One of Connecticut’s most popular state parks is closed for the rest of the COVID-19 pandemic, and officials say more could close if visitors don’t take social distancing rules seriously.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection closed Kent Falls, a popular waterfall hike near the Appalachian Trail. Officials say the closure was due to visitors’ inability to maintain good social distancing.
Colonel Chris Lewis with DEEP says responsible visitors are still welcome, but social activities like picnics are now prohibited.
“Come visit, take a walk, go for a hike, fishing, just something where you’re out moving, where you’re not gonna hang out and congregate. Don’t come to a picnic table, don’t gather up with your friends.”
Officials say parks will be closed once they reach capacity. Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden temporarily closed over the weekend for that reason.
Officials say they have the power to ticket or arrest people who enter a closed park.
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