Kent Falls State Park
Go now. Spring is when the water is gushing.
A recent drive up Route 7 in Connecticut took me to Kent Falls State Park, where you can gaze at a beautiful 250-foot waterfall with its multiple cascades and take an easy hike up alongside it to the top. You can spot the falls from the road as the water flows toward the Housatonic River, but that’s just one part. Why not stop to relax and take in the whole picture.
Kent Falls is about an hour north of Danbury; a drive up Route 22 in New York and east on 55 will also get you there.
If you have Connecticut plates, parking is free. Out of state, there’s a $15 fee weekends, $10 weekdays, and you pay at ticket booth. Fees apply even when ticket booths are closed; you’ll need your phone to do this.
After parking, stroll through a covered bridge.
Follow the path through the meadow to the falls. The short hike, about 1/4 mile long, starts to the right of the falls as you face the mountain; it’s a paved trail with steps and viewing platforms on the way up – steep in a few parts, but not difficult, and a handrail to help.
Go now while the water is really flowing and you can feel the mist.
More info, click here for state park details.
Lunch? My choice is Fife’n Drum, about 5 miles south in Kent village, exceptional service and consistently good food. This last time, I had the Tangy Honey Garlic Fried Chicken sandwich: $20 with house-made fries. Worth every calorie. Fife’n Drum
After lunch, browse the antique shops and House of Books.
If you like books, go on Friday, May 26, to experience the opening day of the renowned Annual Kent Library Book Sale. Or go any weekend during the summer; it continues weekends through mid-October. This link for details.