This Scenic Connecticut Town Is Perfect For An Outdoorsy Getaway Full Of Recreation

With its gorgeous scenery, spectacular waterfall, and historic covered bridge, Kent is a picture-perfect spot in New England. The small town in Connecticut is also home to adventure-filled state parks. Nature lovers should start packing their bags immediately. This part of northwestern Connecticut was originally the home of the Algonquin people. They were forced to give up their land along the rivers when European settlers arrived. Kent was eventually established in 1739 and grew into an iron-manufacturing and farming town. The rural spot, right along the border of New York, is now home to just over 3,000 people and its economy is dominated by tourism. Many of the historic buildings on Main Street were turned into shops and restaurants and they are particularly busy in the fall. In fact, Kent is one of the best towns to visit for fall foliage and charm.

The closest airport is across the New York border in Newburgh. Its Stewart International Airport (SWF) is about an hour away. Since it is such a small airport, you will find more nonstop flight options an hour and a half east of Kent at Hartford's Bradley International Airport (BDL) — a convenient New England airport known for being one of America's best. You can also ride the train from Grand Central Terminal in New York City, as Wassaic, the last stop on the Harlem Line, is only 8 miles west of Kent.

There are two gorgeous state parks in Kent. Kent Falls State Park is home to (and named after) the largest waterfall in Connecticut, and the brook that flows from the falls continues into the Housatonic River. Beyond its stunning waterfall, the nearly 300-acre state park has a covered bridge and several hiking trails to explore. Kent Falls tumbles 250 feet over a series of ridges with the last 70 feet dropping into a pool of water. There is a covered pedestrian bridge at the beginning of the paved path that leads to the falls. There are also two hiking trails, the Red and Yellow Trails, which combine into a nearly 1-mile loop. Viewing platforms are positioned along the way. To visit Kent Falls State Park with an out-of-state vehicle, there is a Connecticut State Parks and Forests fee (from $10 per day).

Macedonia Brook State Park is another great outdoor destination in Kent. This larger state park spreads across 2,300 acres along New York's border. Macedonia Brook Road runs through its center. It follows the curves of Macedonia Brook, which is stocked with trout. Eleven-and-a-half miles of color-coded trails and 51 campsites extend from there. The easier trails lie to the east. The 6.3-mile Macedonia Brook Loop circles the entire state park. While the Macedonia Ridge Trail, which climbs to the top of Cobble Mountain, has amazing views of the Catskill and Taconic Mountains, as well as the Hudson River Valley. There is no parking fee, only campsite and picnic-shelter fees, to visit this state park.

Once you take in the beautiful scenery in Kent's state parks, it's time to discover what is hidden in this cute little town. Kent Falls Brewing Company is a great spot to celebrate a long hike. The brewery is part of a working farm that raises poultry and pork and grows apples and hops. You can enjoy flights and small pours in their tasting room or buy bottles and cans to go. Though the selections change regularly, IPAs and pale ales are regularly on tap.

After the brewery, you should visit Bulls Bridge. The historic covered bridge, which crosses the Housatonic River, sits just off Route 7, a scenic road that runs through Kent and the Litchfield Hills. The single-lane bridge was constructed in 1842 and included on the National Register of Historic Places more than 100 years later. It is now one of Connecticut's only still-used covered bridges. You can park in the nearby lot to walk through the bridge or drive through it.

You can also stroll down Kent's Main Street, which is lined with art galleries, restaurants, and shops. The Morrison Gallery has contemporary art exhibits. Ore Hill and Swyft, which share a restored post-and-beam building, serve seasonal food grown at a local farm. While in nearby Litchfield, you'll find a unique hotel in a former courthouse. The Abner Hotel is a historic Connecticut hotel that exudes small town charm. It doesn't get much more picturesque than this.