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Fall in Litchfield County; Must-See Spots, Drives, & Hikes!

ByKristen Valenti Updated on

If you’re looking for the best places to experience fall in Litchfield County – you’re in luck! I’ve got a local’s guide (that’s me!) to the best drives to take, farms to visit, must-visit scenic spots, hikes, and more.

big red barn with red silo in fall with american flag on the barn and pumpkins out front.
Multiple farms to visit on this list! 🍎🎃
man with backpack walking down trail in fall with two big black dogs in litchfield connecticut.
Flat trails to walk & enjoy the foliage 🍁

Tucked into the northwest corner of Connecticut, this region is filled with rolling hills, quiet country roads, and historic towns made exceptionally with a fall backdrop!

I lived in Litchfield for several years, and even though I live outside of town now, I still take the short drive here often.

This area always makes me feel like I’m somewhere else – far away from the busier towns of CT. It’s like a little escape and the perfect one for fall in Connecticut!

Bigger hikes if you want an elevated view of the leaves!🍁
outside averill farm in washington depot connecticut with baskets of pumpkins on a fall day with fall colored trees in distance.

So whether you’re looking for scenic drives, apple and pumpkin picking, charming town centers, trails, or places to just pull over and take foliage photos – Litchfield County checks all the boxes!

Now let’s dive into the best places to visit across Litchfield County this fall! 🚘🍁☕️

10 Scenic Spots to Visit in Litchfield County this Fall

1. Visit West Cornwall Covered Bridge 🌳

  • drone photo of long red covered bridge in cornwall connecticut in early fall.
  • long red covered bridge in cornwall connecticut in fall surrounded by orange and yellow leaves.

The West Cornwall Covered Bridge is the longest covered bridge in Connecticut and one of the most picturesque spots in the county. The bright red bridge stretches across the Housatonic River and is framed by colorful trees in autumn.

It’s a quick stop but one that perfectly captures the charm of New England in the fall.

2. Averill Farm outside Washington Depot 🎃🍎

  • view from averill farm in washington connecticut in early fall with green field and rolling green and yellow hills in the distance.
  • white sign of averill farm with red apples on it and pick your own writing.

Averill Farm is one of my favorite fall destinations in Litchfield County. Sitting high on a hill in Washington, the farm offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

  • woven baskets hanging from a wall inside a barn and buckets of apples for sale.
  • apple cider donuts in a row on a baking sheet.

In the fall you can pick apples, browse the farm store, and take in the scenery from one of the most beautiful viewpoints around.

3. Spring Hill Vineyards outside Washington Depot 🍷

  • view from top of tower at spring hill vineyards in litchfield county with picnic tables sprinkled over green lawn and yellow trees lining the property.
  • view from top of tower at spring hill vineyards in litchfield county with picnic tables sprinkled over green lawn and yellow trees lining the property.
view of spring hill vineyard with picnic tables and umbrellas and fire put and fall colored trees lining the property.

4. Bunnell Farm in Litchfield 🍎🎃

  • big red barn in litchfield connecticut with bunnell farm sign at the top and blue sky in background.
  • baby pig eating orange pumpkin in pile of hay in pig pen.

Bunnell Farm is a classic countryside stop just outside the center of Litchfield. In the fall the farm stand fills with pumpkins, seasonal decorations, and fresh produce.

inside a big barn at bunnell farm in litchfield connecticut with tables set up with little antiques on the tables.
Antique sale inside barn at Bunnell Farm
inside bunnell farm with fall decor and racks of spices and fall knick knacks and decorations to buy.
Bunnell Farm store

Surrounded by fields and quiet backroads, it’s the kind of place that feels peaceful and perfectly in tune with the season.

5. Hollister House Garden in Washington 🌺

Hollister House Garden is a beautiful hidden gem inspired by classic English gardens. Winding paths, terraces, and carefully designed plantings create a peaceful place to wander.

Early fall is a lovely time to visit as the gardens transition into autumn colors.

6. Topsmead State Forest in Litchfield 🌳🍂

  • man walking down dirt path in litchfield connecticut with orange and yellow trees lining the green grass.
  • "butterfly garden' sign at topsmead state forest in litchfield in fall with yellow and green trees lining the trail in fall.
  • english tudor at topsmead state park in litchfield connecticut in fall with mums in front of mansion and fall colored leaves framing the photo.

Topsmead State Forest feels like stepping back in time. The historic stone cottage sits in the middle of wide open fields surrounded by forest.

It’s a wonderful place for a quiet walk, especially in the fall when the trees around the property begin to change color.

7. Drive to top of Mohawk Mountain in Cornwall ⛰️🍁

  • friends hiking at mohawk mountain in connecticut on a sunny blue sky day.
  • mohawk mountain at sunset in litchfield county with picnic table at top and mountains rolling in the distance.

To get an easy foliage view without hiking, take the drive up Mohawk Mountain. From the top you’ll find sweeping views of the hills and forests that define Litchfield County.

On a clear October day the landscape stretches endlessly in shades of red, orange, and gold.

8. Thorncrest Farm and Chocolates in Goshen 🐮

  • large gray barn at throncrest chocolates in goshen connecticut.
  • barn entrance to thorncrest farm in Litchfield County with two small pumpkins on either side of front door.
  • plastic bag with four small square chocolate truffles inside.

9. Visit Connecticut’s Tallest Waterfall in Kent 💦

Kent Falls is one of the most iconic natural attractions in Connecticut. The waterfall cascades down a series of stone ledges surrounded by forest, making it especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing.

multi-tiered waterfall in kent connecticut surrounded by green trees and a blue sky above.

A short trail runs alongside the waterfall and offers several scenic viewpoints along the way.

Top Towns to Visit

Litchfield

Litchfield is one of those classic New England towns that feels especially magical in the fall. The historic town green, white church steeples, and tree-lined streets are surrounded by hills that burst into color in October.

Take a walk along North Street or South Street, grab a coffee downtown, and enjoy wandering through one of Connecticut’s most beautiful small towns.

Kent

Kent is one of the most popular fall destinations in Litchfield County, and for good reason. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and winding country roads, it’s a wonderful place to explore once the foliage peaks.

The town itself is charming, with small shops and cafés, and it’s also home to one of Connecticut’s most famous waterfalls.

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Washington

Washington is a peaceful countryside town filled with farms, scenic preserves, and beautiful landscapes. In the fall the hills surrounding the town glow with color, and it’s a lovely place to slow down and explore.

Cornwall

Cornwall feels tucked deep into the hills of northwest Connecticut and is one of the most scenic towns in the county. Quiet backroads, forests, and the Housatonic River make it an especially beautiful area during foliage season.

Salisbury

5 Scenic Trails to Hike in Litchfield County for Fall Views 🥾

Fall is one of the best times of year to hike in Litchfield County. The air is crisp, the trails are quiet, and the views across the hills are especially beautiful.

1. Mount Tom State Park

fall view from the top of Mount Tom Tower with ornage yellow and green trees in distance at sunset time with soft pink in sky.
view from top of tower

Mount Tom is one of the most popular hikes in the area and for good reason. The trail leads up to a historic stone tower with incredible views of the surrounding countryside.

2. Macricostas Preserve

  • top of view from fall hike at macricostas preserve in new preston with red, orange, green, and yellow leaves in distance and rolling green hills.
  • view from a hike in washington connecticut with brightly color red autumn leaves on either side of the view overlooking lake waramaug and profile of black down on the ledge looking out.

3. Hidden Valley Preserve

  • river at hidden valley preserve in connecticut in fall surrounded by green, red, and orange colored trees and blue skies above.
  • suspension bridge at hidden valley preserve with golden reflection in river below of the golden colored trees and leaves during fall.

4. White Memorial Conservation Center

With over 4,000 acres of protected land, White Memorial is one of the best places for hiking in Litchfield County. The trails wind through forests, fields, and wetlands that are beautiful during the fall season.

5. Appalachian Trail

  • fall view from a hike in litchfield county with rolling green lawn and orange trees dotting the landscape and rolling green hills in the distance.
  • black dog on fall trail in litchfield county with crunchy brown and yellow leaves on ground and golden trees lining the trail.

Scenic Fall Drives in Litchfield County

One of the best ways to experience fall in Litchfield County is simply by driving the quiet country roads. Around almost every corner you’ll find views of rolling hills, historic farms, and forests glowing with autumn color.

Drive Around Lake Waramaug

The drive around Lake Waramaug is one of the most beautiful in Connecticut. The road winds along the shoreline with sweeping views of the lake and the colorful hills beyond.

Laurel Ridge Road in Litchfield

Laurel Ridge Road is one of my favorite scenic drives in the area. The road curves along the hillside with wide views of the surrounding countryside. In the fall it’s especially beautiful at sunset when the hills glow with color.

Backroads Around Cornwall

The countryside around Cornwall is filled with quiet scenic roads, historic farms, and forested hills. During peak foliage season, this area feels especially peaceful and picturesque.

When is Peak Fall Foliage in Litchfield County?

Peak fall foliage in Litchfield County typically arrives around mid-October, though the timing can vary slightly each year depending on weather conditions.

Early October usually brings the first hints of color, while mid to late October is when the hills and forests reach their most vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold.

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