10 Best Scenic Spots in Connecticut
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Connecticut, located in the heart of New England, leads a different way of life, more relaxed and friendly. In this state, it is difficult to find a stranger, and almost everyone has a smile and a handshake at the ready. However, New England's appeal is not limited to its residents; the landscape is one that still whispers a connection to the earth and resonates with history. Historical monuments, especially those from the Revolutionary War, are numerous and attract history enthusiasts from all corners. Although the state is small in total area, its secret treasures take time to unlock. Start your exploration of this multifaceted state with one of these scenic drives and you'll soon see what all the fuss about Connecticut is really about:
No. 10 - Colchester and Salmon River State Park.
Start Location: Colchester, Connecticut
Final location: Colchester, Connecticut
Length: Mile 17
Best driving season: All
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This winding back-road route may seem short on paper, but with stops it can easily take a full day. Near the start of your trip, stop at Cato Corner Farm for some homemade cheeses before heading out to explore Salmon River State Park, full of hiking trails and picnic spots. At the end of the day, don't miss the Vineyards of Priam, which not only hosts guided tours for the public, but also offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
No. 9 - Connecticut River Loop
Start Location: Essex, Connecticut
Final location: Essex, Connecticut
Length: Mile 32
Best driving season: All
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This loop around part of the Connecticut River passes through the iconic New England cities of Essex and Old Lyme, which are lined with historic buildings and specialty shops. Lime is well known for its many antique shops full of hidden treasures, and nature lovers will appreciate the trails and natural beauty of Gillette Castle State Park.
#8 - Mysterious Seaport
Start Location: Mystic, Connecticut
Final location: Mystic, Connecticut
Length: Mile 7
Best driving season: All
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Although this trip is short, it is full of breathtaking views of the Mystic Seaport. Along the way, stop to watch the boats go by or have a tasting at Stonington Vineyards or Saltwater Farm. In the Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, enjoy local seabirds while hiking on the many on-site hiking trails.
No. 7 - Rural Loop
Start Location: Torrington, Connecticut
Final location: Torrington, Connecticut
Length: Mile 51
Best driving season: All
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This loop through the north central part of the state explores the countryside, full of hills and farmland. History buffs will want to stop by Colebrook, which is known as a true post-revolutionary war village with its roots in another time. In Norfolk, couples often take the opportunity to stroll along Norfolk Green, which is especially romantic.
No. 6 - Merritt Parkway
Start Location: Milford, Connecticut
Final location: Greenwich, Connecticut
Length: Mile 41
Best driving season: All
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This route on Route 15 does not cross the road with large trucks and bypasses most of the state's urban areas. Green forests dominate the scene and drivers will pass many art deco bridges, each with its own unique style. Railroad enthusiasts can stop about halfway through New Canaan to tour Talmadge Hill and New Canaan stations, which are both part of the New Haven line.
No. 5 - South Lichfield Hills.
Start Location: Litchfield, Connecticut
Final location: New Milford, Connecticut
Length: Mile 19
Best driving season: All
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Explore the pastoral landscape along this leisurely route to find hidden treasures and experience a sense of nostalgia for days gone by. Salt-box farmhouses and twisting stone walls are common, and it's often difficult to tell one field from another by the way they blend into the landscape. Have a picnic or stroll by Bantam Lake near Morris, the largest natural lake in the state.
No. 4 - Northeast corner
Start Location: Winstead, Connecticut
Final location: Canaan, Connecticut
Length: Mile 22
Best driving season: All
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Most of this rural route passes through virtually untouched lands with the occasional small towns that dilute the landscape. Take a dip in the Housatonic River during the summer months or see if you can spook the fish with a rod and reel. The West Cornwall Covered Bridge is a favorite among photographers, and hikers can sample part of the Appalachian Trail along the way.
#3 – Route 169
Start Location: Woodstock, Connecticut
Final location: Canterbury, Connecticut
Length: Mile 18
Best driving season: All
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The sense of serenity is almost impossible to resist as you drive this route through rolling countryside, green spaces and dense forests. Woodstock is full of quiet dairy farms and expansive pastures, and it's a must to stop to see Roseland Pink Cottage, a prime example of Victorian Gothic architecture. In Canterbury, explore the Prudence Crandall Museum, once a school, to learn about the first academy open to a young black woman.
No. 2 - Lichfield Hills
Start Location: Litchfield, Connecticut
Final location: Kent, Connecticut
Length: Mile 53
Best driving season: All
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While the roadside views are especially stunning when the leaves change in the fall, the trip to the northwestern part of the state, an area known as the Lichfield Hills, is year-round. Browse specialty shops in historic downtown Torrington or watch ballet dancers rehearse at the Nutmeg Conservatory of Arts. Between Gaylordsville and Kent, stop to see the Bull Bridge, a covered bridge over the Housatonic River.
#1 - Scenic drive along the Connecticut coast.
Start Location: Stonington, Connecticut
Final location: Greenwich, Connecticut
Length: Mile 108
Best driving season: All
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This scenic road meanders along the Connecticut coastline and passes through numerous quaint and friendly villages. Salt marshes, forests and pristine beaches provide plenty of photo opportunities, while nature beckons travelers to stop and explore the diverse terrain. Stop in New Haven to view its historic buildings, take in the Yale campus, or climb to the top of the Five Mile Point Lighthouse in Lighthouse Point Park.
