Connecticut in the fall is otherworldly. The crisp air paired with the beautiful foliage makes fall a favorite season to many in Connecticut. Being home this fall was not expected but I am glad to be making the most out of it. New England fall is gorgeous and the perfect time to get outside before it gets super cold! Here are some of my favorite things to do in Connecticut during the fall.
- Hike Bear Mountain
-
Bear Mountain in Salisbury has the highest peak in Connecticut. It stands at 2,323 feet and joins up with the Connecticut section of the Appalachian Trail. This hike is the perfect one for the fall season! Being part of New England, Connecticut has beautiful foliage during the fall and Bear Mountain will not disappoint. It’s main peak overlooks Northern Connecticut and the Berkshires, along with a few false summits along the way. Bear Mountain has many different trails you can take depending on the desired intensity of your trip. The hikes range from 3-7 miles, so there are lots of options! They all are relatively easy hikes even for the novice hiker. There are some more difficult uphills but they are great day hikes that will burn some calories and help you spend time outdoors.
- Apple Picking at Rogers Orchards
-
Rogers Orchards in Southington Connecticut is the definition of fall in Connecticut. It has apple picking, freshly baked pies and some of the best apple cider donuts in the state. Picking apples is a fall staple and Rogers Orchards has a diverse selection! It’s a great day trip for families and even a great solo trip when you want to grab some of your favorite fall snacks.
- Pies at Lyman Orchards
-
If you’re looking forward to the fall desserts, look no further. Lyman Orchards in Middlefield is home to countless award-winning pies. You can go and pick up a fresh pie or pick up a frozen one to bake later. Lyman Orchards is a go-to when you aren’t in the mood to bake but you have a craving for pie.
- Rail Biking in Haddam
-
Rail Biking in Haddam is a great way to get outside this fall. This is a 4-mile round trip scenic ride along the Connecticut River. It’s the perfect place to go when you want to winddown a little after a long week of classes.
- Corn Maze at Buttonwood Farm
-
This corn maze at Buttonwood farm is a family favorite. Located in Griswold it’s a 7-acre corn maze with fun twists and turns at every corner. Being only $5 a person it’s an affordable way to get outside and have some fun with family or friends. In addition to being home to a corn maze, Buttonwood Farm also has a homemade ice cream shop with over fifty flavors!
- Bike on the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail
-
The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail is a bike trail that is over 80 miles. It’s located in a scenic and historic area in Connecticut going from Farmington to New Haven. The trail allows for many different routes, including shorter loops and easy day bikes. I recently biked the 30-mile loop starting in Farmington. The views were beautiful and the bike ride wasn’t too difficult. The terrain ranged from paved road to trails. I highly recommend going on this trail when you want some moderate exercise outside!
- Trail of Terror
-
Located in Wallingford, the trail of terror is for the people who love the spooky side of the fall. This is a weekend activity that runs after sunset. When you go to the trail you’ll walk through and be immersed in scary scenes. The trail features a new theme each October that has a backstory on recurring characters. The trail has done a great job of keeping it COVID-19 safe by implementing new safety protocols. You can read more on their website!
- Picnic with Friends
-
One of my personal favorite things to do in the fall is to have a picnic. You can go enjoy your friends’ company while enjoying the beautiful Connecticut weather. You can prepare fall-themed drinks, and warm pumpkin snacks will get you right in the fall spirit! There are many places to have a picnic in Connecticut, a few of my favorites are Walnut Beach in Milford, Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, and Topsmead State Forest in Litchfield.
Although while living in Connecticut it may seem like there is not much to do, in reality, you just have to get outside and see the beautiful things the state has to offer. Fall gives you the perfect opportunity to do that!