Kent Falls State Park
| Kent Falls State Park (Scatacook) | |
| Connecticut State Park | |
 A lower section of Kent Falls from above the first waterfall | |
| Country |  United States |
|---|---|
| State |  Connecticut |
| County | Litchfield |
| Town | Kent |
| Elevation | 794 ft (242 m) [1] |
| Coordinates | 41°46′33″N 73°24′33″W / 41.77583°N 73.40917°WCoordinates: 41°46′33″N 73°24′33″W / 41.77583°N 73.40917°W [1] |
| Area | 307 acres (124 ha) [2] |
| Established | 1919 |
| Management | Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection |
  Location in Connecticut | |
| Website: Kent Falls State Park | |
|
Lower Kent Falls | |
| Location | Kent, CT, US |
| Type | Multi-step |
| Total height | 250 feet |
| Number of drops | 6 or more |
| Longest drop | 70 feet |
Kent Falls State Park is a public recreation area located in the town of Kent, Connecticut, within a region of the southern Berkshires known as the Litchfield Hills. 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 the White Memorial Foundation. Workers with the Civil Works Administration contributed to the park's development in the 1930s, and 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, while 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
In addition to its scenery, the park offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The park has a replica of a covered bridge that allows visitors to cross the brook and access the falls.[3]
References
- 1 2 "Kent Falls State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
- ↑ "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.
- 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.
- ↑ "Kent Falls". New England Waterfalls. Retrieved September 26, 2016.
- ↑ Clarridge, Emerson (July 6, 2006). "New flow at Kent Falls". The News-Times. Danbury, Conn. Retrieved September 26, 2016.
External links
- Kent Falls State Park Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
- Kent Falls State Park Map Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
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