The fall season is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque and serene times to visit the state of Connecticut. For those of us lucky enough to already live here – this time of year offers opportune times to head out for a scenic drive around the state to spot some of the superb foliage. This year, the estimated peak date to see all of the pretty colors on the trees will be from October 5 – November 9.
If you’re already setting up plans for things to do weeks in advance, keep reading as we take you county by county and offer some of the best routes to take according to the CT DEEP.
If you’re headed to Litchfield County there’s about a 100-mile stretch that starts in Torrington and runs through Kent, New Preston, and East Morris that has some incredible views of the foliage you’ll want to see. This drive is a loop that begins north on Route 8, south onto Route 7, East onto Route 202, northeast onto Route 109, and comes back east onto Route 8.
Over in Hartford, there are also some great forest and valley views to be seen as you head out. Another Loop around the county is suggested to see incredible leaf colors. If you’re headed to Hartford, take exit 45 and go west onto Route 140, then south to Route 20 and west to Granby where you’ll end up passing through Pleasant Valley. You can continue this scenic view through Route 181 to Route 44 toward New Hartford through Route 10 and finish on Route 4.
Known as the “Connecticut River Gateway” there’s an 80-mile stretch where the fall foliage is superb over in Middlesex County.
You’ll start on Route 9 and then take 154 to 148. After the ferryboat crossing (connecting Old Lyme and Old Saybrook) you’ll head to Route 82, then 156 where you can crisscross over the river using I-95 AND head back to Route 152 then 82, and back to 151 and finally Route 66.
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