The best places to visit in Connecticut in the fall are calling you! So throw on your cozy jacket and lace up your hiking shoes! It’s time to experience the best fall getaways in Connecticut. We all know The Nutmeg State is home to enchanting autumn views, but these 11 places really make the season sparkle.
- Mount Tom State Park, Washington Depot
Anthony Phoenix/AllTrails Mount Tom isn’t just one of Connecticut’s oldest state parks - it’s also one of the most gorgeous. Visit in the fall and gaze into the crimson colors all around you. The views from the top of the Tower Trail are especially enchanting. This is one of the best Connecticut fall getaways for foliage, so start planning your visit. Mt Tom State Park, Mount Tom Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794, USA
- Talcott Mountain State Park, Simsbury
Humberto Rosales/AllTrails Listen to leaves crunch under your feet as you explore Talcott Mountain State Park in Simsbury. The hike to Heublein Tower is only 1.25 miles long, but it’s jam-packed with astonishing sights. When you climb to the top of the majestic 165-foot tall structure, a colorful landscape will stretch out before you. This is definitely where to visit in Connecticut in the fall. Talcott Mountain State Park, Summit Ridge Dr, Simsbury, CT 06070, USA
- Devil’s Hopyard State Park, East Haddam
Shobeir Ansari/Getty Images Meander through 1,000 acres of blissful autumn views at Devil’s Hopyard State Park in East Haddam. This gorgeous destination has something for everyone: hike and bike trails, tranquil picnic areas, and wonderful fishing spots. Why not make an entire weekend out of it and pitch a tent under the trees? The campsites at Devil’s Hopyard State Park are nothing short of incredible. And it’s even considered a spooky park in Connecticut, so visit today! Devil’s Hopyard State Park, 366 Hopyard Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA
- Nehantic State Forest, East Lyme
Jake Wyman/Getty Images When fall foliage reflects into Norwich Pond, the end result is breathtaking. Take a trip to East Lyme and explore New London County’s first forest! You’ll never grow tired of these eye-catching sights. Start planning your trip by learning more about Nehantic State Forest. Nehantic State Forest, East Lyme, CT 06333, USA
- Southford Falls State Park, Southbury
AlbertPego/Getty Images Is there anything more lovely than a covered bridge surrounded by crisp fall leaves? We didn’t think so either. Of course, this is just a glimpse of the amazing beauty you’ll discover at Southford Falls State Park in Southbury. Hike to waterfalls, fish for trout, and picnic under a shady tree. This is one of the best places to visit in Connecticut in the fall! Southford Falls State Park, 175 Quaker Farms Rd, Southbury, CT 06488, USA
- Burr Pond State Park Torrington
Daniel Hanscom/Getty Images Burr Pond State Park is home to the world’s first condensed milk factory, but that’s not the only reason to visit this scenic destination in Torrington. This unique attraction really comes alive during fall. Kayak along the water and immerse yourself in the peaceful autumn views all around you. Everyone should experience this hidden gem in Connecticut at least once! Burr Pond State Park, 384 Burr Mountain Rd, Torrington, CT 06790, USA
- Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam
VisionsofAmerica/Joe Sohm/Getty Images When you visit Gillette Castle State Park, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the pages of a storybook. The intricate structure looks like a medieval fortress, and it’ll definitely spark your imagination. During peak season, the entire area is surrounded by gold, red, and orange. This is one of the best Connecticut fall getaways, so put it on your bucket list. Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA
- Peoples State Forest, Barkhamsted
Aimee Hutchison/AllTrails With multiple lookouts, Peoples State Forest is an incredible place to enjoy Connecticut’s fall colors. We recommend exploring the Jessie Gerard Trail, a 1.3-mile hike that leads to the Chaugham Lookout. Believe us, these views look even more magnificent in person. For one of the most peaceful fall getaways in Connecticut, be sure to check out this great state forest. Peoples State Forest, Barkhamsted, CT 06063, USA
- Macedonia Brook State Park, Kent
Susan Popielaski/Wikimedia Commons Hike to the top of Cobble Mountain and stare into another mesmerizing fall landscape. Macedonia Brook State Park belongs on every Nutmegger’s fall bucket list. Macedonia Brook State Park, 159 Macedonia Brook Rd, Kent, CT 06757, USA
- Shenipsit State Forest, Tolland County
Morrowlong/Wikimedia Commons This massive forest spans across Stafford, Somers, and Ellington. No matter where you go in this 7,000-acre natural area, you’ll be blown away. We always love gazing out over the Soapstone Mountain summit lookout tower (pictured above). Start at this park for an awesome fall foliage road trip in Connecticut. Shenipsit State Forest, Somers, CT 06071, USA
- Enders State Forest, Granby and Barkhamsted
David Mackey/AllTrails Explore colorful woodland trails, picturesque wetlands, and astonishing cascades at Enders State Forest. Be sure to visit the Enders State Forest website for the latest information regarding trail closures and hours. Enders State Forest, Granby, CT 06035, USA
What do you think are the best places to visit in Connecticut in the fall? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Anthony Phoenix/AllTrails
Mount Tom isn’t just one of Connecticut’s oldest state parks - it’s also one of the most gorgeous. Visit in the fall and gaze into the crimson colors all around you. The views from the top of the Tower Trail are especially enchanting. This is one of the best Connecticut fall getaways for foliage, so start planning your visit.
Mt Tom State Park, Mount Tom Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794, USA
Humberto Rosales/AllTrails
Listen to leaves crunch under your feet as you explore Talcott Mountain State Park in Simsbury. The hike to Heublein Tower is only 1.25 miles long, but it’s jam-packed with astonishing sights. When you climb to the top of the majestic 165-foot tall structure, a colorful landscape will stretch out before you. This is definitely where to visit in Connecticut in the fall.
Talcott Mountain State Park, Summit Ridge Dr, Simsbury, CT 06070, USA
Shobeir Ansari/Getty Images
Meander through 1,000 acres of blissful autumn views at Devil’s Hopyard State Park in East Haddam. This gorgeous destination has something for everyone: hike and bike trails, tranquil picnic areas, and wonderful fishing spots. Why not make an entire weekend out of it and pitch a tent under the trees? The campsites at Devil’s Hopyard State Park are nothing short of incredible. And it’s even considered a spooky park in Connecticut, so visit today!
Devil’s Hopyard State Park, 366 Hopyard Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA
Jake Wyman/Getty Images
When fall foliage reflects into Norwich Pond, the end result is breathtaking. Take a trip to East Lyme and explore New London County’s first forest! You’ll never grow tired of these eye-catching sights. Start planning your trip by learning more about Nehantic State Forest.
Nehantic State Forest, East Lyme, CT 06333, USA
AlbertPego/Getty Images
Is there anything more lovely than a covered bridge surrounded by crisp fall leaves? We didn’t think so either. Of course, this is just a glimpse of the amazing beauty you’ll discover at Southford Falls State Park in Southbury. Hike to waterfalls, fish for trout, and picnic under a shady tree. This is one of the best places to visit in Connecticut in the fall!
Southford Falls State Park, 175 Quaker Farms Rd, Southbury, CT 06488, USA
Daniel Hanscom/Getty Images
Burr Pond State Park is home to the world’s first condensed milk factory, but that’s not the only reason to visit this scenic destination in Torrington. This unique attraction really comes alive during fall. Kayak along the water and immerse yourself in the peaceful autumn views all around you. Everyone should experience this hidden gem in Connecticut at least once!
Burr Pond State Park, 384 Burr Mountain Rd, Torrington, CT 06790, USA
VisionsofAmerica/Joe Sohm/Getty Images
When you visit Gillette Castle State Park, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the pages of a storybook. The intricate structure looks like a medieval fortress, and it’ll definitely spark your imagination. During peak season, the entire area is surrounded by gold, red, and orange. This is one of the best Connecticut fall getaways, so put it on your bucket list.
Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA
Aimee Hutchison/AllTrails
With multiple lookouts, Peoples State Forest is an incredible place to enjoy Connecticut’s fall colors. We recommend exploring the Jessie Gerard Trail, a 1.3-mile hike that leads to the Chaugham Lookout. Believe us, these views look even more magnificent in person. For one of the most peaceful fall getaways in Connecticut, be sure to check out this great state forest.
Peoples State Forest, Barkhamsted, CT 06063, USA
Susan Popielaski/Wikimedia Commons
Hike to the top of Cobble Mountain and stare into another mesmerizing fall landscape. Macedonia Brook State Park belongs on every Nutmegger’s fall bucket list.
Macedonia Brook State Park, 159 Macedonia Brook Rd, Kent, CT 06757, USA
Morrowlong/Wikimedia Commons
This massive forest spans across Stafford, Somers, and Ellington. No matter where you go in this 7,000-acre natural area, you’ll be blown away. We always love gazing out over the Soapstone Mountain summit lookout tower (pictured above). Start at this park for an awesome fall foliage road trip in Connecticut.
Shenipsit State Forest, Somers, CT 06071, USA
David Mackey/AllTrails
Explore colorful woodland trails, picturesque wetlands, and astonishing cascades at Enders State Forest. Be sure to visit the Enders State Forest website for the latest information regarding trail closures and hours.
Enders State Forest, Granby, CT 06035, USA
Looking for more places to go leaf-peeping? Take this 2-hour fall foliage drive through Connecticut.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Activities In Connecticut In The Fall August 24, 2022 Jessica Bohl What are some great fall hikes in Connecticut? There are some amazing fall hikes in Connecticut. New England is known for stunning fall foliage, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is on an autumn hike. The Lover’s Leap Trail in New Milford is a short but sweet hike perfect for a fall afternoon. The .4-mile hike crosses a stunning red iron bridge, which is a gorgeous contrast to the natural, colorful fall foliage. The Chauncey Peak Trail in Meriden is another great fall hiking option. This 2.2-mile trail overlooks a lake surrounded by picturesque trees with orange, red, and yellow foliage. What are some fall day trips to take in Connecticut? For a memorable fall day in Connecticut, hop aboard the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat. The historic train takes you through the Connecticut River Valley, where you can enjoy fall foliage in the marshland and along the river. Afterwards, board the Becky Thatcher Riverboat for some awesome fall scenery. It’s the perfect way to spend the day with friends or family and take in the amazing Connecticut views.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Activities In Connecticut In The Fall
August 24, 2022
Jessica Bohl
What are some great fall hikes in Connecticut? There are some amazing fall hikes in Connecticut. New England is known for stunning fall foliage, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is on an autumn hike. The Lover’s Leap Trail in New Milford is a short but sweet hike perfect for a fall afternoon. The .4-mile hike crosses a stunning red iron bridge, which is a gorgeous contrast to the natural, colorful fall foliage. The Chauncey Peak Trail in Meriden is another great fall hiking option. This 2.2-mile trail overlooks a lake surrounded by picturesque trees with orange, red, and yellow foliage. What are some fall day trips to take in Connecticut? For a memorable fall day in Connecticut, hop aboard the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat. The historic train takes you through the Connecticut River Valley, where you can enjoy fall foliage in the marshland and along the river. Afterwards, board the Becky Thatcher Riverboat for some awesome fall scenery. It’s the perfect way to spend the day with friends or family and take in the amazing Connecticut views.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are some amazing fall hikes in Connecticut. New England is known for stunning fall foliage, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is on an autumn hike. The Lover’s Leap Trail in New Milford is a short but sweet hike perfect for a fall afternoon. The .4-mile hike crosses a stunning red iron bridge, which is a gorgeous contrast to the natural, colorful fall foliage. The Chauncey Peak Trail in Meriden is another great fall hiking option. This 2.2-mile trail overlooks a lake surrounded by picturesque trees with orange, red, and yellow foliage.
What are some fall day trips to take in Connecticut?
For a memorable fall day in Connecticut, hop aboard the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat. The historic train takes you through the Connecticut River Valley, where you can enjoy fall foliage in the marshland and along the river. Afterwards, board the Becky Thatcher Riverboat for some awesome fall scenery. It’s the perfect way to spend the day with friends or family and take in the amazing Connecticut views.
