7 Unique Ways to Enjoy Leaf Peeping in Connecticut

Connecticut is traversed by hundreds of small back roads and country lanes, which wind through areas dense in trees or spacious with rolling hills and farmlands. Even along the shoreline, the color is amazing as it plays off the deep blue waters of Long Island Sound. Here are just a few drives that will get you some great views around the state:

• In Central Connecticut, here’s a trip that follows the Connecticut River, taking in some amazing natural and man-made sights along the way.
• Driving this tour through the eastern part of Connecticut, from the “Quiet Corner” south to the coast, you’ll explore country roads, picturesque villages filled with history and beautiful state parks.
• The Litchfield Hills is always named one of New England’s top spots to view fall foliage. This tour traces Route 7 along Connecticut’s western edge, rambling across covered bridges, through charming towns and past state parks and waterfalls.
• In the Southwestern corner of the state, you’ll find a lovely autumn drive on and along Fairfield County’s Merritt Parkway, a Connecticut landmark since 1934.
• And if you are looking to view Connecticut’s foliage from a motorcycle, you’ll find some great ideas and itineraries here!

With routes that take you all over the state, you can plan a day’s ride and stop for the night at one of our cozy B&Bs. Don’t forget the coastal views! The Connecticut Shoreline Bike & Boat Tour takes you through charming towns and even out to the scenic Thimble Islands. If mountain biking is more your speed, check out Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort. Or for something new and exciting, zip around the trails on UTVs at Backyard Adventure UTV Tours in Canaan.

Want to experience the amazing color from the water? Connecticut offers boat cruises and canoe expeditions that give you a 360-degree view of the changing leaves. Essex’s RiverQuest offers narrated nature cruises on southernmost portion of the Connecticut River. If paddling a canoe or kayak yourself sounds like fun, outfitters like Clarke Outdoors in West Cornwall or Collinsville Canoe & Kayak give you a chance to experience the Farmington and Housatonic Rivers while nature puts on its spectacular show.

For a truly different perspective, soar above the foliage with one of many balloon tour operators. Or zip through the trees on a zip-line tour from Adventure Park in Storrs or HighFlyer in Mashantucket. Prefer to hike to the view? Look no further than some of our favorite state parks, like Castle Craig in Meriden, Old Furnace State Park in Killingly, Talcott Mountain in Simsbury, or try these hiking and biking trails with a view!

All along the Connecticut Wine Trail, you’ll find vineyards that welcome wine lovers and leaf peepers, well into autumn. Many of the wineries have spectacular views of their own, whether they’re in the country or along the coast. Stroll among the vines at Sharpe Hill in Pomfret, explore Sunset Meadows Vineyards in Goshen, or sip wine near the shoreline Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington.

In fall, Connecticut’s inns and bed & breakfasts book up fast. But fortunately, there are so many, you’re certain to find one that perfect for you. Experience class New England charm at Woodstock’s The Inn at Woodstock Hill, or get a taste of the sencic colonial era at West Lane Inn in Ridgefield. Niantic’s The Inn at Harbor Hill Marina is shoreline romance personified, while the Blackberry River Inn in Norfolk lets you experience the magical Litchfield Hills. And the majestic Stanton House Inn in Greenwich features suites with fireplaces for the perfect autumn getaway.

Autumn in Connecticut offers more than just spectacular leaf viewing. The crisp cool air, the colorful markets, apple orchards, corn mazes and more make it the perfect place to get the ultimate “fall fix.” See how you can "Find Fall Faster" in Connecticut right now with all kinds of amazing fall experiences!