Exploring Kent, CT, a Hidden New England Gem

Best known as the home of a beautiful cascading waterfall, Kent Falls State Park is the perfect place to get a dose of natural beauty while you're in Kent.

The best way to enjoy the waterfall is to stroll along the quarter-mile-long trail that runs beside it; the path is quite steep, but there are plenty of viewpoints along the way that are perfect for taking short breaks.

Swimming in the water is not permitted, but there are restrooms, picnic tables, and grills available for public use. A parking fee is charged on holidays and weekends between Memorial Day and the end of October.

462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757, Phone: 860-424-3200

One of only three remaining covered bridges in the state, Bull's Bridge is a historic wooden bridge that runs for 109 feet across the Housatonic River. The current bridge was originally constructed in 1842, with several additions being made in the 19th and 20th centuries, and it has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972. The bridge only permits one lane of traffic at a time, but it has been kept in operation because of its remarkably sound construction and its capability to withstand heavy loads. Nevertheless, pedestrians are advised to use caution when crossing because of the limited space.

248 Bulls Bridge Rd, South Kent, CT 06785

Operated entirely by volunteers, the Connecticut Antique Machinery Association is a non-profit museum that was created to preserve and share the incredible antique machinery that played such a big role in the development of Kent and the surrounding area. The museum is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday between May and October, and admission is entirely by donation. The museum also hosts outdoor festivals in the spring and the fall; food is available, anyone is welcome to come display their own pieces of antique machinery, and machinery is often available for purchase by outside vendors.

31 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757, Phone: 860-927-0050

Encompassing more than 2,300 acres of wilderness, Macedonia Brook State Park was first established in 1918. The most popular activity in the park is hiking the Macedonia Ridge Trail, which runs across several mountain peaks and offers stunning views of the surrounding forests and mountains. However, there are plenty of other things to do here as well, including fishing in the park's streams, picnicking, and cross-country skiing in the winter. Visitors who would like to spend the night in the park can stay at one of the 51 sites in the campground, which is equipped with drinking water, picnic areas, and outhouses.

159 Macedonia Brook Rd, Kent, CT 06757, Phone: 860-927-4100

Originally opened in 1976, the House of Books is an upscale bookstore conveniently located right on Main Street. The shop is housed inside a historic building that was originally intended to serve as a public library, and it remains the town's most important literary landmark to this day. In addition to high-quality fiction and non-fiction books, the store offers greeting cards, gifts, and stationary supplies. Visitors will also find information about the area's history as well as trail guides and local maps, making it an excellent stop for anyone who plans to hike the Appalachian Trail.

4 N Main St, Kent, CT 06757, Phone: 860-927-4104

Created to house and display the artwork and hand tool collection of the respected painter Eric Sloane, the Sloane-Stanley Museum & Kent Furnace is a fascinating state-owned museum. The building that contains the museum was formerly Sloane's art studio, and in addition to his antique tool collection, it contains a replica of his workspace and some of his original artwork. The iron furnace found on the property deserves a visit as well; the large stone structure features beautiful Gothic arches, and it was in operation until 1892. Visitors who keep their entrance tickets are eligible for discounted admission to the other state museums in Connecticut.

31 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757, Phone: 860-927-3849

Located on the 50-acre Camps Road Farm, Kent Falls Brewing is a small brewing company that makes its unique beers with hops grown right on the farm. The company's beer can be purchased at various bars, shops, and restaurants around the state, but visitors who come to the farm will have the exciting opportunity to taste the beer right where it's made.

33 Camps Rd, Kent, CT 06757, Phone: 860-398-9645

Dedicated to preserving and sharing Kent's history, the Kent Historical Society is a non-profit organization with a strong community involvement. The organization's most important asset (and the only one open to the public) is a historic home known as Seven Hearths, which was originally built in 1751. The building has undergone careful restoration over the years, and it is now open to the public as a house museum with period furnishings and fascinating exhibits that are changed every year. The museum is only open during the summer, but private tours can be arranged by request year-round.

10 Studio Hill Rd, Kent, CT 06757, Phone: 253-854-4330

As you might guess from the name, the East Kent Hamlet Land Trust is a local organization whose mission is to protect the land of Kent and its natural resources. One of the trust's biggest contributions to the community is its wonderful system of trails that span nine of its publicly-accessibly properties; hikers, cyclists, photographers, bird watching enthusiasts, and anyone who simply wants to enjoy the beauty of nature are welcome. The organization is proud to sponsor several public hikes every year, and it also runs a community garden just outside the town center, where local residents come together to grow and share food.

39 Upper Kent Hollow Rd, Kent, CT 06757