I drove for an hour to get to this park and there seemed to be quite a few people enjoying it. There was a line and half the people in front of me ended up leaving... I soon found out why. Admission was $9 and they only accepted cash. I had $4, could see the falls from the road. So not the best experience but I paused, soaked it up and kept on going. I was told there were ATM's a few miles away, but I think they could just trim the admission price and I don't think they needed the 4 people standing at the admission gate...
Hiking outside afterwards was WONDERFUL . From 5-55 Loved it. The falls are magnificent and such an easy day trip. You can even take a picnic from the restaurant if you want and do that!
My wife and I stopped by the past Saturday and took the walk to the top of the falls. The scenery was beautiful and the walk was pleasant. There were quite a few people at the property as we were there the lot was probably 2/3 full but it did not feel crowded. There were a lot of people having picnics - I would guess that at $9 a car to park people figure they might was well make the most of a beautiful place.
Allow your family an extra of 2 hours to explore the Kent Falls State Park. The park offers a panoramic view of the fall foliage with interesting stream, steps waterfalls and a challenge to climb its trial. There is no entrance fee for individual however there is a vehicle parking fee of $ 9.00 for car. Immediate after the parking, there is the open field with level gradient toward the waterfall. Majority of the visitor make the trip to the waterfall, then turn back to there car. With this majority of visitor, I would like to point out that they missed the real deal.The climb to the top of the waterfall is quite simple. With the proper gears e.g. layers of warm clothes, a curiosity spirit, and the desire to challenge any goal, hiking the waterfall loop can be fun. The waterfall loop started with steps to the various levels of the falls. Once reach the top, there is a bridge crossing over to the other side where a natural trial without any steps will lead down to the parking area. The downward trial is marked by the red line on the side of the tree. Hiking down can be slippery if the ground is wet. Therefore the choice of coming down on a built-steps by tracing back or through the no step but different scenery must be decided by you. My recommendation is for all young people to take up the challenge to climb to the top of the waterfall. The task is not dangerous but caution and proper shoes help.
We got off the beaten path to see the falls. It was a great photo op and also quiet and relaxing. Worth the time to stop and see.
I've been in this park two times and the last time was yesterday. I like the view, the falls and the covered bridge near the parking lot. We walked all across the white and the red trial with gorgeous views of the falls with our five years old boy (it tooks about 30-40 minutes in total) easy and beautiful. A lovely day. 15 $ well spent (but it's only 9 $ if your car plate is from Connecticut)
Oh this place is absolutely lovely! Views are gorgeous and you'll find you'll get a lot of walking done going up the stairs to get a better view of the falls. We didn't do a hike when I went but I did see some trails while we walked to see the falls. Be sure to bring your camera to snap some pretty photos.
We were driving through the western part of CT and just happened to come across this beautiful place Mother Nature provided. It is right along the road and completely visible from it. We were there mid week, middle of the day in peak fall foliage and there were three other cars in the rather huge parking lot. Felt that we had the place to ourselves. No charge, no one there, just drove right in.Beautiful little stream running between the parking area and a large meadow before the mountain and the falls to the left. Great place for a day, go picnicking, hiking, etc. the covered bridge was cute and the walk to the falls was very easy. I would have to say it was handicap accessible.I read some other reviews about being charged, I can see the need to maintain parks but sometimes it can be excessive. We were lucky and found the time where it was free
We came in the winter, the falls were partially frozen and absolutely stunning!! The trails provided nice areas to walk/hike. Have been back several times while we stay in CT for three months.
I enjoyed my second visit to the falls.I drove up through the beautiful New England towns. It was pretty crowed since it was a Sunday. During the week it is better if you like to take photos. Also you don't have to pay for parking. The foliage was lovely.The falls wasn't as forceful as it was last year since we had a dry Summer but it still was nice.