New England is famous for its kaleidoscope of fall colors, and Connecticut is no exception. Abundant white oak and hickory trees create a sea of yellow and golden tones. Meanwhile, red maples add some burgundy and bright red accents. Connecticut towns look charming when framed with fall foliage, and there are many parks and forests across the state offering scenic autumnal trails.
Best time for fall foliage in Connecticut
The fall colors season here starts in the last week of September and extends into early November. But peak fall foliage colors explode in the month of October.
Connecticut fall foliage driving routes
People's favorite way to discover fall splendor in Connecticut is by one of its scenic loops. The state is crisscrossed by a network of stunning driving routes outshining one another. You will love every mile of the Scenic Fairfield loop which starts and closes at Norwalk. The Connecticut River Gateway loop running out of Middletown is a bit shorter yet no less impressive. Every neighborhood boasts its picturesque itinerary. If you crave more details on fall foliage driving routes in Connecticut, refer to CT Forestry.
Where to see fall foliage in Connecticut
Connecticut leaf-peepers don't live by scenic drives alone. Below you can read about some of the best places to soak in fall colors in the Constitution State.
Mohawk State Forest
Mohawk State Forest near Cornwall is famous for its bogs and the Mohawk Mountain Outlook that can be reached via Mattatuck Trail. The summit, at an elevation of 1683 ft (513 m) offers 360-degree views which include the Catskill and Taconic Mountains as well as the Berkshire Range.
Talcott Mountain State Park
Talcott Mountain State Park, located near the towns of Avon, Bloomfield, and Simsbury, offers leaf-peepers another opportunity to enjoy the panorama of the Northeast from above. The park's main highlight is Heublein Tower, 165 ft (50m). After a short hike to the ridge, visitors reach the tower and can access scenic views of the Farmington River Valley. The Heublein Tower is open Thursday through Monday during the summer months, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. After Labor Day and through November, the tower and museum are open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm.
Macedonia Brook State Park
Macedonia Brook State Park is a beautiful fall destination in Kent, Connecticut. The park mostly consists of wooded valleys with picturesque streams. Take a scenic Macedonia Ridge trail to get to the top of Cobble Mountain, which offers panoramic views stretching as far as Upstate New York. The 6 mi (10 km) trail is quite short, but it has several challenging climbs.
Peoples State Forest
The Peoples State Forest located near Barkhamsted boasts amazing fall foliage displays. The most popular trails include the 7 mi (11 km) Peoples State Forest Loop and the 3 mi (5,5 km) Jessie Gerard Trail which ends with Chaugham Lookouts. At the fork, the right path leads you through the lighthouse sight to the lookouts offering some of the best vistas in Connecticut.
Pachaug State Forest
The largest forest in the state, Pachaug, is located near Voluntown, on the border between Connecticut and Rhode Island. The woods are famous for the scenic Mt. Misery Overlook located in the Chapman area popular with hikers. The overlook can be reached by car or on foot. Pachaug State Forest offers many hiking trails. The shortest one is 7 mi (11 km) Quinebaug Trail which runs from north to south. The Narragansett Trail crosses the border and leads into Yawgoog Scout Reservation in Rhode Island.
Connecticut fall foliage map
When you plan on fall-peeping in Connecticut, please take care of your accommodations beforehand. Examine the Connecticut fall foliage map to secure a comfortable getaway. Look for historical mansions turned into bed and breakfasts, old farms turned into luxury hotels as well as cozy old-fashioned inns located in scenic spots. Hartford, Bridgeport, and New Haven offer the largest variety of hotels and lodging options. Pachaug and Mohawk State Forests also have campgrounds.
Practical info
What is the best time to see fall foliage in Connecticut?
Visitors can witness Connecticut's stunning fall foliage from late September to early November. October is the peak season when the trees are at their vibrant and picturesque best. Show more
What are the best driving routes to see fall foliage in Connecticut?
Explore Connecticut's many scenic driving routes to witness its fall foliage. The Fairfield, Connecticut River Gateway, and Litchfield Hills loops are the most popular. For detailed information about these breathtaking driving routes, visit the CT Forestry website. Show more
Where can I see fall foliage in Mohawk State forest?
Mohawk State Forest, near Cornwall, Connecticut, offers serene bogs and the Mohawk Mountain Outlook. The summit, which is 1683 ft, offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the Catskill and Taconic Mountains and the Berkshire Range and is accessible via the Mattatuck Trail. Show more
What is the highlight of Talcott Mountain State Park during fall?
During fall in Talcott Mountain State Park, visitors can access the 165-foot-tall Heublein Tower for a breathtaking view of the Northeast from above. A hike to the ridge leads to the tower and stunning views of the Farmington River Valley. Additionally, visitors can explore the museum and tower from Thursday to Monday during summer and Tuesday to Sunday from Labor Day to November. Show more
What are some accommodation options near Connecticut state parks during fall foliage season?
When planning to see Connecticut's fall foliage, consider a comfortable stay at one of the lodging options. Options range from historical mansions-turned-bed-and-breakfasts and luxury hotels housed in old farms to cozy old-fashioned inns in scenic spots. Hartford, Bridgeport, and New Haven offer a wide range of hotels and accommodations, while camping is available at state parks such as Pachaug and Mohawk. Show more
