Looking for some country roads for a scenic cruise? We’ve got you covered! These drives are perfect for views of fall foliage or classic New England. So if you’ve been looking for a fun escape, this is a great way to have fun without doing too much work.
- Route 148
Doug Kerr/Flickr You’ll actually start on Route 9 in Middletown, taking exit 10 to connect to Route 154 and then 148. This route crosses the Connecticut River using the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry, which means there will also be some great river views.
- Route 1
Adam Moss/Flickr Beginning in New Haven, you can find this route by taking exit 51 on the I-95 North. The major highway follows the Long Island Sound, with sights in the beloved New Haven.
- Route 184
Doug Kerr/Flickr This coastal drive takes you through dense trees and past water views! Starting in New London, take the I-95 North across the Thames River before heading in to Old Mystic.
- Route 15
Adam Moss/Flickr Beginning in Norwalk, Route 15 is part of the Merritt Parkway. Head North, taking Exit 38 to continue down Route 123 towards Danbury. This is your chance to explore Fairfield County and part of the Litchfield Hills!
- Route 149
Doug Kerr/Flickr Follow the Salmon River on this cruise from Colchester to East Haddam. The densely forrested drive also features a number of vineyards before ending at the world famous Goodspeed Opera House. So this drive celebrates the finer things in the state!
- Route 45
Doug Kerr/Flickr Take this road through New Preston before connecting to Route 202. Then head south on Route 47 to Washington Depot to make the most of this drive through the Litchfield Hills.
- Route 20
Doug Kerr/Flickr This rural drive is full of picturesque sights! You’ll be heading west through Granby before taking West River Road through the People’s State Forest.
- Route 44
Doug Kerr/Flickr Who can turn down a trip to Connecticut’s Quiet Corner? You’ll be heading east, connecting to Route 195 and then Route 6 to Brooklyn. You’ll love this escape from the crowded modern towns of Connecticut as you look out over rolling hills and farm lands.
- Route 85
Doug Kerr/Flickr You’ll be traveling from Glastonbury to East Hampton, jumping from Route 85 to Route 16. You’ll pass Blackledge Falls and even have the chance to stop at Comstock’s famous covered bridge.
- Route 27
Doug Kerr/Flickr This drive through Mystic connects to Route 184, where you can pass a vineyard on your way through Stonington. If you want to stretch your legs, detour to the Barn Island Wildlife Management Area.
- Route 154
Adam Moss/Flickr Trace the Connecticut coast on this scenic road, passing through the part of Connecticut celebrities are known to visit. You’ll be traveling from Old Saybrook to Haddam, passing Harvey’s Beach.
If you loved these country roads, you’ll absolutely adore Route 169. One of only two national scenic byways in Connecticut, it’s the only drive with such scenery and history in the state! Share photos of your drive with us on Instagram @onlyinconnecticut to have your photos featured.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
You’ll actually start on Route 9 in Middletown, taking exit 10 to connect to Route 154 and then 148. This route crosses the Connecticut River using the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry, which means there will also be some great river views.
Adam Moss/Flickr
Beginning in New Haven, you can find this route by taking exit 51 on the I-95 North. The major highway follows the Long Island Sound, with sights in the beloved New Haven.
This coastal drive takes you through dense trees and past water views! Starting in New London, take the I-95 North across the Thames River before heading in to Old Mystic.
Beginning in Norwalk, Route 15 is part of the Merritt Parkway. Head North, taking Exit 38 to continue down Route 123 towards Danbury. This is your chance to explore Fairfield County and part of the Litchfield Hills!
Follow the Salmon River on this cruise from Colchester to East Haddam. The densely forrested drive also features a number of vineyards before ending at the world famous Goodspeed Opera House. So this drive celebrates the finer things in the state!
Take this road through New Preston before connecting to Route 202. Then head south on Route 47 to Washington Depot to make the most of this drive through the Litchfield Hills.
This rural drive is full of picturesque sights! You’ll be heading west through Granby before taking West River Road through the People’s State Forest.
Who can turn down a trip to Connecticut’s Quiet Corner? You’ll be heading east, connecting to Route 195 and then Route 6 to Brooklyn. You’ll love this escape from the crowded modern towns of Connecticut as you look out over rolling hills and farm lands.
You’ll be traveling from Glastonbury to East Hampton, jumping from Route 85 to Route 16. You’ll pass Blackledge Falls and even have the chance to stop at Comstock’s famous covered bridge.
This drive through Mystic connects to Route 184, where you can pass a vineyard on your way through Stonington. If you want to stretch your legs, detour to the Barn Island Wildlife Management Area.
Trace the Connecticut coast on this scenic road, passing through the part of Connecticut celebrities are known to visit. You’ll be traveling from Old Saybrook to Haddam, passing Harvey’s Beach.
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