Kent Falls is a 250-foot drop through a staircase of water falls of about 1/4 mile through the Housatonic River.
I must admit that while I have been here several times before, I am now seeing this through my “new eyes” which makes this a completely new experience. I am intrigued by the designs created by the foam of the water beneath the splashing falls. I am blinded by the bright green moss reflecting off the slippery rocks. Was this really always here to see?
The entry to the park is through a covered bridge to commemorate the period.
There is a paved trail to the base of the falls with a stone terrace encouraging visitors to pause and reflect. For this portion therefore this is handicap accessible!
There is a staircase built to the side of the falls with periodic platforms each offering a unique experience as the falls differ throughout.
While I have been here in a prior summer, I much preferred today’s visit which was a balmy day in December after a recent rain. The water was flowing and the naked trees allowed a full viewing of the rushing waters throughout. In the summer you feel the heat walking up the stairs and there are crowds. I prefer “stick” season for this location.
It’s incredible what you can see when you look. A lesson I only very recently learned.
I hadn’t recognized before how very different each stage of the falls were as you would reach each viewing platform. I wondered if I had reached the top the last time as I didn’t recall the strong rush of water coming out like a faucet from a spigot turned up high. I saw people even higher so decided to continue beyond the staircase and found the other side of the spigot as well as the Housatonic river.
If you get here, take your time and take it all in. Stay present. This was likely my fourth time here but it was the first time I really saw what it had to offer.
Follow the blog as there’s more coming on the many other sights in Kent.
Pivot and Pause in New England 