Kent Falls
New York • 250 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.7 miles
Trail Type
Loop
Elevation Gain
150 ft
About Kent Falls
Kent Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Kent Falls State Park, Connecticut, not New York. It features a series of cascades and is a popular destination for visitors seeking scenic beauty and a short hike.
The Setting
Kent Falls sits at 479 feet along the Saranac River, in the coastal lowlands of New York. At 250 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in New York.
Height: 250 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.7-mile loop trail gains 150 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Kent Falls is a short, well-maintained loop that includes a series of stairs and viewing platforms. It offers excellent views of the cascading falls and is suitable for most visitors, including families with children.
What to Expect
The falls plunge 250 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Kent Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $15.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Kent Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the falls are typically at their fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the falls, as rocks can be slippery. Stay on designated trails and viewing platforms to avoid accidents.
Current Water Conditions
470 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 110 years of record
3.25 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SARANAC RIVER AT PLATTSBURGH NY (11 km away).
Today
Roaring
508 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
509 cfs
9/10Wed
Roaring
493 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
504 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
560 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
515 cfs
9/10Sun
Roaring
573 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to early June, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Cadyville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The bare-earth surface loses about 94 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The falls are listed at 250 feet; that total covers more ground than this one lidar line does, which sees about 198 feet of descent end to end. The ground at the falls is roughly 478 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 59 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 37 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 478 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 94 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Kent Falls is located in Kent Falls State Park, Connecticut, along Route 7. It is easily accessible by car, with clear signage leading to the park entrance.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area at Kent Falls State Park, which is typically sufficient for visitors. Parking fees may apply during peak seasons.
Hours
Elevation
479 feet above sea level
Coordinates
44.703653° N, -73.601805° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be slippery near the falls. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
For this easy 0.7 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express - Plattsburgh by IHG
Best Western Plus Plattsburgh
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Plattsburgh
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Plattsburgh
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the town of Kent, which offers quaint shops and restaurants, as well as Macedonia Brook State Park for additional hiking opportunities.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter birds, squirrels, and other small wildlife typical of the region.
Cities near Kent Falls
Other waterfalls named Kent Falls
2 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
Writing about Kent Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.