Right now
Right now as of Oct 28, 2026
- Permit No permit needed. Fee: free for CT cars; $10 to $15 out of state (Apr to Oct).
Status note (Oct 28, 2026): Open year-round, 8am to sunset. The out-of-state parking fee season ended October 31, 2026, and parking is free for all vehicles until April 1, 2027. What the status labels mean
Kent Falls drops about 250 feet through a series of cascades in Kent Falls State Park, in Connecticut's Litchfield County. A paved path crosses a covered bridge to the base, and the 0.84-mile Steps Trail climbs stone stairs beside the falls. Connecticut cars park free. Out-of-state cars pay $10 to $15 from April 1 to October 31. The 2026 fee season has ended, so everyone parks free until April 1, 2027.
About Kent Falls
Kent Falls is a staircase of water rather than one big drop. Connecticut State Parks says the brook falls about 250 feet in total through a series of cascades, with a main fall of about 70 feet. The stream is Kent Falls Brook, also called Falls Brook, which flows on to the Housatonic River.
The park dates to 1919, when Alain C. White gave 200 acres to the state through the White Memorial Foundation, according to Wikipedia. It has since grown to 307 acres. A replica covered bridge carries the paved path over the brook toward the falls.
Kent Falls is also one of Connecticut's trout parks. The state stocks the brook with brook, brown and rainbow trout. If you plan to fish, check DEEP's current fishing rules before you cast.
Getting there and parking
The park lot is right on US-7 at 462 Kent Cornwall Road, Kent, CT 06757. The park phone is (860) 927-3238. From the lot, a paved path leads over the covered bridge toward the falls.
Parking fees and the free season
What you pay depends on your license plate. Connecticut-registered vehicles park free under the Passport to the Parks program. Out-of-state vehicles pay $15 on weekends and holidays and $10 on weekdays, but only from April 1 to October 31.
Outside that window, nobody pays. Parking has been free for all vehicles since November 1, 2026, and the fee season returns on April 1, 2027.
During the fee season, pay online through Reserve America by 10pm on the day of your visit. You can also pay on site when a ticket booth is open, as CT DEEP describes. Paying online adds a $2 reservation fee, and CT DEEP says unpaid parking can bring a $75 infraction.
CT DEEP sells parking for the same day only, and an online payment does not guarantee you a space. If you visit Connecticut parks often, the 2026 out-of-state season pass costs $112. Groups arriving by bus need a bus permit if the bus seats 30 or more.
Camping near Kent Falls
There is no camping in Kent Falls State Park. CT DEEP's fee table lists it as a park where camping is not available.
The nearest state campground is Macedonia Brook State Park, about 4 miles away according to CT State Parks. Its season runs from late May into October, and reservations are required. CT State Parks lists the 2027 opening as Friday, May 28.
Map and nearby falls
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The hike
The easy part comes first. A paved path leads from the parking area, crosses the covered bridge and passes the picnic area. An ADA-accessible path leads to the base of the falls, so you can reach the bottom without using stairs.
The Kent Falls Steps Trail is a 0.84-mile out-and-back that Connecticut State Parks calls short but steep. It climbs about a quarter mile of stone stairs right beside the cascades. Viewing platforms, built in 2006, sit along the way.
For the walk back, a red-blazed trail across the brook avoids the stairs. It skips the views along the falls, though, so pick it only if your knees need a break from the steps. We found no published elevation gain or typical hiking time.
When to visit
The park is open every day of the year from 8am to sunset. CT DEEP collects the out-of-state parking fee only from April 1 to October 31 each year. Parking is free for everyone until April 1, 2027.
We found no official best season for the falls, and no published crowd figures.
Winter at Kent Falls
CT State Parks calls winter a good time to see the falls without the crowds. Winter also falls inside the free-parking season for out-of-state cars.
The Steps Trail is steep stone stairs, so ice changes the trip. If the steps look icy, stay on the paved path to the base.
For more cold-season trips, see our guide to frozen waterfalls in the US.
More falls nearby
If you are touring falls in this corner of New England, Bash Bish Falls is across the state line in Massachusetts. Its final 60-foot drop is split into twin streams, and visitors must stay in a designated viewing area.
In New York's Catskills, Kaaterskill Falls is another popular falls to the west, on state Forest Preserve land managed by the NYS DEC.
| Height | 250 ftNote: total over a series of cascades; the main fall is about 70 ft, per CT State Parks |
|---|---|
| Trail | Kent Falls Steps Trail: 0.84 mi out-and-back with about 0.25 mi of stone stairs beside the falls; a paved, ADA-accessible path reaches the base |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Entry fee | Free for Connecticut-registered vehicles. Out-of-state vehicles pay $15 on weekends and holidays, $10 on weekdays, April 1 to October 31. The 2026 fee season has ended, and parking is free for all vehicles until April 1, 2027. |
| Permit / reservation | No permit; out-of-state parking fee April 1 to October 31 |
| Parking | Park lot on US-7; out-of-state fee April to October |
| Hours / season | 8am to sunset, daily (CT State Parks) |
| Dogs | Allowed on a leash in picnic areas and on hiking trails |
| Swimming | No. CT State Parks prohibits entering the water and swimming. |
| Wheelchair / stroller | Partly: an ADA-accessible path leads to the base of the falls. The stairs trail is not accessible. |
| Walk behind the falls | No |
| Restrooms | Yes (listed park amenity) |
| Managed by | Connecticut DEEP, Connecticut State Parks |
Safety and swimming
Connecticut State Parks rules are clear: no entering the water and no swimming at Kent Falls. Watch the cascades from the paths, stairs and platforms, and keep off the wet rock beside the brook.
The Steps Trail is short but steep. Take your time on the stone steps, especially in wet or icy weather, use the platforms to rest, and hold on to children's hands on the stairs.
CT State Parks asks visitors to stay on the hiking trails. Alcohol is banned in the park, and drones are prohibited at all Connecticut State Parks. Dogs must stay on a leash in the picnic areas and on the trails.
Read our waterfall safety basics before you climb the Steps Trail.
Where to stay near Kent Falls
Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Kent.
See places to stay nearbyAffiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Partners do not see or change our waterfall facts. Disclosure.
Photos
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Kent Falls FAQ
Is Kent Falls State Park free?
Yes for Connecticut-registered cars, all year. Out-of-state cars pay $15 on weekends and holidays and $10 on weekdays from April 1 to October 31, or $112 for a season pass. The 2026 fee season has ended, so parking is free for everyone until April 1, 2027.
Can you swim at Kent Falls?
No. Connecticut State Parks prohibits entering the water and swimming at Kent Falls.
How long is the Kent Falls hike?
The Kent Falls Steps Trail is about 0.84 mile round trip. It's short but steep: about a quarter mile of stone stairs with viewing platforms beside the falls.
Is Kent Falls wheelchair accessible?
Partly. An ADA-accessible path reaches the base of the falls, but the stairs trail along the cascades is not accessible.
Are dogs allowed at Kent Falls?
Yes, on a leash, in the picnic areas and on the hiking trails.
What are Kent Falls State Park's hours?
The park is open daily from 8am to sunset, year-round.
How tall is Kent Falls?
About 250 feet in total over a series of cascades, according to Connecticut State Parks. The main fall is about 70 feet.
Can you camp at Kent Falls State Park?
No. Camping is not available in the park. The nearest state campground is Macedonia Brook State Park, about 4 miles away, open from late May into October with reservations required.
Nearby waterfalls
Bash Bish Falls24 mi straight-lineOpen60FT
Southford Falls26 mi straight-lineUnconfirmed
Wadsworth Falls41 mi straight-lineOpen30FT
Kaaterskill Falls44 mi straight-lineOpen260FT
Wahconah Falls52 mi straight-lineOpen40FT
On these lists: Dog-friendly waterfalls
Sources
- Connecticut State Parks: Kent Falls State Park
- CT DEEP: Parking and Camping Fees, CT State Parks and Forests
- CT DEEP: DEEP prepares for spring season at state parks (Apr 14, 2026)
- Connecticut State Parks: Macedonia Brook State Park
- Wikipedia: Kent Falls State Park
Last verified Oct 28, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with Connecticut DEEP, Connecticut State Parks before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.