It’s officially autumn! That means getting out there and scouting the fall foliage as it makes its way across the state. As the leaves begin to change, you may be wondering where you can go to catch the best views, and this road trip will help you do exactly that. State foresters have predicted a magnificent foliage season for Connecticut this year, so don’t miss out!
The Route
Google Maps Just under 300 miles, this 7 hour journey can be completed in a single day. However, we suggest splitting it into two days so you can really soak up the views. You don’t want to rush this scenic experience or risk missing out on any places you discover along the way. You can view the map here!
- Start at Macedonia Brook State Park in Kent.
criana/Flickr
Home to Cobble Mountain, you can take the white blazed trail to the overlook for views across the Harlem Valley.
criana/Flickr The 51 site campground is also great for fishing and picnics.
- Mohawk State Forest in Cornwall offers scenic vistas to the north and the west!
0591TimS./TripAdvisor
You’ll have a look at several ranges, including the Taconic and Berkshire.
0591TimS./TripAdvisor Folks often cross through here on their hike along the Mattatuck and Mohawk trails.
- Next up is Dennis Hill State Park in Norfolk.
Morrowlong/Wikimedia
The summit pavilion, 1,627 feet above sea level, offers views of both New Hampshire and Vermont’s Green Mountains.
Brent Soderberg/Flickr Note: The drive to the summit is open weekends only from October 4 through October 26.
- Take the yellow trail at Peoples State Forest in Barkhamsted.
Chris Connelly/Flickr
The foliage views at the west branch of the Farmington River are simply stunning.
Chris Connelly/Flickr Stop by the Peoples State Forest Nature Museum while you’re here for some cool exhibits!
- Talcott Mountain State Park in Simsbury offers one of the most beautiful trails in the state!
John Cudworth/Flickr
Folks come year round to make the hike up to Heublein Tower, a 165 foot tall architectural beauty.
John Cudworth/Flickr View from tower is over the Farmington River Valley, which appears to go on forever.
Stay the night!
Chad M/TripAdvisor The Mansion Inn Bed & Breakfast
139 Hartford Rd, Manchester
The Mansion Inn is a lovely establishment with a friendly keeper. Plan ahead and book your stay here for a welcome break from all the driving and hiking! You’ll be delighted by the amenities and grateful for the morning breakfast.
- You’ll start day two at Shenipsit State Forest in Somers.
Morrow Long/Flickr
The nearby Hurds Lake will offer even more spectacular views for you to enjoy.
Rudy Riet/Flickr It’s a great stop after visiting the observation tower on Soapstone Mountain.
- Then head over to Voluntown for a visit to the serene Pachaug State Forest.
Rafael Medina/Flickr
The Pachaug Trail will take you right by the Wiclcabouet Marsh for more waterfront foliage.
Morrow Long/Flickr The best thing about this forest is how dense it is. You’ll feel like you’re a million miles away from civilization.
- Visit the tower that sits atop Mount Carmel in Hamden’s Sleeping Giant State Park.
Bob P.B./Flickr
You’ll have incredible panoramic views looking south to Long Island and beyond.
Bob P.B./Flickr Named for its resemblance to a slumbering man, you’ll love visiting this historic park!
- Finish the trip at Mount Tom State Park in Litchfield.
Rajendran H./TripAdvisor
The sights are plenty in this 231-acre park and the hike to the viewing tower is only a mile long.
Ieateggseverymorning/Wikimedia This place is also home to a 56-acre pond, making it the perfect foliage viewing destination.
A great way to see even more fall foliage is to venture out on to some of Connecticut’s immaculate trails. Check out these Hikes Under 5 Miles for some easy adventures with great views! Share photos of your trip with us on Instagram @onlyinconnecticut to have them featured.
Google Maps
Just under 300 miles, this 7 hour journey can be completed in a single day. However, we suggest splitting it into two days so you can really soak up the views. You don’t want to rush this scenic experience or risk missing out on any places you discover along the way. You can view the map here!
criana/Flickr
The 51 site campground is also great for fishing and picnics.
0591TimS./TripAdvisor
Folks often cross through here on their hike along the Mattatuck and Mohawk trails.
Morrowlong/Wikimedia
Brent Soderberg/Flickr
Note: The drive to the summit is open weekends only from October 4 through October 26.
Chris Connelly/Flickr
Stop by the Peoples State Forest Nature Museum while you’re here for some cool exhibits!
John Cudworth/Flickr
View from tower is over the Farmington River Valley, which appears to go on forever.
Chad M/TripAdvisor
The Mansion Inn Bed & Breakfast
139 Hartford Rd, Manchester
The Mansion Inn is a lovely establishment with a friendly keeper. Plan ahead and book your stay here for a welcome break from all the driving and hiking! You’ll be delighted by the amenities and grateful for the morning breakfast.
Morrow Long/Flickr
Rudy Riet/Flickr
It’s a great stop after visiting the observation tower on Soapstone Mountain.
Rafael Medina/Flickr
The best thing about this forest is how dense it is. You’ll feel like you’re a million miles away from civilization.
Bob P.B./Flickr
Named for its resemblance to a slumbering man, you’ll love visiting this historic park!
Rajendran H./TripAdvisor
Ieateggseverymorning/Wikimedia
This place is also home to a 56-acre pond, making it the perfect foliage viewing destination.
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