With all of our great cities in Connecticut, sometimes the rural areas tend to fall through the cracks. But to skip out on areas like the Quiet Corner would be to really miss out on some wonderful attractions! We’ve gathered up a few places in a rural road trip in Connecticut. It won’t require much time in the car, but it’ll take you to some great underrated attractions in the often-overlooked northeast corner of the state, where there’s more farmland than people.
Google Maps The entire trip will take just over one hour of driving, though you’ll likely want at least a day or two to explore all these great stops. You’ll get to see a great combination of stunning natural attractions and museums, with plenty of delightful small towns to stop in along the way.
- Quaddick State Park: 818 Quaddick Town Farm Rd, Thompson, CT 06277
Roger Barthelet/Google Maps Quaddick State Park is in the very northeast corner of the state, a region that tends to get a little ignored. This lovely park has plenty of recreational activities, with several miles of relatively easy trails if you want to get out and stretch your legs. It’s also a great spot for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Quaddick State Park, 818 Quaddick Town Farm Rd, Thompson, CT 06277, USA
- Boxcar Museum: 1 S Main St, Putnam, CT 06260
Sherene Hansen Player/Google Maps Another underrated gem in northeast Connecticut is the Gertrude Chandler Warner Boxcar Children Museum in Putnam. This small museum features free admission and centers around the popular children’s novel series the Boxcar Children. Please note that this museum is open seasonally, typically from May to October. Boxcar Museum, 1 S Main St, Putnam, CT 06260, USA
- Sharpe Hill Vineyard: 108 Wade Rd, Pomfret, CT 06258
Cyndi Oliver/Google Maps Sharp Hill Vineyard is one of our favorite wineries in Connecticut. Here, you’ll find a sunny patio with gorgeous views, and, of course, fantastic drinks. The vineyard is tucked away in Pomfret, which has plenty of great places to spend the night if you decide to have more than a glass or two. Sharpe Hill Vineyard, 108 Wade Rd, Pomfret, CT 06258, USA
- Diana’s Pool: Dianas Pool Rd, Chaplin, CT 06235
Chris Kailher/Google Maps Your next stop does require just a little bit of hiking, but don’t worry. The trail is barely over a mile and is fairly easy. At the end of this hike, you’ll reach Diana’s Pool, a waterfall-fed pool that looks straight out of a fairy tale. Dianas Pool Road, Dianas Pool Rd, Chaplin, CT 06235, USA
- Ayers Gap: Franklin, CT 06254
Bruce Caisse/Google Maps We really can’t say enough good things about Ayers Gap. This 80-acre preserve features trails winding through wooded areas, streams, rock formations, and more. You’ll find hidden waterfalls and magical picnic areas as you meander through the forest here. Ayers Gap, Franklin, CT 06254, USA
- Ashbel Woodward Museum: 387 CT-32, North Franklin, CT 06254
Ashbel Woodward Museum/Google Maps Your final stop is another educational one. There’s a lot of great history in Connecticut, and one place where you can learn about some of our local history is the Ashbel Woodward Museum. This house museum was once the private residence of a local physician. Ashbel Woodward Museum, 387 CT-32, North Franklin, CT 06254, USA
Have you ever visited any of the places on this rural road trip in Connecticut, or do you have suggestions for more places that are worth visiting in this area? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Google Maps
The entire trip will take just over one hour of driving, though you’ll likely want at least a day or two to explore all these great stops. You’ll get to see a great combination of stunning natural attractions and museums, with plenty of delightful small towns to stop in along the way.
Roger Barthelet/Google Maps
Quaddick State Park is in the very northeast corner of the state, a region that tends to get a little ignored. This lovely park has plenty of recreational activities, with several miles of relatively easy trails if you want to get out and stretch your legs. It’s also a great spot for fishing, swimming, and kayaking.
Quaddick State Park, 818 Quaddick Town Farm Rd, Thompson, CT 06277, USA
Sherene Hansen Player/Google Maps
Another underrated gem in northeast Connecticut is the Gertrude Chandler Warner Boxcar Children Museum in Putnam. This small museum features free admission and centers around the popular children’s novel series the Boxcar Children. Please note that this museum is open seasonally, typically from May to October.
Boxcar Museum, 1 S Main St, Putnam, CT 06260, USA
Cyndi Oliver/Google Maps
Sharp Hill Vineyard is one of our favorite wineries in Connecticut. Here, you’ll find a sunny patio with gorgeous views, and, of course, fantastic drinks. The vineyard is tucked away in Pomfret, which has plenty of great places to spend the night if you decide to have more than a glass or two.
Sharpe Hill Vineyard, 108 Wade Rd, Pomfret, CT 06258, USA
Chris Kailher/Google Maps
Your next stop does require just a little bit of hiking, but don’t worry. The trail is barely over a mile and is fairly easy. At the end of this hike, you’ll reach Diana’s Pool, a waterfall-fed pool that looks straight out of a fairy tale.
Dianas Pool Road, Dianas Pool Rd, Chaplin, CT 06235, USA
Bruce Caisse/Google Maps
We really can’t say enough good things about Ayers Gap. This 80-acre preserve features trails winding through wooded areas, streams, rock formations, and more. You’ll find hidden waterfalls and magical picnic areas as you meander through the forest here.
Ayers Gap, Franklin, CT 06254, USA
Ashbel Woodward Museum/Google Maps
Your final stop is another educational one. There’s a lot of great history in Connecticut, and one place where you can learn about some of our local history is the Ashbel Woodward Museum. This house museum was once the private residence of a local physician.
Ashbel Woodward Museum, 387 CT-32, North Franklin, CT 06254, USA
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