Purple Highways

Purple Highways Exploring the best of family-friendly adventures in America!
(5)

I bring you budget-friendly travel tips, seasonal events, and food gems across NJ, NYC, CT, and beyond.

See details Kent Falls State Park is a beautiful Connecticut hidden gem with a covered bridge, peaceful picnic spots, an...
06/05/2026

See details
Kent Falls State Park is a beautiful Connecticut hidden gem with a covered bridge, peaceful picnic spots, and a waterfall that feels magical in every season. The best part is that you can see the waterfall right from the parking area, so it is easy to enjoy even without a long hike.
For a little adventure, take the Kent Falls Steps Trail, which is about 0.84 miles out-and-back. The trail has stone stairs, viewing platforms, and close-up waterfall views. It is short but steep, so good shoes are recommended.

The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to sunset. Entry is free for Connecticut-registered vehicles. Out-of-state vehicles usually pay $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends and holidays.

The park has parking, restrooms, picnic tables, a covered bridge, and trail access. Swimming or entering the water is not allowed. Pets are allowed on leash. Arrive early because parking can fill up quickly.

Kent Falls State Park Address:
462 Kent Cornwall Road, Kent, CT 06757

06/03/2026

See details πŸ‘‡Bucket List Nature Escapes in the Tristate – NJ, NY, CT
Save this for your next weekend adventure! πŸŒ²πŸ’¦ These scenic gems are all within driving distance and perfect for day trips with friends, family, or just some peaceful solo time in nature.

1. Enders State Forest – Granby, CT
A short forest trail with a series of magical waterfalls. Best after a good rain!
πŸ“ Route 219, Granby, CT 06035

2. Wadsworth Falls State Park – Middletown, CT
Lush greenery, easy hikes, and a powerful main waterfall. Great for summer picnics!
πŸ“ 721 Wadsworth St, Middletown, CT 06457

3.Massive dam, waterfall views, scenic trails, picnic spots, and a playground β€” perfect for a relaxed family day out. 🧺
πŸ“ 35 Yorktown Rd, Croton-On-Hudson, NY
πŸ•— Open daily: 8 a.m. to dusk
🎟️ $5 with Park Pass, $10 without

4.Lake Solitude Waterfall – High Bridge, NJ
Tucked behind the old dam, this waterfall is peaceful and less crowded.
πŸ“ Lake Solitude Trail, High Bridge, NJ 08829 (use Nassau Rd entrance)

5. Watkins Glen State Park – Watkins Glen, NY
Walk beside and under 19 waterfalls along the Gorge Trail. A must-see in upstate NY!
πŸ“ 1009 N Franklin St, Watkins Glen, NY 14891

6. Ausable Chasm – Keeseville, NY
Raft, hike, or tube through this epic sandstone gorge. Opens July 1, 2025!
πŸ“ 2144 Route 9, Keeseville, NY 12944

7. Mt. Tammany – Columbia, NJ
A rewarding uphill hike with sweeping views of the Delaware Water Gap.
πŸ“ Dunnfield Creek Parking Area, Columbia, NJ 07832 (Exit 1 off I-80W)

⛰️ Nature lovers, which one are you visiting first?
Save & share this with your adventure buddy!

Kent Falls State Park is a beautiful Connecticut hidden gem with a covered bridge, peaceful picnic spots, and a waterfal...
06/02/2026

Kent Falls State Park is a beautiful Connecticut hidden gem with a covered bridge, peaceful picnic spots, and a waterfall that feels magical in every season. The best part is that you can see the waterfall right from the parking area, so it is easy to enjoy even without a long hike.
For a little adventure, take the Kent Falls Steps Trail, which is about 0.84 miles out-and-back. The trail has stone stairs, viewing platforms, and close-up waterfall views. It is short but steep, so good shoes are recommended.

The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to sunset. Entry is free for Connecticut-registered vehicles. Out-of-state vehicles usually pay $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends and holidays.

The park has parking, restrooms, picnic tables, a covered bridge, and trail access. Swimming or entering the water is not allowed. Pets are allowed on leash. Arrive early because parking can fill up quickly.

Kent Falls State Park Address:
462 Kent Cornwall Road, Kent, CT 06757

🌲High Point State Park is a 16,661-acre park located in Sussex, New Jersey.It’s situated in the northwest corner of the ...
05/31/2026

🌲High Point State Park is a 16,661-acre park located in Sussex, New Jersey.
It’s situated in the northwest corner of the state, near the Delaware River. The park offers stunning panoramic views of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania from its highest point (1,803 feet).

πŸ“1480 NJ-23, Sussex, NJ 07461
Hours: 8am-sunset
Admission: $5/person (NJ residents), $10/person (non-residents)

Who’s visited High Point State Park?

One of the largest indoor aviaries in the United States, and a one-of-a-kind indoor bird destination.✨ 500+ birds from 1...
05/29/2026

One of the largest indoor aviaries in the United States, and a one-of-a-kind indoor bird destination.
✨ 500+ birds from 150+ species around the world.

🦜 National Aviary
πŸ“ Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (inside Allegheny Commons Park)

Things to do (do not miss):
βœ… Watch feedings + a live bird show, and walk through lush habitats with free-flying birds all around you.
βœ… Try an Animal Encounter (penguin, owl, sloth, falcon) and pick your vibe.
Encounters have different prices (each one is priced separately), so check the option you want before booking..

Tickets + hours (save this):
🎟️ Adults $20.95 | 60+ $18.95 | Kids (2–12) $17.95 | Under 2 free
πŸ•™ 10 am–5 pm | Closed Tuesdays
πŸ…ΏοΈ Parking is a flat $7 (lot closes at 5 pm).

Family-friendly notes:
πŸ‘Ά Stroller-friendly, and wheelchairs are available to borrow (first come, first served).

If you go: which Encounter would you pick first, penguin, owl, sloth, or falcon?

05/28/2026

See detailsπŸ‘‡...Chittenango Falls is perfect if you want a big waterfall view without a long hike. From the parking lot, the upper overlook is just a short walk, and the main gorge loop is only about 0.5 miles total. It is short, scenic, and family-friendly, but expect stairs, uneven paths, and slippery spots near the gorge. Parking is usually the only fee, currently listed as $5 per car during the seasonal fee period.

πŸ•’ Hours: Sunrise to sunset
🐢 Pets: Dogs allowed on leash in day-use areas
⚠️Difficulty: Short and easy, but includes stairs, uneven paths, and slippery spots
πŸ‘€ Easiest View: Upper overlook is just a few minutes from parking
πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§ Kid-Friendly: Yes, but hold little kids’ hands near stairs and gorge areas

Follow for more

Address

Woodbridge, NJ
07001

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Purple Highways posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Purple Highways:

Share