Bottom of Kent Falls in Kent Falls State Park

Hiking Kent Falls State Park in Kent, Connecticut

Located in Kent Falls State Park, Kent Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Connecticut. The reason for this is clear: not only are they absolutely beautiful, but they’re so incredible accessible that anyone can enjoy them. 

Seriously, I get asked all the time about hiking locations perfect for kids in strollers, for people with disabilities or other mobility limitations, or for complete beginners who want to see something beautiful but are scared of stepping into the woods for the first time. 

Kent Fall is perfect for all of these adventurers AND there’s a waterfall. It’s fantastic!  

So, if you’re looking to see the beauty of these falls for yourself, keep reading and get everything you need to know before heading out to visit Kent Falls State Park. 

Bottom of Kent Falls in Kent Falls State Park

Overview

Difficulty: 2.0/10 

Location: Kent, CT

Click for GPS Coordinates 

Distance: 0.5 miles (to top of waterfall), longer distances available.

Time: As long as you want. The falls can be seen from the parking lot

Cell-Phone Service: Okay. Spotty in areas.  

Features: Kent Falls. Large Field perfect for groups

Hours: 8am-8pm. Closes when parking lot is full

Cost: Free for CT residents, $10 (weekday), or $15 (weekend) for out of state residents

Parking: Large lot, but fills VERY quickly

Bathrooms: Yes! Plenty. 

Dog Friendly: On-leash only

Location, Parking, and Bathrooms at Kent Falls State Park

When you enter into the parking area of Kent Falls State park, you can immediately tell this place is special. A huge field extends over the area in front of the expansive falls that can be seen from the parking lot. For those a bit intimidated by the woods, this is a great intro, as the start of the trail feels less like hiking and more like a public park. 

For parking, there are plenty of well marked spots in a well-maintained paved lot. With that said, this lot gets full quickly, and when the lot is full the park closes. No street parking allowed. However, it will open up again if and when people leave – but I wouldn’t depend on a lot of people exiting. Generally, when people go to Kent Falls State Park, they’re there to spend the day. 

You can see the falls from the parking lot, in case you are with someone who cannot leave the car. You can’t see them from every parking spot – but if you get a spot in the front-right of the lot, you should be golden. 

parking lot with plenty of cars at Kent Falls State Park
Expansive Field view from parking lot at Kent Falls State Park

As you leave the parking lot there are large, paved paths leading all the way up to the falls, flanked by the well-kept grass of the large field. These can be easily utilized by strollers, or wheelchairs. Alongside the path, you’ll see families picnicking, friends playing sports, couples relaxing, and people just generally enjoying the outdoors all under the waterfalls. It’s truly an escape into nature but also a great to see so many people enjoying the outdoors. 

When you make it to the bottom of the falls (which is only a few hundred feet from the parking area) there are a few concrete steps you can rest on while taking it all in. It’s a crowded area, so there will be a ton of people attempting to take photos of Kent Falls, but even with that, there are still many places to sit and enjoy without being interrupted. 

I sat for a while here and just took it all in. The falls, the nature, the humanity, and the beautiful day. It really is a peaceful spot if you can accept  that it is also a busy spot. 

But, what you see here is only the bottom of the falls. There are many more sections of these falls as you hike to the top. So, if you’re looking to escape the massive crowd at the bottom, it is possible to do by just heading up. 

people on the main walking path headed towards Kent Falls
Entrance of the main walking path to Kent Falls

Regarding bathrooms, there are plenty at Kent Falls State Park. The parking lot contains portable toilets, but across the field there is a structure containing indoor toilets. They’re not fancy, but they get the job done and aren’t portable. 

Kent Falls State Park Map, Trail Entrance, and Path

Although you can probably spend an entire day enjoying the field, scenery, and the bottom of Kent Falls there are several hiking trails to enjoy. 

Most people choose to take the trails to the top of the falls, but there are some additional trails that run away from the falls themselves and more into nature. These are much less traveled, and may be a great escape from people if that’s what you’re looking for. 

I’ve added the trail map here, but in all honesty the trails aren’t marked well. That doesn’t mean they aren’t maintained – they’re incredibly maintained. No, instead you can clearly tell you’re on a trail, but it can be difficult to tell which trail you’re on. 

Most people will start at the bottom of the falls, since the waterfall is the main feature of this park. But, there are trails that you can start from the field if you’re interested in that. 

Kent Falls State Park Trail Map

Assuming you are like most people, and want to hike to the top of the falls you’ll want to start at the bottom. You’ll see a sign notating the park rules before curving around to start this more popular trail. 

Kent Falls State Park stay on the trail warning sign
beginning of hiking up Kent Falls

What to Expect Hiking at Kent Falls State Park

As you head up to explore all of the Kent Falls waterfall, expect a bit of a climb. You are going up after all, so it’s not a nice, easy flat, stroll. 

Concrete steps with wooden handrail to hike up the falls at Kent Falls state park

There are plenty of concrete steps with large handrails that travel to the top of the falls, or at least to the last view point of the falls. These steps also aren’t continuous all the way to the top. You’ll take them one flight at a time with plenty of resting points along the way. 

So, even if you aren’t in the best of shape, or if you struggle a little with the climbs, these stairs may still be something you can conquer with lots of rest in between levels. 

Kent Falls peeking through the foliage at Kent Falls State Park

You’re going to want to stop and rest often anyways, because at most of these resting points there are smaller views of the falls. 

Some of these spots have dedicated look-out spots with a deck overlooking the falls. Others are just peeks you can sneak through the trees to glimpse the falls as you head up. 

Either way, at each stair level, you’ll be able to get a new view of the falls as you head to the top. 

If you make it to the top though, you’ll have reached my favorite spot in the entire park. The view of the falls up here is incredible, and it’s not nearly as crowded as the bottom (I guess not everyone wants to climb all the stairs). 

I stood here for a really long time just observing the falls and the rocks and taking it all in. Plus, the falling water actually made this spot cooler than anywhere else in the park – so on a hot day, you’ll definitely want to rest here for a while. 

top of the waterfall at Kent Falls State Park

This is the last view from the top of the falls, but it’s not technically the top. You can use the adjacent trail to hike around to the actual top of the falls. There isn’t a view from up here – you can just see the river before it topples over the rocks. But it’s still neat to see the water right before it heads down the falls. 

There are signs here that keep you from getting too close to the edge. These are here for good reasons, so follow them and don’t get too close. 

Hiking the other trails at Kent Falls State Park

Other than the stair-laden trail leading to the top of the falls, Kent Falls has a few other small hiking trails that you can utilize around the park. 

These are all very easy, low incline trails that are around a mile or less. So, these are more like wooded-strolls than intense hikes, but are perfect for kids, families, or pets who have some pent up energy and need to move around. 

Again, these aren’t super well marked, but there also aren’t a lot of entrances/exits of the trail. Once you’re on it you’ll stay on it until you either turn around or hit the falls again. So, maps aren’t really necessary for these trails. Just find one, start walking, and enjoy! It’ll be hard to get lost here. 

Kent Falls state parking hiking trail
tree with woodpecker markings at the top of Kent Falls

Keeping the Trails Cleaned and Safe at Kent Falls State Park

Before entering any hiking trails at Kent Falls State Park, you’ll run across a sign that tells you to stay on the trail. This is because there has been a lot of damage to the area surrounding the falls as people try to find better ways to view them (and stepping off the main trail to do so). 

As you’re hiking up the falls you’ll notice several areas that are either fenced or marked off. Some of them you could easily step around if you wanted to – but do not do this. 

It is so incredibly important that we stay on the trails that have been constructed. Doing this prevents erosion, habitat destruction, and a host of other damage that can be prevented by following the principles of Leave No Trace

Kent Falls is a highly trafficked park, and so it is imperative people stay on the trails. There are park rangers around the more popular areas to ensure this happens, but I also wanted to highlight how important this is in this post. Stay ON the trail only. 

Kent Falls State Park stay on the trail warning sign

It is so incredibly important that we stay on the trails that have been constructed. Doing this prevents erosion, habitat destruction, and a host of other damage that can be prevented by following the principles of Leave No Trace

Kent Falls is a highly trafficked park, and so it is imperative people stay on the trails. There are park rangers around the more popular areas to ensure this happens, but I also wanted to highlight how important this is in this post. Stay ON the trail only. 

Other Tips to Remember

Kent Falls State Park is an extremely popular park with a stunning waterfall accessible by all. The accessibility of this park makes it so great as truly anyone can enjoy these beautiful falls (just make sure to get there early to get parking)! 

As it is so popular, you’ll want to follow proper hiking etiquette. You’ll probably also want to follow basic social etiquette as well, because plenty of people will be trying to snap photos of the falls while you’re enjoying them. Be patient and kind as everyone deserves an experience with nature.

My biggest recommendation though is to spend some time here to really soak it in. The hike to the top, and the other hikes in the area are so short it’s tempting to just see the falls and leave. Don’t do this. Stick around for a bit, relax, and enjoy the Kent Falls waterfall. 

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