One of the best ways to experience all of the spectacular autumn colors is to get outside and take a hike. You may think that you don’t have time to take a long trek out into the woods, but here are seven of the best hikes in Connecticut that are super short and could easily fit into your schedule.

1. Lover's Leap, New Milford
Lovers Leap State Park, 178 Short Woods Rd, New Milford, CT 06776, USA
Bob P.B./Flickr
This short 0.4-mile trail crosses one of the last four remaining iron bridges in the state. The 1895 bridge spans the Housatonic River and leads to the rocks where an Indian princess and her lover plunged to their deaths — ultimately giving the spot its name. The colors are beautiful in the fall and the iron bridge is a stark contrast to the natural setting. Check out our full article about Lover's Leap to learn more!
2. Chauncey Peak Trail, Meriden
Chauncey Peak, Meriden, CT 06450, USA
Jamie Flood/All Trails
If you enjoy seeing the golden colors of autumn reflected off of a lake, then the Chauncey Peak Trail might be the hike for you. It is a 2.2-mile loop that offers some gorgeous scenery.
3. Chapman Falls, Devil's Hopyard State Park, East Haddam
Devil's Hopyard State Park, 366 Hopyard Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA
Tom Henthorn/Flickr
This just might be the shortest hike with the best views. At under 0.1 miles, just a short five-minute walk, Chapman Falls can be seen under some fabulous fall foliage. At the falls, Eight Mile River descends 60 feet in three strong drops. It is the perfect setting to have an autumn picnic.

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4. Farmington Canal State Park Trail, Hamden & Cheshire
Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, 480 Cornwall Ave, Cheshire, CT 06410, USA
sanpani/Flickr
Spanning a distance of 5.5 miles between Hamden and Cheshire, this paved trail is perfect for hiking or biking. It travels along what once was an active canal in the 1800s. The canopy of reds, yellows, and oranges in the leaves overhead make the Farmington Canal State Park Trail a popular place to visit in the fall.
5. Lantern Hill Trail, Ledyard
Lantern Hill Trail, North Stonington, CT 06359, USA
Jennifer Palacio/All Trails
Lantern Hill Trail offers a 2.5-mile hike with glimpses of a lake. There is a lot of beautiful plant life that contributes to the array of colors in the fall. It is a fairly easy hike and the trail does welcome dogs.
6. Southford Falls Park Trail, Southbury
Southford Falls State Park, 175 Quaker Farms Rd, Southbury, CT 06488, USA
John Schiller/Flickr
A short 1.8-mile loop, the Southford Falls Park Trail boasts some exquisite sights. You can ascend the fire tower to overlook the changing of the season. The falls are always a great place to stop and take a break.
7. Peak Mountain via Metacomet Trail, East Granby
Metacomet Trail, Farmington, CT, USA
Sage Ross/Flickr
This trail follows the ridge of a traprock mountain. It offers some fantastic views once you reach the top and there are several places to rest and take in the changing fall leaves. You are welcome to bring your dog on the Peak Mountain via Metacomet Trail if you want to share your hike with a friend.

What do you think are the best hikes in Connecticut? What did you think about the scenery? We’d love to hear your thoughts! As always, our comments section is wide open for your input.

For more excitement, check out these short and sweet waterfall hikes in Connecticut.

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best hikes in Connecticut

Elisa Regulski | March 08, 2022

What are the top trails in Connecticut to add to my bucket list?

Though not one of the most famous scenic hikes in Connecticut, the Bigelow Hollow State Park Trail is definitely one to prioritize. This gorgeous area is located in the town of Union, and it’s home to 516-acres of untouched beauty. If you visit during the warmer months, you can take a refreshing dip in its lovely swimming hole! Bear Mountain Trail, located inside Mount Riga State Park, is another must-visit destination. This 276-acre preserve is home to the tallest mountain in Connecticut, and the sweeping panoramic views will blow you away. Visit during the spring and enjoy the sights of vibrant wildflowers.

Where are the best places to see fall foliage in Connecticut?

On the Mount Frissell Loop, you’ll see some of the most amazing autumn views in Connecticut. This area isn’t just scenic – it’s the tallest hiking trail in Connecticut! When the trees turn hues of red, yellow, and orange, the landscape takes on a whole new glow. You’ll also see some stunning foliage along the Ragged Mountain Preserve Trail. Journey along the four-mile Metacomet Trail Loop and enjoy the blissful scenery all around you. This, my friends, is what makes Connecticut so magical. Not many states can boast fall colors like these!

What are the best fall day trips in Connecticut?

Every fall, visitors flock to Essex to enjoy the Steam Train and Riverboat. They offer fall foliage train rides every year, and the views are fantastic. Journey along the Connecticut River Valley and watch the colors swirl by. When the crisp autumn air hits your face, you’ll fall in love with Connecticut all over again. Mount Tom State Park is another great place to visit during the fall in Connecticut. Head over to Litchfield and see these sights first-hand.

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