This is the last installment of a three-part series on Fall foliage in southwestern Connecticut and the Northeast. Today we explore scenic day trips which will capture the splendor of Autumn’s colors.
Now that we’ve found out what causes the leaves to change their colors and what is the best time to see the Fall foliage in southwestern Connecticut and New England, it’s time to plan a few travel routes to take full advantage of Mother Nature’s annual show. Quite frankly, there are so many scenic areas in Connecticut, I’ll have to narrow the list down to some of my favorites. Here are my four picks, including my favorite drive in southwestern Connecticut and three from other parts of the state.
Locally, the drive up Route 58 from Easton through Redding affords some of the most spectacular scenery found in this part of the state. From just North of the Merritt Parkway to the intersection with Center Road, you’ll be accompanied by a breathtaking view of a wide variety of trees and the Hemlock Reservoir, which runs parallel to your drive. Five miles North of the parkway, have lunch at the Blue Bird Inn (see photo). The Blue Bird Inn is a bed-and-breakfast which has a wonderful restaurant.
Less than a mile up the road, just past the scenic dam, enjoy the man-made waterspout. It’s sure to be a hit with the younger members of the family. The waterspout continually jets water into the air in front of a colorful backdrop. You’ll certainly want to have the camera ready for a perfect photo opportunity.
Not more than a quarter-mile North is the Aspetuck Valley Orchards (see photo). You’ll take home fresh apple cider, pumpkins, pies, gifts, novelties, and everything a New England gift shop has to offer. Just the aroma alone is enough to make anyone want to stay for awhile. It’s always a must-visit for me and my family.
Finally, just North in Redding, visit Putnam Park. It’s the home of the Putman Memorial Camp Ground, the “Valley Forge” of Connecticut, where General Israel Putnam and a force of Connecticut and New Hampshire troops were encamped during the hard Winter of 1778-79.
The property, seen below, is now a state reservation of 203 acres. Passing through the gateway, in the form of two blockhouses extended in a palisade, you’ll face the monument, erected by the state in 1889. The rows of stone nearby, running toward the North, mark the chimneys of the former barracks.
Further, on the left, is the stone colonial museum, with its Revolutionary relics. On the grounds, which have been left as far as possible in their native state, are many drives and paths, with a lake on the East side of the highway. To the West is Phillips Cave, associated with an old soldier who returned here after the war and was killed for thieving. I’m sure you and your family can spend the entire day at the park and not want to leave.
Elsewhere in Connecticut, one of my well-traveled paths is along Route 82. It offers some spectacular views of the Connecticut River Valley countryside. Begin at Exit 7 off Route 9 in Chester and wind your way through a portion of the Cockaponset State Forest. The road then crosses the Connecticut River into East Haddam, offering a stunning view of both the Goodspeed Opera House and Gillette Castle (see photo below).
You’ll meander through the village of East Haddam, past the opera house, and then back into the countryside. The road also goes right through Devil’s Hopyard State Park, before continuing east into Salem and Norwich in the eastern part of the state. Just stay away from the casinos!
I have relatives in New London and Norwich, so I travel to Eastern Connecticut quite frequently. For a scenic trip through the shoreline towns of Old Saybrook (see photo), Westbrook, Clinton, Madison, Guilford and Branford, begin in Essex and take Route 154 south into Old Saybrook. It goes right through the center of Old Saybrook and then heads out to Saybrook Point where it turns and follows the coastline.
Great waterviews can be found all along the route, but the scene of the Sound from Saybrook Point with the homes out in Old Lyme in the distance is unforgettable. In Westbrook, 154 will intersect with historic Route 1. Following U.S. 1 West into Branford will take you through traditional New England village centers, past numerous shoreline and marina settings, and even near to the popular Hammonasset State Beach.
Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include Northwestern Connecticut, which is another popular destination for leaf peepers. Begin at the New Milford Green, and take CT Route 202 West to Route 7 North. Take Route 7 through the towns of New Milford, Gaylordsville, and Kent (see photo below of Kent Falls Bridge).
Outside of Kent, pick up Route 45 South to Warren. Drive around Lake Waramaug into New Preston. In New Preston, take Route 202 East to Route 47 South. Take a right onto Route 199, and then right on Route 67. Follow Route 67 to the junction of Route 202 in New Milford where the drive began.
The route, about 64 miles and a good half-day excursion, will take travelers past the Housatonic River, Bull’s Bridge (see photo below), one of only two covered bridges in Connecticut, the town of Kent and its many art galleries, historic homes and churches in Kent and Warren, Lake Waramaug, Mount Tom State Park, the historic Mine Hill Preserve, and the Institute for American Indian Studies.
Wherever your travels take you and your family this Autumn, I’m sure you’ll have a great time. The beauty of living in southwestern Connecticut is that we are able to experience each of the four seasons. I can’t wait to “experience” Fall!
Paul
Now that we’ve found out what causes the leaves to change their colors and what is the best time to see the Fall foliage in southwestern Connecticut and New England, it’s time to plan a few travel routes to take full advantage of Mother Nature’s annual show. Quite frankly, there are so many scenic areas in Connecticut, I’ll have to narrow the list down to some of my favorites. Here are my four picks, including my favorite drive in southwestern Connecticut and three from other parts of the state.
Locally, the drive up Route 58 from Easton through Redding affords some of the most spectacular scenery found in this part of the state. From just North of the Merritt Parkway to the intersection with Center Road, you’ll be accompanied by a breathtaking view of a wide variety of trees and the Hemlock Reservoir, which runs parallel to your drive. Five miles North of the parkway, have lunch at the Blue Bird Inn (see photo). The Blue Bird Inn is a bed-and-breakfast which has a wonderful restaurant.
Less than a mile up the road, just past the scenic dam, enjoy the man-made waterspout. It’s sure to be a hit with the younger members of the family. The waterspout continually jets water into the air in front of a colorful backdrop. You’ll certainly want to have the camera ready for a perfect photo opportunity.
Not more than a quarter-mile North is the Aspetuck Valley Orchards (see photo). You’ll take home fresh apple cider, pumpkins, pies, gifts, novelties, and everything a New England gift shop has to offer. Just the aroma alone is enough to make anyone want to stay for awhile. It’s always a must-visit for me and my family.
Finally, just North in Redding, visit Putnam Park. It’s the home of the Putman Memorial Camp Ground, the “Valley Forge” of Connecticut, where General Israel Putnam and a force of Connecticut and New Hampshire troops were encamped during the hard Winter of 1778-79.
The property, seen below, is now a state reservation of 203 acres. Passing through the gateway, in the form of two blockhouses extended in a palisade, you’ll face the monument, erected by the state in 1889. The rows of stone nearby, running toward the North, mark the chimneys of the former barracks.
Further, on the left, is the stone colonial museum, with its Revolutionary relics. On the grounds, which have been left as far as possible in their native state, are many drives and paths, with a lake on the East side of the highway. To the West is Phillips Cave, associated with an old soldier who returned here after the war and was killed for thieving. I’m sure you and your family can spend the entire day at the park and not want to leave.
Elsewhere in Connecticut, one of my well-traveled paths is along Route 82. It offers some spectacular views of the Connecticut River Valley countryside. Begin at Exit 7 off Route 9 in Chester and wind your way through a portion of the Cockaponset State Forest. The road then crosses the Connecticut River into East Haddam, offering a stunning view of both the Goodspeed Opera House and Gillette Castle (see photo below).
You’ll meander through the village of East Haddam, past the opera house, and then back into the countryside. The road also goes right through Devil’s Hopyard State Park, before continuing east into Salem and Norwich in the eastern part of the state. Just stay away from the casinos!
I have relatives in New London and Norwich, so I travel to Eastern Connecticut quite frequently. For a scenic trip through the shoreline towns of Old Saybrook (see photo), Westbrook, Clinton, Madison, Guilford and Branford, begin in Essex and take Route 154 south into Old Saybrook. It goes right through the center of Old Saybrook and then heads out to Saybrook Point where it turns and follows the coastline.
Great waterviews can be found all along the route, but the scene of the Sound from Saybrook Point with the homes out in Old Lyme in the distance is unforgettable. In Westbrook, 154 will intersect with historic Route 1. Following U.S. 1 West into Branford will take you through traditional New England village centers, past numerous shoreline and marina settings, and even near to the popular Hammonasset State Beach.
Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include Northwestern Connecticut, which is another popular destination for leaf peepers. Begin at the New Milford Green, and take CT Route 202 West to Route 7 North. Take Route 7 through the towns of New Milford, Gaylordsville, and Kent (see photo below of Kent Falls Bridge).
Outside of Kent, pick up Route 45 South to Warren. Drive around Lake Waramaug into New Preston. In New Preston, take Route 202 East to Route 47 South. Take a right onto Route 199, and then right on Route 67. Follow Route 67 to the junction of Route 202 in New Milford where the drive began.
The route, about 64 miles and a good half-day excursion, will take travelers past the Housatonic River, Bull’s Bridge (see photo below), one of only two covered bridges in Connecticut, the town of Kent and its many art galleries, historic homes and churches in Kent and Warren, Lake Waramaug, Mount Tom State Park, the historic Mine Hill Preserve, and the Institute for American Indian Studies.
Wherever your travels take you and your family this Autumn, I’m sure you’ll have a great time. The beauty of living in southwestern Connecticut is that we are able to experience each of the four seasons. I can’t wait to “experience” Fall!
Paul
