7 best places to see fall foliage in Connecticut
Connecticut has plenty of historical sites and gorgeous water views and parks — but seeing all of these places in the fall, with the reds, yellows, and oranges coating the trees, can make the experiences that much better. The Connecticut Office of Tourism shared where they think people should stop to watch the colors change.
Crescent Lake
Crescent Lake in Meriden, Connecticut.
Crescent Lake is in Giuffrida Park, a 600-acre area that offers lots of trails worth exploring. One such trail involves an easy, two-mile path around Crescent Lake (which is actually a reservoir), so you can take in both foliage and the water.
Essex Steam Train and Riverboat
Essex Steam Train and Riverboat.
The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat takes you on a 2.5-hour, 12-mile journey through the Connecticut River Valley by both train and boat. The train departs from the 1892 historic Essex Station. You then spend a little over an hour of the trip traveling down the Connecticut River on the Becky Thatcher riverboat, where the foliage will be photo-worthy. (Tours run on weekends at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2 p.m.; $29 for adults and $19 for children)
Heublein Tower at Talcott Mountain
A view of Heublein Tower.
After a 1.25-mile hike up to the tower, you’ll find some pretty amazing, foliage-filled views of Talcott Mountain State Park. You might even be able to see New Hampshire (which is 80 miles away), the Berkshires, and the Long Island Sound. The tower, once a private home, now houses a museum and provides tours.
Homestead Inn
Homestead Inn in Connecticut.
The Homestead Inn (420 Field Point Rd, Greenwich; 203-869-7500) is a luxury boutique hotel and restaurant. It’s set in a historic farmhouse on 2.7 acres of land, which can be a perfect spot to enjoy both history and autumn-colored leaves.
Mystic Seaport
Mystic Seaport in Connecticut.
A maritime living history museum founded in 1929, Mystic Seaport is set on 19 acres of land, where you can experience a 19th-century costal village and many other exhibitions. While you learn, take in plenty of fall foliage along the ocean. (75 Greenmanville Ave. Mystic; see site for varying hours; $26 for adults, $24 for seniors ages 65 and up, $17 for kids ages 6 to 17, free for kids ages 5 and younger)
West Cornwall Covered Bridge
West Cornwall Covered Bridge in Connecticut.
Built in 1864, this covered bridge is one of the last of its kind in the state. At 172 feet long, the bridge also still carries vehicular traffic and is certainly a must-see for those looking for some scenery.
White Memorial Conservation Center
White Memorial Conservation Center in Connecticut.
What better place to see fall in action than at a conservation center dedicated to environmental education? Explore 40 miles of trails, a nature museum (80 Whitehall Rd., Litchfield; open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.), the Bantam River, and other ponds, a lake, woods, and more.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com