10 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Connecticut

By Wendy Ann Mitchell (Patch Staff)

Nutmeggers know that living in this area allows for some of the best viewing of fall foliage.

According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), “leaf peeping” season begins mid-to-late September and runs through mid-to-late October. The peak color is between October 5 and November 13, depending on local weather. For a current fall foliage report,click here.

The CT DEEP recommends planning your trip for mid-week when roads are quieter, which allows more opportunities to enjoy the views. They also encourage leaf peepers to allow time to explore areas on foot.

Below is a list of Connecticut’s best scenic viewing areas, according to the CT DEEP.

1. Macedonia Brook State Park, Kent – Cobble Mountain. The overlook has spectacular views across the Harlem Valley to the Taconic and Catskill Mountains. The hike to the top is a bit challenging for young children with narrow trails, steep inclines and occasioanlly rocky terrain. But for mid-level hikers, making it to the top is completley worth the incredible view.
2. Mohawk State Forest, Cornwall. Scenic vistas to the north and west include the Catskill, Taconic and the Berkshires. Follow the blue Mattatuck and Mohawk trails.
3. Pachaug State Forest, Voluntown – Mt. Misery Overlook. Take the woods access road on the left to the overlook for the best views. The forest has miles of roads and hiking trails.
4. Peoples State Forest, Barkhamsted – Chaugnam Lookout. Take the yellow blazes trail and follow to the two lookouts.
5. Shenipsit State Forest, Somers – Observation Tower. If you’re planning on hiking, take the Shenipsit Trail (blue). The observation tower on Soapstone Mountain allows beautiful views of the distant landscapes.
6. Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden – Stone Tower. Take the gravel path to the Stone Tower. This hike is 1.5 miles so make sure to bring water. When you reach the tower, there is a 360-degree panorama looking south to Long Island and north past Hartford. This park has an extensive trail system for all hiking levels.
7. Talcott Mountain State Park, Simsbury – Heublein Tower. Parking is along the road near the trailhead. Hike to the ridge, then follow left to reach the newly restored Heublein Tower. The view of the Farmington River Valley can be seen from this locaiton.
8. Mt. Tom State Park, Litchfield. Hike one mile up to the stone tower, 325 feet above sea level, for the best views. Picnicking areas are located in the main area of this state park.
9. Dennis Hill State Park, Norfolk. Views of New Hampshire, Vermont’s Green Mountains, can be seen from this locaiton which is 1,627 feet above sea level. The drive to the summit is open on weekends from October 4 through October 26.
10. Goodwin Conservation Center, Route 6, Hampton. View fall foliage in the colors reflected on the water of Pine Acres Pond from the wildlife-watching platform. Walk through the canopy along one section of the Air Line Trail in the Goodwin State Forest.

Where is your favorite place to view Connecticut’s fall foliage? Tell us in the comments.

Photo credit: Wendy Mitchell