13 Things To Do in Connecticut This Fall

As the crisp air and vibrant foliage signal the arrival of fall, Connecticut transforms into a picturesque playground brimming with seasonal charm. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a curious visitor, there’s no shortage of adventures waiting to be discovered. Let’s explore some unique experiences that make fall in Connecticut unforgettable!

Aerial view of a lake surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage and scattered houses. — Image credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill – Mystic, CT

Front view of a building with a sign reading "B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill, Estab 1881" against a clear blue sky background. — Image credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill, nestled in Mystic, CT, is a beloved autumn destination steeped in tradition. As one the oldest steam powered cider mill in the United States, it offers visitors a taste of freshly pressed cider and delicious homemade donuts. BF Clyde’s is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the essence of fall in New England.

Scarecrows in the Village – Olde Mistick Village

Autumn-themed display with hay bales, pumpkins, a cow statue, and decor on a porch. Signs for jerky and a contest are visible, alongside fall leaves and decorations. — Image credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Discover the enchanting Scarecrows in the Village event at Olde Mistick Village, where creativity and autumn charm come together! This delightful display features a variety of whimsical scarecrows crafted by local artisans and community members, each adding a unique touch to the picturesque village.

Holmberg Orchards – Gales Ferry, CT

A person in a striped top stands in front of a "How Tall this Fall?" sign at Holmberg Orchards, surrounded by foliage. — Image credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Holmberg Orchards is a charming destination that captures the essence of autumn! Known for its picturesque apple and peach orchards, this family-run farm offers a delightful experience for visitors of all ages. Enjoy apple picking, hayrides, and delicious homemade treats from the farm market.

Pumpkintown USA – East Hampton, CT

pumpkinhead usa ct pumpkin sign. — Photo credit: Lisa MarcAurele

For a fun family outing this fall, visit Pumpkintown USA in East Hampton, Connecticut! This charming spot is perfect for spending a few hours, offering plenty of activities and sights for both kids and adults to enjoy during the fall season.

Visit a Waterfall

A waterfall cascades over rocks, surrounded by autumn foliage with orange leaves. The water flows into a calm pool, creating a serene forest scene. — Image credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Fall is a great time to visit some of the best waterfalls in Connecticut. There are many you can visit that don’t require a hike. There’s nothing better than enjoying the beauty of fall by a waterfall!

Apple Festival – Salem, CT

A young girl stands beside a sign promoting the Congregational Church of Salem's Apple Festival—a must on any Connecticut things to do in fall list—held the last Saturday in October on the Salem Green. Vehicles are visible in the background. — Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele

If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate fall, the Apple Festival in Salem, Connecticut, is a must-visit! Hosted by the Congregational Church of Salem, it’s the perfect spot for a day filled with great food, local charm, and plenty of apple-themed goodies. You can also stop in at Salem Valley Farms for a fall ice cream treat or check out the foliage along Gardner Lake.

Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour – Mystic, CT

A waterfront scene with a mix of red brick and white buildings along the shoreline, featuring a drawbridge partially raised under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. — Image credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

The Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour offers a spine-tingling exploration of this historic maritime town. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides, who will tell you captivating tales of ghostly encounters and local legends. From haunted inns to eerie waterfronts, each stop reveals the rich history and supernatural stories that make Mystic a captivating destination. It’s a top thing to do in Mystic, CT, during fall.

Climb a Tower to See Foliage in Litchfield County

While all of Connecticut is beautiful in the fall, be sure to check out the beauty of the Litchfield Hills in northwestern Connecticut. Two towers you can climb in this part of the state are the Mount Tom Tower and the Haystack Mountain Tower. Both are relatively short hikes that will offer you some stunning views of foliage.

Scarecrows Along Main – Wethersfield, CT

Three skeletons dressed as pirates are positioned on and around a small barn-like structure, surrounded by autumn foliage and decorated with colorful flowers. — Image credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Experience the whimsical charm of Wethersfield, CT, as the Scarecrows Along Main event transforms the town into a vibrant autumn wonderland! Local businesses and community members creatively decorate scarecrows, each showcasing unique themes and styles. Stroll down Main Street to admire these delightful creations while enjoying the festive atmosphere. It’s a perfect outing for families and friends looking to embrace the spirit of fall and celebrate local artistry in this historic setting!

Fort Hill Farms Corn Maze – Thompson, CT

A person in a green jacket and black beanie stands on a wooden platform, overlooking a cornfield under a cloudy sky. — Image credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Nestled in the Quiet Corner of Connecticut is Fort Hill Farm, which offers an impressive themed corn maze. Navigate the winding paths while enjoying stunning views of the farm’s picturesque landscape. This is the perfect spot to enjoy some family fun. For beautiful views nearby, check out West Thompson Dam and Quaddick State Park.

The Old Cider Mill – Glastonbury, CT

Front view of a rustic wooden building with a sign reading "The Old Cider Mill" under a clear sky. — Image Credit: Image credit goes to.

The Old Cider Mill in Glastonbury, CT, is a charming destination that celebrates the flavors of fall! As the name suggests, it offers cider and cider donuts. There’s also a fall festival that happens here and a petting zoo, making it a great spot for a family day!

“Light into the Dungeon:” A Jack O’ Lantern Experience – East Granby

A group of carved jack-o'-lanterns with glowing faces arranged on a dark surface. — Image credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This jack o’ lantern display is truly a unique fall experience! Go down 75 feet underground into the first chartered copper mine in the original thirteen colonies to experience this spooky, but fun display! Nothing says spooky season quite like going into a 1707 copper mine lit up with jack o’ lanterns.

Visit a Haunted House

A red wooden two-story house with a brick chimney, surrounded by a brown picket fence and green garden, with patriotic banners hanging on the fence. — Image credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Connecticut is rich with colonial history, making it a great place to visit some haunted spots that have hundreds of years of history. One well-known spot to visit is the Leffingwell House in Norwich, Connecticut. They do an annual haunted history investigation! Another good haunted spot to check out is the Mark Twain House in Hartford, which has been featured twice on “Ghost Hunters.”