Two people fishing from a boat on a calm lake surrounded by autumn trees

Inspiration

10 Knockout Views for Fall

last updated: July 2026

Actually, it’s hard NOT to find a good foliage view in Connecticut when autumn rolls around. But there are some standouts that you might want to seek out.

Two people and a dog walking on a suspension bridge in autumn forest

Hidden Valley Preserve, Washington

A 727-acre tract characterized by densely wooded hillsides cascading into the meandering river below. This section also includes a rocky high point and small meadows, accessible by hiking trails that make for a great leaf peeping spot.

Two people fishing from a boat on a calm lake with autumn trees

Mount Tom State Park, Litchfield

Mount Tom is the ideal spot for a variety of outdoor activities, offering hiking trails, lake swimming, picnicking, fishing, boating, scuba diving, and of course, leaf-peeping.

Two hikers overlooking Crescent Lake and autumn forest at sunset

Mattabesett Trail, Central Connecticut

Climb to the ridge of this trail in Southington and be rewarded with views of Crescent Lake and breathtaking vistas to the north and the south.

Stone castle ruin on hill surrounded by colorful autumn trees

Gillette Castle, East Haddam

Actor William Gillette built his lavishly eccentric castle high above the Connecticut River, and today it’s a state park offering fabulous fall river views. Bring a picnic to admire the overall ambience.

Lighthouse on stone building with autumn trees and walking path

Talcott Mountain State Park, Simsbury

Take in the spectacular vista in all directions from the 165-foot Heublein Tower, the former summer home of a prominent Hartford family. It's a scenic 1.25 mile hike to the top, where a museum of local history lives in the tower.

Two people walking on leaf-covered trail through autumn forest

Macedonia Brook State Park, Kent

This park extends 2,300 acres and crosses over mountains and peaks, giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy various levels of hiking and trekking. One of the most popular trails includes the blue-blazed Macedonia Ridge Trail. This 6.5-mile trail crosses Cobble Mountain (elevation 1,380 feet) and provides breathtaking views of Catskill and Taconic mountains and of course, stunning foliage.

People crossing an elevated obstacle course in a deciduous forest with autumn leaves

Adventure Park at Storrs

Try a new way to get a knockout view: looking from above. While swinging from ropes courses, admire breathtaking foliage in Storrs.

Two Adirondack chairs facing colorful autumn forest on a ridge

Preston Ridge Vineyard, Preston

Vineyards can make for spectacular leaf peeping too! Visit the winery, enjoy a glass of wine with friends in a New England farm setting, and take in the views at this picturesque southeastern Connecticut destination.

Lake surrounded by autumn trees with a person in a small boat

Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union

The wilds of Northeast Connecticut are on full display in Union’s Bigelow Hollow State Park, located within Nipmuck State Forest. Here, trails head off in every direction, featuring many water views, awesome rock formations and stunning fall foliage.

Couple overlooking fall foliage from Castle Craig tower in Connecticut

Hubbard Park & Castle Craig, Meriden

Enjoy the view from the top at Castle Craig Tower, a stone observation tower overlooking Hubbard Park’s 1,800 acres filled with hiking trails and picnic areas.

Modern glass house surrounded by vibrant orange autumn trees

The Glass House, New Canaan

Surrounding modern marvel, The Glass House is a beautiful landscape with fantastic foliage views. Pair contemporary architecture with Mother Nature when you take an autumn visit.