Top 5 Fall Foliage Drive in CT
Experience the breathtaking beauty of fall in Connecticut with a captivating fall foliage drive. Connecticut’s fall foliage drive is a mesmerizing journey through nature’s vibrant masterpiece. As autumn casts its enchanting spell over the Nutmeg State, a kaleidoscope of colors emerges along its winding roads. The state’s diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to serene lakeshores, become a canvas for Mother Nature’s artistry. In early October, the countryside starts to transform, with lush greens giving way to fiery reds, blazing oranges, and golden yellows. The scenic route meanders through charming villages and historic sites, offering not just a visual feast but also a taste of fall in CT and Connecticut’s rich heritage. A fall foliage drive here is an invitation to savor the fleeting beauty of autumn in New England.
Loop #1: Connecticut River Color
Distance: Approximately 80 miles
Estimated peak viewing: October 16 – November 6
This route tracks along the scenic and historic Connecticut River, crossing it along the nation’s oldest swing bridge at East Haddam.
- Begin at Middletown.
- Go south on Route 9 to exit 10.
- Take Route 154 south to Route 148, then head east to a ferryboat crossing. (Note: ferry season is April – November; alternate crossing is the I-95 bridge between Old Lyme and Old Saybrook.)
- From the landing, continue east on Route 148 and 82 to Route 156, then turn south to I-95.
- Cross the river on I-95 to exit 69.
- Head north on Route 154 to Route 82 and recross the river at East Haddam.
- Continue east to Route 151 and turn north to Cobalt.
- Turn left on Route 66 and close the loop at Middletown.
Loop #2: New Haven & Neighborhood
Distance: Approximately 70 miles
Estimated peak viewing: October 24 – November 14
A little later in the season, this easy drive takes you through areas around New Haven. In addition to the surrounding region, the elm city itself is a great place to visit in fall.
- Begin in New Haven.
- Take I-95 north to exit 51
- Pick up Route 1, then 146 and continue east to Guilford.
- Turn north on Route 77 to Durham, then north on 17 and west on Routes 147, 157, 68 and 70 to Cheshire.
- Take Route 10 south to New Haven to close the loop.
Places to Stop, Stay and Play Along the Way
Check out a few of the places you can relax, refresh and refuel on this loop.
Loop #3: Mystic Country & the Coast
Distance: Approximately 90 miles
Estimated peak viewing: October 9 – November 6
This eastern Connecticut drive takes you through the region known as Mystic Country, and gives you great views of the shoreline in fall.
- Begin in New London.
- Take I-95 north across the Thames River to left-hand exit 86.
- Go east on Route 184 to Old Mystic.
- Take Route 27 south to Mystic.
- Go east on Route 1 to Route 2, then north on Route 2, 184 and 49 to Route 14A to Canterbury.
- Head south on Routes 169 and 2 to Norwich then take Route 32 south to close the loop at New London.
Places to Stop, Stay and Play Along the Way
Check out a few of the places you can relax, refresh and refuel on this loop.
Loop #4: Hartford West
Distance: Approximately 90 miles
Estimated peak viewing: October 3 – October 30
This route follows Route 20 up into the heart of northern Connecticut, and takes you on a ride through forests and along rivers.
- Begin in Hartford.
- Take 1-91 north to exit 45 (Bridge Street, East Windsor).
- Head west on Route 140 to the airport, then south on Route 75 to Route 20.
- Head west through Granby, the Hartlands and Riverton, picking up West River Road south through People’s State Forest to Pleasant Valley.
- Continue south on Route 181 to Route 44 and head east through New Hartford, Canton and Avon to Route 10 – south to Farmington.
- Pick up Route 4 and head for Hartford to close the loop.
Places to Stop, Stay and Play Along the Way
Check out a few of the places you can relax, refresh and refuel on this loop.
Loop #5: Litchfield Hills Ramble
Distance: Approximately 100 miles
Estimated peak viewing: September 26 – October 15
This route is in the Litchfield Hills region, the first part of Connecticut to see color changes, so best to do it a little earlier in the season.
- Begin in Torrington.
- Go north on Route 8 to Winsted then northwest on Route 44 to Canaan, or Falls Village.
- Turn south on Route 7 to Kent, then east on Route 341 to Warren and South on Route 45 through New Preston.
- Go east on Route 202 for about a mile then turn south on Route 47 to Washington Depot.
- Turn northeast on Route 109 to East Morris, then north on Route 63 to Litchfield.
- Head east on Route 118 for a few miles then north on Route 8 to close the loop.
Places to Stop, Stay and Play Along the Way
Check out a few of the places you can relax, refresh and refuel on this loop.