May 1, 2026

By D.H. Callahan

Kent falls is Beautiful all year round. From the mammoth icicles of the winter months to the vibrant leaf-peeping destination of autumn, and the lush summer months, when the park is filled with picnickers, there’s really no bad season to pick. But the spring seems extra special, as the waterfall rages from an overflowing river, and nature reawakens with budding leaves and speckles of colorful flowers.

The park is a little less than a ten-minute drive north from the quintessential New England town of Kent, where art and food and adorable shops abound. Hikes here can be a bit of a climb, but they’re all loops under two miles, so if you can handle a little incline, you’ll be fine. For all of them, there’s a set of stairs that ascend the cliffs next to the waterfall. This is where the real magic of the park lies. Along that path, you can find little spots to pull off and enjoy the peace. It’s not exactly quiet, as the waterfall rushes dramatically this time of year, but there are moments of pure natural beauty to be found. Bring a book, or a mind ready to declutter, and let the natural sound bath of the falls soothe your whole being. Of course, this may be easier on a weekday, when the parking lot isn’t packed.—ctparks.com