New England is famed for having some of the world’s most spectacular fall foliage displays — yellows and oranges blend into vibrant reds everywhere. Connecticut is the quintessence of New England fall, with a chill lingering in the air and the leaves changing colors all over one state. What’s more, the list of Connecticut fall activities is longer than most other states, ranging from corn mazes, pumpkin picking, and leaf peeping to ziplining, biking, and hiking. Of course, who can forget exploring craft breweries, enjoying apple cider donuts, indulging in apple pumpkin picking, and checking out agricultural fairs? These are just some of the amazing activities one can indulge in during the fall season in the Nutmeg State.
With Connecticut’s cities and towns happening to be some of the best places to see fall foliage in New England, it’s no surprise that the season sees the state inundated with intrepid travelers. Here’s a guide to the best activities during the autumn season in Connecticut.
Table of contents
- Follow the wine trail
- Make your way through a corn maze
- Encounter wildlife and fauna
- Sample a variety of brews
- Explore Connecticut’s history
- Get adventurous
- Indulge in pumpkin picking
- Go camping
- Dig into delicious apple cider donuts
- Go on a scenic fall drive
- Indulge in a scenic hike
- Where to Stay in Connecticut
- Places To Eat
Follow the wine trail
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We begin with one of the most popular activities to do in Connecticut in the leaf-peeping season, which is following the wine trail. Did you know that the wine trail in the state includes as many as 40 unique vineyards? Yes! What’s more, many of them are quite close together, making it easy for you to bop around many locations in a matter of a few days.
One of the most scenic wineries we’ve visited in the state is the family-owned and operated Heartstone Farm & Winery in Columbia. It’s known for not just its cozy setting and gorgeously verdant vineyard, but also its excellent wine and live music that plays as you sip on delicious homegrown wine. What’s more, this Instagrammable vineyard and winery atop one of the highest points of Columbia even has a faithful Australian cattle dog, Rupert, as its mascot! The cutie is often seen scampering around the farm and providing constant entertainment.
Make your way through a corn maze
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Nutmeggers spoiled with lots and lots of corn mazes in Connecticut to explore, as quite possibly each town is close to one. Making your way through corn mazes is an autumn tradition with families across the state, as many mazes have not just interesting fields of carved corn, but also play areas, games, ice-cream, animals, and food. While some mazes allow you to make your way back during the daytime, some even allow you to explore during the night, complete with flashlights. So, why not test your skills at one of the fun, challenging corn mazes?
We especially loved the peanuts-themed maze at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, which boasts views of sprawling vistas. What’s more, the historic corn maze commemorates Sir Benjamin Franklin, and a 4-acre corn maze takes as many as 30-40 minutes to navigate. This corn maze is open between 10 am and 6 pm on Saturdays and Sundays and between 1 and 6 pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Encounter wildlife and fauna
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Connecticut has experiences where you can come face to face and interact with animals of every order. For instance, Mystic Aquarium is one of the world’s leading aquariums, while Bridgeport’s Beardsley Zoo is the only accredited zoo in the state. Many of the 300+ species, such as the Brazilian ocelots and Siberian tigers, are threatened by extinction. What’s more, some of the most popular exhibits include the New England Farmyard, Alligator Alley, and the verdant indoor rainforest. If the kids want to indulge in some farm fun, you can take them on wagon rides at Creamery Brook Bison in Brooklyn. Do you want an even more unique experience? Why not attend the Beardsley Zoo’s “Glow Wild” event? You’ll be able to see larger-than-life illuminated wildlife lantern displays!
Sample a variety of brews
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Connecticut is all about various kinds of brews — and we don’t mean cider alone. Of course, it’s hard to ignore the presence of hard cider, which was a fixture in every farmhouse basement once upon a time. Easy and cheap to produce from local seedling apples, this fizzy and fermented juice was as safe to drink as water, could be kept longer than milk, and was even more popular than ale. So, visiting one of Connecticut’s hard cider destinations is a great idea. These include the likes of Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market and Winery in Guilford, New England Cider Company in Wallingford, and Yankee Cider Barn at Staehly Farms in East Haddam.
However, hard cider isn’t the only brew on offer here. Everyone’s talking about craft beer in Connecticut these days. Some of the coolest places to sip and celebrate the fall season are Westoberfest, the East Rock Brewing Company Oktoberfest, Brass City Brew & ‘Cue, and the Engine Room, among others. Last, but not least, how can we possibly forget coffee? When the fall menus are out, it’s the best time to hit the cafes and coffee shops in Connecticut. So, why not treat yourself to a maple cappuccino or a pumpkin spice latte?
Explore Connecticut’s history
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No matter the season, Connecticut has lots of opportunities for experiencing its rich history up close, especially in the form of museums. From art appreciation to hands-on historical activities, they’re the perfect place to soak in Connecticut’s history and heritage, especially for culture vultures. For instance, you can spend the days touring the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, the Roseland Cottage Museum in Woodstock, or the Keeler Tavern Museum in Ridgefield.
The Mark Twain House & Museum is the author’s restored home in Hartford, where he and his family lived between 1874 and 1891. What’s more, he wrote some of his most important works here, including the Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Today, it’s a National Historic Landmark and a great way for families to spend the day.
What do pumpkin pie recipes, Noah Webster’s first dictionary, and comic books have in common? They’re all part of the state’s history, which you can learn about at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History. Did you know there’s also the 50-year-old Connecticut River Museum? The maritime museum focuses on the history of the Connecticut River and the indigenous people, preserving manuscripts, art, books, and historical artifacts.
Get adventurous
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While the air is crisp and fresh, why not get out and get daring during your Connecticut vacation? From rail bikes and hot air balloon rides to kayaking and ziplining, endless cool ideas and advenures are awaiting intrepid explorers in Connecticut.
Are you traveling to Connecticut with younger kids in tow? We’d highly recommend everything rapids rides, waterslides, and rollercoasters, which you can find at theme parks and waterparks like Ocean Beach Park and Lake Compounce Theme Park. If being up in the air is your idea of an adventure, then you can do what we did — go skydiving or ride a hot air balloon to enjoy birds-eye views of the countryside. Aer Blarney Balloons, a premier non-direction airline in New England, is very famous for its fall hot air balloon rides. There’s another way to enjoy bird’s eye views, and that too surrounded by the full force of the state’s gorgeous fall foliage. We’re talking extreme ziplining and tree-based adventures in places like Mystic, Storrs, and more.
Outdoor thrills are available in spades in Connecticut, and you have the choice of everything from mountain biking and UTV tours to high-up hiking, ascent climbing, rock climbing, and more. What more could we ask for?
Indulge in pumpkin picking
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Whether you’re visiting Connecticut with your family, as a couple, or even on a solo trip, pumpkin picking is one activity you shouldn’t miss. The state is overflowing with farms with the most Instagrammable pumpkin patches and displays. One of the most popular ones is Silverman’s Farm in Easton, which hosts the “Fall Fest,” an annual annual tradition. The fall foliage makes for the perfect backdrop for vibrant displays of Indian corn, gourds, and “New England” squashes, with cornstalks and haybales providing a vivid backdrop. What’s more, they even offer visitors the chance to win their “perfect pumpkin” if they correctly guess its weight within 2 oz!
These are not the only pumpkin-related Connecticut fall events. There’s also the Annual Seymour Pumpkin Fest, an all-ages event that happens come rain or shine and boasts games, food, rides, and even a petting zoo. Another must-visit place is Pumpkintown, where Jack-O-Lanterns are on full display during October, making for some memorable pictures. Furthermore, there’s even a Pumpkin Patch Trolley in East Windsor, where visitors can ride the historic trolley right down to a field full of pumpkins, and even take one home to carve. Did we mention the Pumpkin Passage at the Nature’s Art Village in Oakdale? Yes!
Go camping
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Fall in Connecticut is like an artist’s dream palette coming to life. Hence, it’s the perfect destination for campers like us to soak in the impressive kaleidoscope of fall foliage of golds, reds, and oranges. So, if you dream of campfires, sipping hot cocoa, roasting marshmallows around a fire, and the crisp crunch of the leaves beneath your feet, then why not camp in one of Connecticut’s most scenic fall camping places?
One of the best campsites in the state is Mystic KOA Holiday, which is nestled on the 250-year-old site of one of the very first farms in the state. Blending the best of modern convenience and a classic New England vibe, the campsite lies near North Stonington, near the border of Connecticut and Rhode Island. Since they understand that not everyone might be the average rugged outdoor enthusiast, they have staying choices for all kinds of travelers. So, we had the choice of spacious wooded tent sites, back-in/pull-through RV sites, complete with water and electric hookups, as well as comfortable deluxe cabins with kitchens, bathrooms, et al. Moreover, these cabins can sleep up to as many as four-six people, and even accommodate pets!
Dig into delicious apple cider donuts
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What would autumn be in Connecticut without apple cider donuts? The Nutmeg State is known for these pretty darn delicious nuggets of sweet heaven. Going apple picking in the fall is, in fact, a preamble for what is to follow. While the list of spots that serve them is endless, the cozy breakfast and lunch spot that is ‘Lakeside Diner‘ serves up some truly lip-smacking cinnamon-sugar rolled donut goodnesses. While the outer layer is a sweet light crust, the soft, cake-like interior will surely have you asking for more. Moreover, this place even has an entire menu of other diner favorites such as club sandwiches and pancakes. The unassuming place, which has been around since the 1950s, might look like any other diner. However, locals and travelers know that it’s one of the best places within a 100-mi radius to enjoy donuts, which are made fresh every day.
Go on a scenic fall drive
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Are you ready for some leaf-peeping? Since Connecticut is one of the best, and longest, places to see fall foliage in the country, why not head out on a scenic drive? The foliage coverage varies, running from north to south steadily over about six weeks, but there’s always somewhere where you can see the colors change. There are even a few suggested driving loops by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, where you can safely enjoy the prime leaf-peeping season. Long drives on winding country roads can become an excellent family tradition, especially when since it’s one of the most amazing things to do in CT in fall and where you’ll find so many things. Think local veggie stands, sprawling horse farms, classic old barns, rambling stone walls, historic towns, colonial houses, and more.
One of the best fall drives is the Litchfield Hills Ramble, a 100-mi route (161 km) where the Connecticut peak fall foliage viewing season is around mid-October. It meanders through the Litchfield Hills region, which is the first part of the state to see the autumnal color changes. The route begins in Torrington, after which you head north on Route 8 to Winsted, followed by Route 44 to Falls Village/Canaan. After heading on Routes 7, 341, and 45, you’ll go through Kent and Warren straight on through to New Preston. After going east for a mile on Route 202, heading down Routes 47, 109, and 63 brings you to Litchfield. The loop closes after you head out on Route 118 and then finally north on Route 8.
Indulge in a scenic hike
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Hiking one of Connecticut’s many fantastic hiking trails is one of the best ways to catch the fall foliage in the state. After all, the state sits right at the top of the list of hiking spots in the United States! With thousands of recreational and multi-use trails, the state is truly a treasure trove for hikers. Moreover, every hike is differently unique, boasting its history, natural sceneries, adventures, and, in some cases, even urban legends.
We’d picked the spectacular 1,000-acre Devil’s Hopyard State Park, as it offered great opportunities for camping, picnicking, bicycling, fishing, and hiking. Are the round holes in the falls the work of the devil or is nature making its mark? Visiting Devil’s Hopyard is like finding your answers to age-old mysteries. Our favorite thing to do here, however, was hiking the park’s signature feature, the 0.5-mi (8 km) long Chapman Falls Loop. It dropped more than 60 ft (18 m) over a series of steps in a classic Scotland Schist stone formation. Besides hiking to such spectacular vistas, you can also enjoy some of Connecticut’s finest birding and even trout fish in the Eightmile River, designated as a “National Scenic and Wild River” by the U.S. Forest Service.
Why not invest in an excellent handheld GPS for the same?
Where to Stay in Connecticut
- Inn at Harbor Hill Marina B&B, Niantic: One of the most romantic hotels in Connecticut is the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina B&B, a stunning waterfront property that overlooks the Long Island Sound. Besides options for romantic packages, the inn has some gorgeous rooms with balconies, most of which overlook the Niantic marina. With a complimentary homemade breakfast buffet every morning and lush foliage around, who wouldn’t want to stay here?
- The House of 1833 Bed & Breakfast: There’s nothing better than staying in a historic mansion-turned-B&B in Connecticut, and the House of 1833 Bed & Breakfast is one of the best. Nestled in a landmark Greek Revival mansion, this is one of the few B&Bs we’ve seen that has a full-sized swimming pool! This B&B has a lovely front porch with rocking chairs, a tennis court, antiques, and even a licensed massage therapist! All five suites boast plush beds, working fireplaces, and private bathrooms, and every day begins with a wonderful gourmet breakfast. The highlight was the beautifully landscaped and wooded gardens with fountains surrounding the property.
Places To Eat
- Good Old Days, Newtown: This cool spot is all about pizzas and salads — but they’re anything but run-of-the-mill. The dishes are top-notch, served with killer thin, square, and crispy style pies with an exquisite bar menu to boot. Did we mention the setting? It’s a vintage 70’s/80’s dungeon basement setting and atmosphere.
- At The Corner, Litchfield: Melding craft beer and artisanal eats, At The Corner boasts seasonal menus that are being continuously updated. Favorites include salmon, short ribs, chicken wings, and uniquely seasoned Brussels sprouts, among others.
