When to go
Weather, crowds, and what the season changes about the trip.
Spring
The falls run at their most powerful after winter snowmelt, typically peaking in March and April. Cool and sometimes muddy.
Pack Waterproof footwear for wet stone near the falls; the stairs can be slick in spring. A rain layer for variable Litchfield Hills weather.
Summer
Comfortable Litchfield Hills temps, usually a few degrees cooler than coastal Connecticut. The falls run lower but still photogenic.
Pack Light layers and good footwear for the stone stairs. The shaded glen stays cool even in July.
Fall
The park's signature season, when the maple and beech canopy above the falls lights up. The falls and foliage combination draws visitors from across the region.
Pack Camera gear is the essential kit. Arrive early on fall weekends; the small parking lot fills fast.
Winter
The falls can partially freeze in cold snaps creating dramatic ice formations. Winter is the best time to visit without crowds.
Pack Serious traction devices for the stone stairs if frozen; the steps become extremely slick. Do not climb the stairs when iced.
Top things to do
Kent Falls Steps Trail
The signature 0.84-mile out-and-back scrambles up stone stairs alongside the full cascade, with multiple viewing platforms. Short but steep with the best close-up views of the falls.
Covered bridge and picnic area
The historic covered bridge at the park entrance is a Connecticut landmark. The adjacent picnic area with stone fireplaces frames the base of the falls.
Falls Brook fly fishing
Kent Falls is one of Connecticut's 13 designated state trout parks. Brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout are stocked in Falls Brook, with the best fishing below the base of the falls.
Anchor the day around Kent Falls Steps Trail
Put permit timing ahead of ambition, then build the route around what is actually approved. For one day in Kent Falls State Park, make Kent Falls Steps Trail the non-negotiable, add Covered bridge and picnic area only if the first stop runs clean, and keep Falls Brook fly fishing as the flexible finish.
- 1Start with Kent Falls Steps Trail: The signature 0.84-mile out-and-back scrambles up stone stairs alongside the full cascade, with multiple viewing platforms. Short but steep with the best close-up.
- 2Add Covered bridge and picnic area: The historic covered bridge at the park entrance is a Connecticut landmark. The adjacent picnic area with stone fireplaces frames the base of the falls.
- 3Use Falls Brook fly fishing as the optional finish, not as a reason to rush the whole day.
Plan your trip
Turn Kent Falls's conditions into water, pack, and sleep-system decisions.
Build around conditions
Let season, elevation, and weather set the plan.
Plan your trip
2 quick tools, already seeded for Kent Falls State Park. Tune the numbers around temperature swings, footing, layers, and how much margin the route needs.
What to pack
Start with the gear decisions this park changes: footing, weather, camping, and water.
Kit Authority
Kent Falls State Park packing list
0 of 15 packed. Check items as you pack, then take this list to the store, trailhead, or campsite.
Pack planning
Decide what Kent Falls State Park asks of your kit before you start checking boxes.
Use this as a constraint check while you are still shaping the trip. The active checklist becomes useful once your route, dates, and sleep plan are set.
- First constraintHydration and exposureWater, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, Navigationmap, downloaded GPS, or a GPS watch, 3 more
- Route realityFooting and tractionHiking boots, Hiking socks, Trekking poles
- Load choicePack and carry systemDaypack
- Season checkLayers for conditionsMoisture-wicking base layers, Rain jacket, Insulated jacket, 1 more
Checklist mode
15 items, grouped for the trip you are actually taking.
- Dates and season are set.
- Primary route, campground, or lodge is chosen.
- Water, footwear, and overnight needs are sized.
One researched pick
The first gear decision for Kent Falls
A stable daypack is the one purchase that organizes water, layers, food, first aid, and the small safety margin.
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THE DAY-HIKE PICK
Osprey Talon 22
- Volume
- 22 L
- Weight
- 2 lb 1 oz (945 g)
- Back Panel
- AirScape foam with ventilation channels
- Hipbelt Pockets
- 2 zippered
- Hydration
- Compatible up to 3 L reservoir (sold separately)
- Warranty
- All Mighty Guarantee (lifetime repair or replace)
The Talon 22 is the daypack you see on the trail more than any other for good reason: it packs in a padded hipbelt, adjustable torso harness, and dual hipbelt pockets into a 22-liter package that handles loads up to 20 lb without complaint. Owners across hundreds of Amazon ratings consistently cite its adjustability and durability as standouts.
- Adjustable torso fit covers a wide range of body sizes
- Padded hipbelt and dual hipbelt pockets at this size are rare
- At 2 lb 1 oz it runs heavier than ultralight rivals for the same volume
Best for
Hikers who want a proven all-around daypack with solid load support, plenty of adjustment, and a warranty they can actually use.
Gear for Kent Falls
The buying guides that match what Kent Falls asks of your kit, with our current top picks across budget and use case.
Where to stay
Kent Falls has no campground; it is a day-use park. The nearest camping is Macedonia Brook State Park about 4 miles away. The town of Kent, about 4 miles south, offers the Cornwall Inn, the Hitching Post Motel, and several inns and B&Bs. This corner of Litchfield County has a strong agricultural and arts tourism infrastructure with lodging options at multiple price points.
Camping reservations
Camping reservations
Day-use park only; nearest camping at Macedonia Brook State Park 4 miles away.
Kent Falls State Park has no campground. It is a day-use site open 8 a.m. to sunset. Macedonia Brook State Park, about 4 miles from Kent Falls, is the closest state park camping option.
Reviewed June 11, 2026
Booking window
No camping to book at Kent Falls. Macedonia Brook State Park camping is booked through the Connecticut State Parks system.
- No swimming or entry into the water is permitted at Kent Falls State Park.
- Alcohol is prohibited at Kent Falls State Park.
- Drones are not permitted at any Connecticut State Park or Forest.
Where to book or verify
Book camping at Macedonia Brook and other nearby Connecticut state park campgrounds.
Trail map, fees, fishing information, and park details.
Check for federal campground, backcountry, tour, and permit inventory tied to this park.
Campgrounds to know
No campground at Kent Falls State Park
Details- Booking
- N/A
- Season
- N/A
- Sites
- No overnight camping available.
- Macedonia Brook State Park campground is about 4 miles away and is the recommended nearby camping option.
Getting there and practical info
Plan the handoff from arrival to shuttle.
Parking, pedestrian entrances, and shuttle timing decide how calmly the first morning starts.
Getting there
Get to Kent Falls State Park, then remove the first-morning friction.
- Access rhythm
- Plan the last mile
- Region
- Connecticut
Car strategy
Kent Falls State Park is at 462 Kent Cornwall Road (Route 7) in Kent, Connecticut, in the Litchfield Hills.
Access note
From the Merritt Parkway (Route 15) take Route 25 north through Brookfield to Route 7 north; continue on Route 7 north through New Milford and into Kent.
Car strategy
The park entrance is on the left (west) side of Route 7 about 4 miles north of the Kent town center.
Pair this with lodging: sleep where the park transfer is simple, especially if your route needs an early start.
Can you photograph here? Permit and drone rules
Connecticut runs filming on all state-owned property, state parks and forests included, through one office: DECD's Office of Film, TV and Digital Media.
- Permit
- Usually fine for personal shoots; commercial or large productions can need a permit
- Drones
- Commercial drone work requires FAA Part 107
- Land
- Yes: you can photograph what is visible from public space in the US
From our photography sister site, Aperture Authority. Verified 2026-07-01.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Kent Falls State Park?
No. Swimming and entry into the water are prohibited at Kent Falls State Park.
How tall are the falls at Kent Falls State Park?
The total cascade drops approximately 250 feet from Falls Brook's headwaters to the base, including a dramatic 70-foot main plunge. A series of smaller cascades and pools continue the descent.
Is there camping at Kent Falls State Park?
No. Kent Falls is a day-use park open 8 a.m. to sunset. The nearest state park camping is Macedonia Brook State Park, about 4 miles away. The town of Kent also has several inns and B&Bs.
When is the best time to visit Kent Falls?
Spring (March to April) for the highest waterfall flows after snowmelt, and fall (mid to late October) for the foliage-and-falls combination. Both seasons are busy; arrive before 9 a.m. on weekends.