10 Best Places to See Connecticut Fall Foliage in 2024
Connecticut in terms of fall foliage is a top state in New England to see it in! From rolling hills to coastal views, the state provides a variety of scenic spots to experience the beauty of fall. Here’s a guide to the best places in Connecticut to see fall foliage, along with the optimal time to visit and nearby towns for a perfect autumn getaway. Here’s the list:
- Litchfield Hills
- Connecticut River Valley
- Sleeping Giant State Park
- Talcott Mountain State Park
- Mohawk State Forest
- People’s State Forest
- Route 169 Scenic Byway
- Bluff Point State Park
- Kent Falls State Park
- Gillette Castle State Park
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Litchfield Hills:
- Location: Northwestern Connecticut
- Best time to go: Mid-October to late October
- Nearby towns: Litchfield, Kent, Washington (see hotel deals)
Litchfield Hills is one of the most popular destinations for leaf-peeping in Connecticut, offering a quintessential New England experience with its charming small towns, rolling hills, and scenic byways. Routes like Route 7 and Route 63 offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The area is known for its covered bridges, picturesque farms, and vibrant fall colors.
Connecticut River Valley:
- Location: Central Connecticut
- Best time to go: Early to mid-October
- Nearby towns: Essex, Middletown, Old Saybrook (see hotel deals)
The Connecticut River Valley is a scenic stretch that provides beautiful river views framed by the colors of autumn. A great way to experience the fall foliage here is by taking a ride on the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat, which offers a unique perspective of the landscape from both land and water. The valley’s combination of water, hills, and forests makes it an ideal spot for a relaxing fall day trip.
Sleeping Giant State Park:
- Location: Hamden, Connecticut
- Best time to go: Early to mid-October
- Nearby towns: Hamden, New Haven, Wallingford (see hotel deals)
Sleeping Giant State Park is famous for its distinctive ridgeline that resembles a sleeping giant, hence the name. The park features several hiking trails that lead to panoramic views of the surrounding area, making it an excellent spot to see Connecticut’s fall colors. The tower at the summit provides sweeping views of the landscape, including forests, hills, and the city of New Haven in the distance.
Talcott Mountain State Park:
- Location: Simsbury, Connecticut
- Best time to go: Early to mid-October
- Nearby towns: Simsbury, Avon, Granby (see hotel deals)
Talcott Mountain State Park is home to the famous Heublein Tower, a historic structure that offers incredible views of the Farmington Valley and beyond. The hike to the tower is relatively short, and the view from the top is well worth the effort. In the fall, the entire valley is blanketed in shades of red, orange, and gold, making it one of the best places in the state for fall foliage.
Mohawk State Forest:
Location: Cornwall, Connecticut
Best time to go: Mid-October to late October
Nearby towns: Cornwall, Goshen, Kent (see hotel deals)
Mohawk State Forest, located in the Litchfield Hills, offers stunning views from the top of Mohawk Mountain, the highest point in the area. The park features several hiking trails that wind through dense forests, showcasing the rich fall colors. The Mohawk Mountain Fire Tower provides a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect spot for leaf-peeping.
Peoples State Forest:
- Location: Barkhamsted, Connecticut
- Best time to go: Mid-October
- Nearby towns: Barkhamsted, New Hartford, Winsted (see hotel deals)
Peoples State Forest is a hidden gem for fall foliage enthusiasts, offering a mix of forested trails, river views, and scenic overlooks. The park features several hiking trails that lead to stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside and the Farmington River. The Jesse Gerard Trail is especially popular for its panoramic views of the fall colors across the hills and valleys. The park’s peaceful setting and lesser-known status make it a great spot for a quieter leaf-peeping experience.
Route 169 Scenic Byway:
- Location: Eastern Connecticut
- Best time to go: Mid-October
- Nearby towns: Woodstock, Brooklyn, Canterbury (see hotel deals)
Route 169 is one of the most scenic drives in Connecticut, offering a peaceful journey through the state’s rural countryside. This National Scenic Byway passes through farmlands, historic towns, and dense forests, all of which are transformed into a canvas of fall colors. The route’s charm lies in its simplicity, with quiet roads lined by trees that explode with vibrant autumn hues.
Bluff Point State Park:
- Location: Groton, Connecticut ($15 fee for none residents, $10 for residents of Connecticut)
- Best time to go: Early to mid-October
- Nearby towns: Groton, Mystic, New London (see hotel deals)
Bluff Point State Park combines the beauty of coastal scenery with stunning fall foliage. The park’s trails wind through forests and along the coastline, offering a unique opportunity to experience both ocean views and autumn colors. The peninsula is perfect for hiking, biking, and birdwatching, with panoramic views of the Long Island Sound and the surrounding forests.
Kent Falls State Park:
- Location: Kent, Connecticut ($10 to enter)
- Best time to go: Mid-October
- Nearby towns: Kent, Cornwall, New Milford (see hotel deals)
Kent Falls State Park is home to one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Connecticut, and in the fall, it’s surrounded by brilliant colors that make the scene even more magical. The waterfall cascades down multiple tiers, creating a serene backdrop for a fall hike. The park’s trails offer several viewpoints of the falls and the surrounding foliage, making it a must-visit during peak fall season.
Gillette Castle State Park:
- Location: East Haddam, Connecticut ($6 fee to enter)
- Best time to go: Mid-October
- Nearby towns: East Haddam, Chester, Haddam (see hotel deals)
Gillette Castle, perched high above the Connecticut River, is not only a historic landmark but also a fantastic spot to view fall foliage. The unique stone castle, surrounded by wooded hills, offers beautiful views of the river and the colorful forests that line its banks. Walking the castle’s grounds and hiking the nearby trails provides a peaceful way to experience Connecticut’s autumn splendor.
Final Stuff to Know:
Connecticut offers an array of beautiful locations to experience the vibrant colors of fall. Whether you prefer a scenic drive through the countryside or a hike up to a panoramic viewpoint, these destinations provide the best opportunities to take in the stunning foliage the state is known for. Plan your trip according to the peak foliage times to fully appreciate the natural beauty of Connecticut in autumn.
