Railroads were once the most popular way to transport goods and travelers around the state of Connecticut. In the late 1800s, there were over 1000 miles of track crossing the Nutmeg state. Today, only 629 miles of railroad is in use for freight and passenger trains, but many of the defunct lines have been re-purposed into recreational rail trails for walkers and bikers.
Rail trails are different from the hiking trails that climb hills and descend into valleys. These former train lines are generally flat and have gentle curves which makes them the perfect destination for a leisurely stroll or ride. Let's take a look at eleven of these picturesque rail trails.
This trail is paved making it an excellent choice for foot traffic as well as biking, skateboarding, and rollerblading. The Farmington River Trail extends for 14.9 miles from Farmington to Simsbury. You'll be granted water views of the Farmington River along the way.
Running for 55 miles from the Northeast corner of Connecticut down to East Hampton in the center of the state, The Air Line State Park Trail is one of the longest. Some highlights of this long trail include an old cattle bridge, beautiful marshes, a few small waterfalls, and the Lyman and Rapallo viaducts. This trail is the perfect place to enjoy nature at its finest.
This 12 mile trail that stretches between Bridgeport and Monroe is broken into sections. It has some distances of very peaceful forest settings with beautiful brook views. The trail is a great choice for a family outing.
This 4.4 mile winding trail follows and old trolley line that once brought visitors to Middlebury's Lake Quassapaug resorts. The paved trail winds through residential areas and wooded areas. Highlights include Quassy Amusement Park and Meadowview Park, both of which the trail passes. The Middlebury Greenway is also handicapped accessible.
This 1.2 mile trail is short, but oh so sweet. It runs from Simsbury to Stratton Brook State Park, the first state park that is entirely wheelchair accessible, and a great spot for a picnic. The tree canopy creates a tunnel effect that is almost magical.
The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail spans 40 miles from New Haven to the Connecticut/Massachusetts border. The trail follows the path of the one time longest canal in New England. Some points of interest include an old brick depot, Lock 12 and its keeper's house, as well as the historical park it occupies.
Vernon Rails-to-Trails Park is a 5.9 mile trail. Even though it is a shorter path, it offers a peek at a charming waterfall, plenty of beautiful plants and trees and perhaps the chance to see some local wildlife.
Larkin State Park Trail connects Southbury and Naugatack with a 10.4 mile stretch. Meandering through the woods, this path welcomes pedestrians, bikers, horseback riders, and cross country skiers. It is mainly a forest trail with woodland and wetland views.
This dirt trail in Roxbury spans just 2.5 miles. The Kress Family trail winds along the Shepaug River. It is a popular destination for snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the winter, while hikers enjoy the trail year round.
From Manchester to Willimantic, 20 miles of crushed stone make for a wonderful journey. Narrow rock cuts and plentiful tree canopy make this a favorite spot for recreation. Biking, walking, cross country skiing, and horseback riding are all encourage on this handicapped accessible rail trail.
The Sue Grossman Still River Greenway is a paved path that extends 2.9 miles between Torrington and Winchester. Bordered at times by charming wooden fences and wild flowers, people of all ages enjoy using this trail.
You can get more information and trail maps for any of the above rail trails on the Trail Link website. Have you enjoyed any of Connecticut's rail trails? Which one has your favorite scenery? Let us know in the comments section below, we'd love to hear from you.
For the food lovers out there, you might want to take this heavenly cheese trail through Connecticut.
I know summer has a lot of fans, but there are plenty of us who love those first few days when the temperatures begin to drop. As soon as the leaves start to hit the ground and you notice tints of orange and yellow in the foliage, so many of us are frantically rushing to Google search for "fall activities near me." Connecticut in the fall is a magical place, and there's so much to do here. Whether you love exploring family-friendly farms and festivals or just want to take a leaf-peeping adventure, there's no shortage of Connecticut fall activities to enjoy.
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Connecticut Fall Foliage: Where To Go In Connecticut For Fall Foliage
Some of the best places to visit in Connecticut in the fall are spots that show off our amazing autumn hues. Connecticut's fall foliage is incredible, and there are so many places to check out those beautiful red, yellow, and orange shades. Peak fall foliage in Connecticut typically occurs in early October, though weather conditions can cause slight changes. Northern Connecticut usually reaches its peak about a week earlier than the southern portion of the state.
Need To Know: Mount Tom State Park has limited parking availability and once the lots have reached capacity, the park is closed to visitors. Arrive early for your best shot at getting in.
Wow Factor: The views here are some of the best in the state - you'll be able to see all the way to both New York and Massachusetts.
If you're hoping to do some leaf peeping at Mount Tom State Park, look no further than the easy one-mile Tower Trail. It's a little bit steep, but trust us: the effort is definitely worth it at the trail's end. If the Mount Tom Tower is open, you'll be able to climb up to the top and enjoy a bird's eye view of the landscape below. The panoramic landscape from 1,325 feet above sea level is pretty incredible.
Need To Know: The park is free to enter, but note that the campground closes October 14, so you'll enjoy day-use visits only through much of the fall.
Wow Factor: This 1,000-acre park features historic bridges and one of the most impressive waterfalls in Connecticut.
Devil's Hopyard State Park is a photographer's dream, especially in the fall. The most famous landmark here is Chapman Falls, a tiered waterfall that drops about 60 feet. The falls are the subject of one of Connecticut's most notorious urban legends, that the devil himself once played fiddle here. You'll have to decide for yourself if you believe that this place is haunted, but one thing's for sure: it's certainly one of the best places for admiring fall foliage in Connecticut. The woods here have magnificent colors and all kinds of red, gold, and orange hues.
Need To Know: There are some fabulous trails here, and they're all the more spectacular in the fall. Check out our friends at AllTrails to learn more.
Wow Factor: This park can get quite crowded in the summertime thanks to the beach along Burr Pond, but you can enjoy a bit more tranquility during the fall months, particularly during weekdays.
Burr Pond State Park has tons of history - this place was once home to the world's first condensed milk factory. The factory was destroyed by fire in the 1800s, but there's still a lot to enjoy here today. The 438-acre park is right next to Paugnut State Forest, giving you tons of wooded areas to admire as the leaves change.
Need To Know: Some of the areas here can be a bit rugged, so take care when exploring the forest. The rocks around the waterfalls can be quite slippery when wet, and swimming is not recommended.
Wow Factor: The hike to Enders Falls is one of our favorite waterfall trails in Connecticut. The one-mile loop trail is great for families.
Enders State Forest spans more than 2,000 acres. This is a fantastic area for hiking, with tons of great trails to explore. There are several waterfalls throughout the forest, and they look all the more beautiful when surrounded by fall foliage. There's nothing like walking through the woods on a crisp autumn day hearing the crunch of leaves underfoot.
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Best Pumpkin Patches In Connecticut
Visiting a pumpkin patch in Connecticut is such a charming way to spend an afternoon. These old-school farms often host miniature festivals or have other fun events going on, and they are great places to take the whole family. Whether you're just looking for a fun outdoor activity, want to pick out the perfect jack-o'-lantern, or just want some fall decor, visiting a pumpkin patch in Connecticut is a favorite activity of many.
Need To Know: Jones Family Farms is a large operation with several farms, so make sure you head to the Pumpkinseed Hill Farm location to find fall activities.
Wow Factor: There is an admission fee for entry, but part of the cost goes towards any pumpkin or gourd purchase.
Jones Family Farms is an all-season destination that harvests blueberries, Christmas trees, and other seasonal crops, plus wine, but come fall, pumpkin is king here. This is one of the largest pumpkin patches in Connecticut, and it's a great fall destination for those seeking autumn adventures. Pumpkin picking typically starts in late September and runs through October. In addition to pumpkins, there are farm animals, hayrides, a corn maze, apples, and more available here. Make online reservations at the Jones Family Farms website prior to arriving to make sure you are guaranteed a spot.
Need To Know: The farm is open weekends only and reservations are not necessary.
Wow Factor: The farm hosts special events throughout the fall season, like Dog Maze Day and a Sunflower Stroll.
The family-owned Castle Hill Farm is such a delightful place to spend an afternoon. The four-acre u-pick pumpkin patch is so much fun! There are more than 40 varieties of pumpkins here, ensuring you can find that unique gourd to spice up your home decor (or cooking). The farm was established back in 1927, so it's coming up on its 100th anniversary. There's a lot to enjoy here, including hay rides, a corn maze, and more.
Need To Know: Blue Jay Orchards typically opens for the season in mid-September.
Wow Factor: The market and bakery here have some amazing treats for sale.
Blue Jay Orchards doesn't actually grow their pumpkins on-site. The farm's primary focus is apples, and you'll find plenty of those here ripe for the picking. U-pick apples are available in fall, and so are pumpkins that are grown off-site and brought in for the farm's fun pumpkin patch. There's even a bee hive located by the farm store where you can learn about these fascinating insects as they produce their honey.
Need To Know: This year's pumpkin picking starts September 21, 2024.
Wow Factor: Angevine Farm has been around since 1868!
Angevine Farms is another u-pick pumpkin patch that's a long-standing tradition for many Connecticut families. In addition to pumpkins and gourds, you'll find apple cider and apple cider donuts here. Unlike most of the pumpkin farms in Connecticut, Angevine Farms is dog-friendly, but note that your furry friends are not allowed in the pumpkin patch itself.
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Best Fall Festivals In Connecticut
You can find some great festivals throughout the year in the Nutmeg State, but I've got to say, the fall festivals in Connecticut are some of my favorites. With tasty treats like apple cider and fun things to do like hay rides and pumpkin picking, it's a time of year that's so much fun for the whole family. Here are a few of our favorite fall festivals that you won't want to miss:
Need To Know: This year's Connecticut Garlic and Harvest Festival is scheduled for October 12-13, 2024. The admission fee is $10 for ages 10 and up, and note that it must be paid in cash.
Wow Factor: Live music, cooking demonstrations, a food court, and even free samples: there's a lot to enjoy here!
I've got to preface this by saying I absolutely adore garlic and am of the belief that there's no such thing as too much garlic. If you feel the same way, you'll love the Connecticut Garlic and Harvest Festival in Bethlehem. You can buy all the traditional garlic staples here, like roasted garlic, garlic spreads, and garlic bread, but you can also try novelties like garlic ice cream. Kids under 12 receive free admission and there are some fun games and rides available for the little ones.
Need To Know: This year's Glastonbury Apple Harvest & Music Festival takes place from October 18 to October 20, 2024.
Wow Factor: The schedule has 40 bands set to perform over three days.
If you love live music, it doesn't get much better than the Glastonbury Apple Harvest & Music Festival. The event includes a variety of live musicians, a 21+ pub, amusement rides, food, and, of course, plenty of autumn festivities. It's fun for all ages and always one of the best fall events in Connecticut.
Need To Know: This year's event takes place September 20-21, 2024.
Wow Factor: Admission is free and this is a great family event.
Looking for a fun way to kick off fall in Connecticut? Naugatuck Harvest Moon Festival is a fun little event that's always a blast. You'll find local sellers with arts and crafts available for purchase, food trucks, live music, and more. It's such a fun event that's been going on for nearly four decades, and you can't beat that (lack of) price tag.
Free & Cheap Connecticut Fall Activities
You don't have to spend a fortune to have a great time this autumn. There are so many fun things to do in Connecticut in the fall that are surprisingly affordable. Something as simple as taking a leaf-peeping walk through one of our state parks is a fun afternoon adventure that won't cost much more than gas and parking. Here are some of our favorite Connecticut fall activities that are fun and budget-friendly:
12. Admire the foliage on a hike at one of our many state parks.
Wow Factor: We have 142 state forests and parks in Connecticut, with locations from the Quiet Corner down to the shoreline.
No matter the season, we love a visit to
" target="_blank">Connecticut's state parks. There's such a huge variety of scenery depending on which park you choose, and all that protected land typically means there's quite a bit of fall foliage to admire here. This is such a wonderful time of year to be out in nature, so get out and enjoy some of the state's magnificent parks.
13. Walk down Main Street in Wethersfield for Scarescrows on Main.
Need To Know: The event lasts all the way through October each year.
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Wow Factor: Dozens of scarecrows are set up in front of local homes and businesses, making for quite the festive scene.
Old Wethersfield is a great place with a ton of history, and it's also one of our favorite Halloween towns in Connecticut, thanks to Scarecrows Along Main. This fun contest has been going on for 30 years. Take a walk through town and you'll find tons of family-friendly decorated scarecrows in front of businesses and residential houses. It's a great place for a fall stroll and to really get into the seasonal spirit.
14. Many farms throughout the state host family events throughout the season, often with free admission.
Need To Know: You'll find tons of great apple orchards and pumpkin farms hosting a variety of events throughout the fall season.
Wow Factor: With hay rides, petting zoos, corn mazes, and so much more, you'll come across all kind of great family activities at these fun events.
Connecticut is home to plenty of amazing farms, and many of them host family events and festivals on weekends throughout the fall. Admission is typically under $10, and is often free, making it a fun and affordable outing to bring kids of any age.
Need To Know: Always be careful if you choose to go in the water during the off season, since beaches typically don't have lifeguards outside of the summer months.
Wow Factor: Even the most popular beaches in the state typically have cheaper, or free, entry fees or parking rates during the off season.
I'm something of an introvert, and while I love a summer day of fun in the sun by the water, I've got to say, I think an off-season beach visit in Connecticut is even better. A fall or winter trip is amazing, as you get to avoid the crowds, enjoy much cheaper parking and entry fees, and you can sometimes get the beach all to yourself.
Wow! I don't know about you, but I'm ready for some apple cider donuts and pumpkin pie. What are some of your favorite things to do in Connecticut in the fall?
We love summer in Connecticut, but if you don't like the heat or sunburn easily, we get that lists of "Best Things To Do In Connecticut In The Summer" may not be up your alley. Fortunately, it's not all parks, festivals, and beaches here in the Nutmeg State: we've got plenty of air conditioned attractions to enjoy in the warm months, too! If you've lived in Newington, CT for a while, you may remember LaserQuest, a laser tag attraction that closed down in 2021. Good news: you can once again enjoy laser tag in Newington, CT, because LaserMaxx has opened in the old location and is an absolute blast for kids of all ages, and adults, too! Check it out:
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LaserMaxx just opened up in April 2024 and is already proving to be a big hit.
If you've never played laser tag before, it's pretty much exactly what it sounds like: a game where you play tag with light beams. Players wear a vest that indicates when they've been "hit" by their opponent's weapon.
