One could even be startled by a railroad train in wee hours as the track of old New Haven Railroad line from Danbury to Pittsfield passed through this secluded area not far from the campground. The frequency of trains surely caused no disturbance.[click for map] Even in 2010 small freights operated at nights by the Housatonic Railroad occasionally pass by and can be heard from across the river at Housatonic Meadows State Park and to the very keen one might even pick up the ghostly rumble far away in Macedonia Brook State Park on a very very quiet night. [the railroad tracks through this area lay abandoned for many many years but some activity was resumed with assistance from State-Federal grants. Other lines such as the Central New England Railroad through Canaan East-West were abandoned in 1930's although a stretch from Canaan to Salisbury-Lakeville the tracks were not removed till 1960's. A short section to East Canaan remained to maybe 1940. I will give some railroad history in other parts of website]
In describing a photograph of the falls he said,"The grouping of the hemlock bough before the falls is a touch of artistry of which only nature would be capable. The wonder of lichen upon these rocks and their beautifully broken contours suggest to us the union of the delicate and the strong. We know no more delightful excursion than that to these falls beginning in the meadow far below and following up to the source". The above words could very well have been written today. Kent Falls beauty and wonder has not been lessened over the years.
To reach Kent Falls follow road map routes to U.S.RT.7 between Kent and Cornwall Bridge. The Kent Falls State Park entrance is on U.S.7, 4 miles SW of Cornwall Bridge and 4.7 miles NE of Kent. Enter park and leave car in designated area.
For a walk of variety and contrast climb the south bank,with the falls constantly in view,to the top,then cross brook via bridge;then follow trail down the north side of ravine. The path descends gradually and easily through dense woods and towering hemlocks.
Should the flow of water be low you may decide to climb directly over the streams bedrock. The gigantic staircase may be scaled from its bottom step in the meadow to the upper landing just below the bridge. Or you may use the side trail,leaving it to explore the massive rocks at those points that attract you. Do not attempt this when the rocks are wet or slippery.
One of the fascinations of this cascade are the wierd rock carvings created by the falling water. Water,a lackadaisical sculptress in this studio,may at times flow swift and hard here but usually it is slow and gentle. The soft flow and swirl of water through eons of time has formed incredible potholes in this adamant rock. These potholes,unusually smooth and perfectly formed,vary from a few inches in depth and diameter to several feet.
Kent Falls may be reached from the most distant part of the state in about 2 hours. The trip will more than repay one for the effort as there are few spots in New England that compare with the unique KENT area.
A walk around Kent Falls is an experience to be enjoyed at any time of the year but doubly enjoyable during the fall foliage display.
![[click for map]](wineimages/kentfall.gif){kind=link}