Kent Falls State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kent Falls State Park
A lower section of Kent Falls from above the first waterfall
Kent Falls State Park Location in Connecticut
Location	Kent, Connecticut, United States
Area	307 acres (124 ha)
Elevation	794 ft (242 m)
Designation	Connecticut state park
Established	1919
Administrator	Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Website	Kent Falls State Park
Kent Falls Location Kent, Connecticut, United States Type Multi-step Total height 250 feet Height of longest drop 70 feet Number of drops 6 or more

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. 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.

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.

In the 1970s, trail reconstruction was done by the Youth Conservation Corps of America. 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.

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.