I head out on a fall day to check out some of the smaller day hikes I missed in North West Connecticut!
Last time I visited the Kent area of CT I visited the super popular attractions such as Kent Falls. Near the Northern Tip of the road are some extra spots I didn't have time to properly visit and I wasn't going to miss the chance. With a free weekend finally available we set out to explore these awesome CT gems.
First up was Dean's Ravine. This small area was once a part of the Appalachian Trail. At some point the trail was rerouted to the west of the Housatonic river and this trail became semi abandoned. It is not particularly well maintained or heavily visited but there are enough visitors to keep the brush somewhat in check.
The trail itself is a brisk ten minute walk down hill and the reward is one of CT best falls. Standing about 50 feet with an impressive surrounding gorge, Dean's ravines falls should be on everyone's bucket list. When I visited the falls were not flowing heavily but were still wonderful to see!
If that wasn't enough of a waterfall for you, head up the road just a few minutes north to find Great Falls. Home to a man made fall, curtesy of the dam, and a huge natural waterfall below it. This is easily the most impressive single waterfall in the state of CT by width and sheer volume. Finding a good angle for a photo can be difficult without climbing.
This waterfall can also vary SIGNIFICANTLY based on the weather conditions. When it's particularly dry, such as when I visited, the surrounding area makes for an incredible spot to climb over well worn rocks. When the water is heavy it's ill advised to be climbing around anywhere here.
East of Great Falls we made a quick stop at the Beckley Iron Furnace. CT has a number of old Iron Furnaces, some restored and others not. This one is a state park much like the Roxbury Mines and has some wonderful historical pieces on display.
It's also home to a small dam, and hence a manmade waterfall. This at various times has been used to power various motors for mills and industrial purposes related to the iron furnace. These motors are on display with plenty of accompanying historical information.
This is one of the more unique state parks and while the is a small hike to an old Iron Slag area, It isn't something to go out of your way for. If you are passing through the area on the many hikes and waters falls in this region though it makes for an excellent and quick road side stop to stretch your legs out!
The Falls on the Blackberry River
Most of these adventures have been located near by the road. This last stop requires a small hike to get too. Dennis Hill State Park is one I hadn't heard about, but with thorough searching online I discovered had a cool "Gazebo Trail." Clocking in at an easy 1.8 Mile loop this trail is great for any level.
A beautiful Fall hike through the woods leads to an awesome valley view with incredible foliage. The Gazebo is accompanied by an old fire place and some additional stone ruins. When you finish the hike feel free to drive up to the top of the other peak where a large public picnic pavilion is located. Be aware the road is two way traffic but barely big enough to pass!
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