) ADA-Accessible Path

Kent Falls beauty is accessible to visitors of all physical abilities. The park features an ADA-accessible path that runs from the parking lot for 0.1 miles to the base of the falls.

The paved platform at the bottom offers views of the falls from various directions so there is room to move around and room for others to admire the falls with you.

This path provides a smooth surface for wheelchairs and strollers, making it an excellent option for families with young children or elderly members.

Kent Falls Map

🍂🍃Kent Falls Through the Seasons 🍁❄️

Kent Falls State Park’s transformation through the changing seasons creates a unique reason to visit each season!

As a lifelong Connecticut resident and avid hiker, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the park’s beauty in all its seasonal variations.

🍂Fall Foliage Season

Fall is one of the best times to visit any waterfall as the foliage provides the perfect frame and border around the falls. From late September through early November, you can expect greens turning to golds, reds, and oranges. While November is the very end of fall it’s one of my favorite times to explore as the air is crisp, the crowds are gone, and the leaves that are left are ranges of yellows.

⛄️Winter Snow

Winter transforms Kent Falls State Park into a serene wonderland and is the best time to visit without the crowds! I came on a snowy day with Captain and since we were the only ones there for a bit I got to take my time with photos – setting up the tripod to capture the winter magic.

In winter I’ve seen the falls full to partially frozen. Each time you come it will be different and that is part of the fun in winter- the element of surprise as you never know what frozen formations you’ll find!

Be careful if you visit in winter as the stairs heading up to the top of the falls could be icy. Wearing microspikes which are easy to put on, a rubber net that stretches over the bottom of your boot with metal spikes that grips ice and give traction as you walk.

Pick up a pair of microspikes here on Amazon for less than $25!

🌞Spring and Summer

The arrival of spring means melting snow and usually more rain – all contributors to full and rushing waterfalls! And Kent Falls is one of the best waterfalls in Connecticut to witness frozen falls coming to life.

Summer brings its own charm to Kent Falls State Park, with lush greenery enveloping the trails and surrounding areas. The warmer months are perfect for exploring the park’s hiking trails, enjoying a family picnic, or simply basking in the refreshing mist of the falls on a hot day.

Visitor Amenities and Tips

This scenic drive that leads you to the falls is one of my favorite parts about visiting as it takes you through Connecticut’s most charming countryside.

📍Located at 462 Kent Cornwall Road, Kent Falls State Park is open daily from 8 am to sunset. As mentioned earlier you’ll find well-maintained picnic areas with tables, benches, restroom facilities, and ample parking facilities for both in-state and out-of-state visitors.

• no swimming or entry into the water
• stay on the hiking trails and paths
• drones are not allowed
• no alcohol allowed in the park
• On-leash dogs welcome

📖 Native American History

I love looking into the history surrounding the places I love to hike in CT. I know these places were discovered, walked, and admired by Native American tribes so long ago and I want to appreciate the gift these places truly are.

The Schaghticoke Indian Tribe (SIT) is a Native American tribe that has its headquarters on a 400-acre reservation in Kent, Connecticut. Its ancestors previously lived on the land, and the reservation was established in 1736 by the Connecticut General Assembly.

According to the CTparks.com site, evidence shows Native Americans fished and camped by the falls, an area they called “Scatacook.” 

The Schaghticoke tribe recognized the value of this natural resource. According to the CTparks.com site, evidence shows Native Americans fished and camped by the falls, an area they called “Scatacook.” These early inhabitants utilized the falls and the surrounding area for fishing, demonstrating a deep connection to the land and its resources. The abundant fish population in the streams and rivers near Kent Falls provided a crucial food source for these communities, highlighting the area’s importance in sustaining indigenous life.

Archaeological evidence further supports the long-standing presence of Native Americans in the vicinity of Kent Falls. Artifacts discovered near the falls suggest that indigenous peoples had a prolonged and significant presence in the area.

As you explore here or any spot in nature, take a moment to reflect on:

• the generations of indigenous people who walked these lands before us

• their deep respect for nature

• their ingenious ways of living in harmony with the environment

Nearby Attractions/Things to Do in the Area

Since I frequent this area a lot I’ve been to a lot of places in and around Kent and can suggest several other stops to make when in the area!

Check out my post; 24 Fun Things to Do in Kent, CT!

The list includes visiting the nearby Cornwall Bridge which is the longest covered bridge in CT, Hopkins Inn Vineyard, and a list of cafes, shops, and restaurants in downtown Kent. 🙂

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Kent Falls State Park?

The best time to visit Kent Falls State Park depends on your preferences! Fall is popular for foliage colors, spring for powerful waterfall flows, summer for lush greenery, and winter for partially iced over falls and no crowds.

Are dogs allowed in Kent Falls State Park?

Yes, dogs are allowed in Kent Falls State Park, but they must be kept on a leash.

Is there an entrance fee for Kent Falls State Park?

Connecticut residents with state-registered vehicles can park for free at Kent Falls State Park, while out-of-state vehicles are charged a parking fee of $15 on weekends and holidays, and $10 on weekdays.

Does Kent Falls have accessible trails for visitors with mobility limitations?

Yes, visitors with mobility limitations can access the ADA-accessible path at the base of Kent Falls State Park to enjoy views of the waterfall. The park also has non-wheelchair-friendly trails.

Can I swim or wade in the falls at Kent Falls State Park?

No, swimming is not allowed at Kent Falls State Park due to safety concerns.

I hope you enjoyed this guide to visiting Kent Falls in Kent Falls State Park!

Let me know which season you like the best!

Happy trails, enjoy, and remember to leave no trace! 💗🥾