Wander across the covered bridge, hike the falls, and feel the mist on your face as water cascades 250' down on its way to joining the Housatonic River.
A lot of steps to go up but worth it for the view
The falls really are beautiful. Went on a early Saturday morning while it was raining and there was only one other family there, which is not the norm but was welcoming. From past reviews this place gets packed to the point where parking is closed, so I highly recommend you go while its raining. I also went on November 3rd so i didnt have to pay the 20 dollar fee (for non residents only and definitely not worth it imo), after Oct 31 there is no fee. Trail can be hard to follow after the falls so have the offline maps downloaded and ready (service is spotty here). Lastly the town of Kent is a nice small hiker town that I highly recommend you visit, tons of small shops with a lot to see and very friendly people.
Started at Pine Knob loop and Finished at the parking area for St Johns Ledges. Nice hike for a total of 8 miles one way.
Scott F. on Housatonic River via Appalachian Trail
A really nice day on this trail. Easy,not too many others gonna do this again when the foliage is brighter
way too crowded
Great easy hike for you and the family with beautiful waterfalls and rocks. I’m not sure why you have to pay 20 bucks for parking on the weekends when it’s a state and public park? And those porto John’s bathrooms are gross, you’d think with the money they collect from people and government they would have built a new restroom for the park. Other than that, it’s nice.
Very nice park, kept nice and clean. If you do plan on going on the trail, I suggest good nonslip shoes. I saw way too many people wearing flip flops and tripping and falling when it could’ve been avoided. Waterfalls are great, trails are nice and shady. There are areas on the grass in front to have cook out with family but I suggest bringing chairs to sit. Fee for out of state visitors so keep that in mind. There is also a person that comes and sells ice cream.
Super easy hike. Wasn’t completely impressed with the fall...there wasn’t a lot of water
Great hiking, very easy. Some of the trail is paved but not the majority free parking for all CT license plates
So many different Falls to look at and a nice easy path right alongside them which goes up until reaching a bridge. Very Majestic. The park offers some shade and a nice picnicking area.
Cool bridge nice waterfall
Wow. Easily the biggest payoff for least effort hike I've done. Spectacular series of waterfalls. As you ascend the very nicely constructed (mostly paved) trail there are benches and lookout areas along the way. The money spot is at the very top, where the water spills over a cliff edge and down into a sort of cave, then cascades down further. There was a photographer down below taking photos of the uppermost falls from a tripod. There are signs telling people not to leave the trails, which he ignored. Happy to report he made it back to his car. When the paved trail ends it pays to take the root-bound trail up to the right, where you can see the stream that leads down to the falls, and even walk out above the falls if you have the guts. I ventured out a little bit but wanted to be mindful of my footing on a wet day. At the end of the trail you cross a little bridge and can descend down the other side of the falls on the red trail, which doesn't have any great views but is a nice peaceful stroll back to the parking lot, with the sound of the woods keeping you company all the way. There was also a yellow trail that led back into the woods, but I'll leave that for another time. If you want a great spot to visit or take kids, with some absolutely majestic views this is it. Picnic tables near the parking area, and totally immaculate. 5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for sure! You can also fish for trout there if you want. Not sure why you'd do the red and yellow loop. All the views are on the other side of the falls - take the main (paved) trail up and the red trail back IMO.
Waterfalls get nicer higher you climb. Go when there's snow or after rain
Short and steep, lots of nice waterfalls and cascades, there are facilities and picnic tables around the bottom, as well as a place to swim/wade.
Donna M. on Kent Falls Red and Yellow Loop Trail
Great hike
Beautiful falls. Perfect for a stroll with the family to just sit and relax.
nice day out with the family. Easy enough to have my wife and 2 year old son with me, sometimes on my shoulder and other times on my back in his baby carrier. beautiful views, nice picnic and play area also. great also for a quick solo walk. choose when you come to avoid paying for parking. We paid nothing for parking today. perhaps because it was October or mid week.
This trail was awesome. Super short, but so enjoyable! The falls are gorgeous!
Nice place. Very clean. Gave a 3 star rating because it cost $9 to park your vehicle. I arrived to the park with three other friends we were on motorcycles, had to pay $9 per bike to park, so it was a total of $36 for us to park 4 motorcycles in one parking spot. We didn’t let the parking fee ruin our day, still had a great time, just will not be returning to Kent falls anytime soon.
Great for picnics, getting your feet wet, and a quick hike. Can get crowded, but much less during the week. The falls are quite beautiful, great place for families. (we went on a week day and parked for free)
Short and sweet. If you have bad knees (like me) and have trouble going up stairs I would take Advil first!! lol Take your time and don't get discouraged. definately worth the walk. lots of large steps but there is a hand rail if you need it! gorgeous views!
I know this is a trail guide but may I suggest renting a canoe and do the 6 mile river paddle. We went through Clark Outdoors and it was an awesome day despite the 15 minutes of torrential down pour while in baby rapids
all good, a small waterfall hike in a well kept park. fyi-$15 cash to park car.
Short east hike with many people. The waterfalls are pretty though.
had such a great day! was so surprised to find the waterfall kept going higher and higher as you climbed the trail!
Did a 2 mile walk on 4/5 after recent rainstorm. The Appalachian sign is small at the start of the long gravel road, but follow it until you can't go any further and you'll see the designated parking area and trailhead sign. Here's a great review of the whole trail and link to how to get to parking area:
http://gonehikin.blogspot.com/2012/06/appalachian-trail-ct-kent-to-cornwall.html?m=1
It was mostly flat and along the river. Two small planks to walk across a stream that flows into the Housatonic and one area that flooded and required some hopping along the rocks. But other than that gentle with nice views of the river, mountains in distance and a farm across the river. Bring tick and mosquito repellent. There wasn't too many mosquitoes but A TON of ticks on our boots and dog when we finished the trail walk.
Beautiful Falls. Nice cemented stairways halfway up then worn out path with various decks to stop and admire the falls.
I took the Northtrail on the other side of the falls back to the parking area. It hugs the ledge on that side so not for little ones. Not much of view in summer on that side
Free entrance weekdays else state park fees on weekend during summer months.
Easy and flat but the nats and mosquitos made this 5 mile stretch of our 10 mile AT hike rather annoying... Bring your head net!! Some nice river views and some very cool wild flower pastures with peaks in the background. Saw a beaver and a couple herons for wild life.
Spectacular spot to hang out, grill, play games in the field and of course, walk up along the biggest waterfalls in the area
Beautiful 10 mile hike I use with my scout troop for first time 10 milers. We saw an osprey this time.