My Favorite Places To Enjoy Fall Foliage In Connecticut

It’s no secret that New England is a fall destination due to its stunning foliage. However, most people don’t have Connecticut on their radar for fall trips. While we don’t have mountains here like the northern New England states, we do still have beautiful foliage. If you’re looking for the best leaf-peeping spots in the state, these are my top picks as a local.

East Haddam, Connecticut

East Haddam is a great spot to enjoy foliage. Whether you’re heading to Gillette Castle State Park to enjoy foliage and river views, hiking at Devil’s Hopyard State Park (home one of Connecticut’s best waterfalls), or just going for a scenic drive, this town is worth visiting in the fall. For a scenic drive, follow Route 82 from Goodspeed Opera House all the way to Hadlyme and grab a bite at Two Wrasslin Cats, a fun cat-themed cafe with real cats.

Salem, Connecticut

I might be biased here because I grew up in Salem, but it’s absolutely beautiful in the fall. I love sitting at Gardner Lake to take in the foliage around the lake. For a hike, I’d recommend Walden Preserve. However, even just driving around town is pretty. I love driving Route 354 in the fall or Route 82. Be sure to stop for ice cream at Salem Valley Farms to try some of their seasonal flavors!!

Colchester, Connecticut

The quiet town of Colchester, Connecticut is a great spot to enjoy foliage. There are multiple parks to enjoy scenic foliage hikes, or you can go for a scenic drive. I used to take Route 354 to Route 16 for a scenic drive. You can take Route 16 West and head towards East Hampton and the Comstock Bridge or head east towards Lebanon. Both are super scenic drives.

Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic, Connecticut is not only gorgeous in the fall, but there’s also plenty to see and do. Whether you’re looking to take a trip to the famous B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill, stroll through the Mystic Seaport, or hangout in downtown Mystic, you’re sure to see some great foliage. A scenic drive is also a great option. Take a drive on Route 27 through Old Mystic or on River Road along the Mystic River.

Ledyard, Connecticut

Again, I might be a little biased here because I lived in Ledyard for about five years. But, it really is a gorgeous spot to visit in the fall and it has great small-town vibes. Holmberg Orchards is a great spot to visit in the fall for apple picking. The Ledyard Sawmill is a pretty spot to visit in the fall and you can see the historic sawmill in action. A hike at Stoddard Hill State Park is also a great way to enjoy the foliage.

East Hampton, Connecticut

East Hampton is a small lake town that offers plenty of opportunities for seeing foliage. You can hike in the The Meshomasic State Forest or you can enjoy foliage views along Lake Pocotopaug. A family-friendly fall activity in town is Pumpkintown USA.

Norfolk, Connecticut

Fall is the perfect time to visit Norfolk. In the fall, the town’s rolling hills explode with vibrant foliage. To enjoy the foliage, I’d recommend going to Haystack Mountain State Park to climb the stone tower for 360 degree views or hiking to the waterfall at Campbell Falls State Park. Of course, a scenic drive is also a great way to see foliage in the area.

Waterford, Connecticut

There are plenty of places to enjoy foliage in Waterford, Connecticut. You can take a stroll at Harkness Memorial State Park or go for a hike at Stenger Farm Park for foliage. If you’re looking to do something a little spooky during your trip, check out Seaside Sanatorium, which has an abandoned tuberculosis hospital that is pretty creepy.

North Stonington, Connecticut

North Stonington is a hidden gem in the fall that offers scenic drives, farm stands, lakes and ponds, and quiet trails surrounded by peak foliage. You can hike to the top of Lantern Hill and then grab pizza and beer at Shunock River Brewery and Village Cafe after. If you’re looking for something a little spooky, you can hike to the graveyard at Hewitt Farm.

Thompson, Connecticut

My best friend in college was from Thompson and she is the reason why I fell in love with this town in the quiet corner of Connecticut. Some of my favorite spots for foliage in town are Quaddick State Park and the West Thompson Dam. Even if you don’t get out of the car at the dam, just driving by on West Thompson Road offers great views. You can also do the corn maze at Fort Hill Farms.

Essex, Connecticut

Essex, Connecticut actually consists of three villages: Essex Village, Ivoryton, and Centerbrook. My two favorites for fall are Essex Village and Ivoryton. Ivoryton has some hiking options close to the center of the village, while Essex Village is a gorgeous downtown area with shopping and dining by the Connecticut River. Both areas have historic charm and most of the historic homes will be dressed up for fall.

Washington, Connecticut

Washington, Connecticut offers stunning foliage, charming small-town vibes, and scenic hikes that make autumn unforgettable. Whether you’re into leaf-peeping, farm-to-table dining, or quiet countryside strolls, this hidden gem has it all. Be sure to hike to Mount Tom Tower to get great views of the surrounding landscape!

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