Fall foliage holds a very special spot in the heart of New Englanders, with Nutmeggers proving no exception. There is perhaps no better way to view our incredible, natural showcase of colors than by taking one of Connecticut’s incredible hiking trails into the middle of it all. From challenging options to family-friendly paths, enjoy our picks for some of the most beautiful foliage hiking in Connecticut!
Cobble Mountain is no easy feat to conquer, but once you’ve scaled this picturesque point, the view simply cannot be beat. A 2.2-mile, out-and-back trail, with stunning vistas of both the Catskill and Taconic mountain ranges. Cobble Mountain is not recommended for beginner or young hikers, but those with the grit to make it to the top can expect to enjoy one of the most striking foliage views imaginable.
Another gem in Connecticut’s colorful crown, a trip to Mohawk State Forest makes for a fabulous day spent outdoors. While the forest offers up numerous hiking opportunities, some of the most exciting views can be found at the end of the blue Mattatuck and Mohawk trails. This Cornwall location once served as a watch point for Native American tribes during times of war, and today presents one of the best views of autumn imaginable.
If you’re after a family-friendly foliage excursion, a trip to Giuffrida Park’s Crescent Lake is certainly on the agenda. Mostly flat, this roughly 1.5-mile trail encircles the park’s reservoir, allowing for views not only of the leaves themselves, but of the rainbow explosion reflected in the waters below. Suitable for hikers of all levels, as well as children.
Really make leaf spotting worth your while with a visit to Talcott Mountain State Park. The Tower Trail, which culminates at Heublein Tower, is a lovely and historical journey. Visit the once summer home of the Heublein Family, which at times played host to both President Eisenhower and President Reagan. It is estimated that, on a clear day, views extend up to 1,200 miles, and can even include slivers of the distant Long Island Sound and New Hampshire’s famed Mount Monadnock.
With over 40 miles of trail, there is something for every skill level and area of interest at Litchfield’s White Memorial Conservation Center. Truly a state treasure, White Memorial Conservation Center offers up varied topography, including a lake, the Bantam River, forests, and hills, making it a one-stop destination for all things natural. Spend an hour, or an entire day, enjoying this Connecticut spot.
