Kent Falls State Park
A lower section of Kent Falls from
above the first waterfall
Map showing the location of Kent Falls State Park
Map showing the location of Kent Falls State Park
Location in Connecticut
Map showing the location of Kent Falls State Park
Map showing the location of Kent Falls State Park
Kent Falls State Park (the United States)
LocationKent, Connecticut, United States
Coordinates41°46′33″N 73°24′33″W / 41.77583°N 73.40917°W / 41.77583; -73.40917[1]
Area307 acres (124 ha)[2]
Elevation794 ft (242 m)[1]
DesignationConnecticut state park
Established1919 (1919)
AdministratorConnecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
WebsiteKent Falls State Park
Kent Falls
Lower Kent Falls
LocationKent, Connecticut, United States
TypeMulti-step
Total height250 feet
Number of drops6 or more
Longest drop70 feet

Kent Falls State Park is a public recreation area located in the town of Kent, Connecticut, within the Litchfield Hills region of the southern Berkshires. The state park is home to Kent Falls, a series of waterfalls on Falls Brook, a tributary of the Housatonic River.[3] The falls drop 250 feet (76 m) in under a quarter mile. The largest cascade drops more than 70 feet (21 m) into a reflecting pool, before traveling over the lesser falls.[4]

History

The Indian name of the falls is Scatacook, and there is evidence that the area was used by Native Americans for fishing and camping. Mills stood along the brook during colonial times. Kent Falls was established as a state park after 200 acres (81 ha) of land was given to the state in 1919 as a gift from philanthropist Alain C. White through his White Memorial Foundation. Workers with the Civil Works Administration contributed to the park's development in the 1930s.

In the 1970s, trail reconstruction was done by the Youth Conservation Corps of America.[3] In 2006, observation platforms were constructed along a trail next to the falls; at the base of the falls, a terraced observation area paved with native flag stones was created to allow access to a calm-water wading pool.[5]

Activities and amenities

The park has a replica of a covered bridge that allows visitors to cross the brook and access the falls. In addition to its scenery, the park offers hiking, fishing, and picnicking.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 "Kent Falls State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  2. "Appendix A: List of State Parks and Forests" (PDF). State Parks and Forests: Funding. Staff Findings and Recommendations. Connecticut General Assembly. January 23, 2014. p. A-2. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 "Kent Falls State Park". State Parks and Forests. Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. July 18, 2016. Retrieved September 26, 2016.
  4. "Kent Falls". New England Waterfalls. Retrieved September 26, 2016.
  5. Clarridge, Emerson (July 6, 2006). "New flow at Kent Falls". The News-Times. Danbury, Conn. Retrieved September 26, 2016.
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