The rural areas in Connecticut are full of small, charming towns you’re sure to love. Each one on this list has a population under 10,000 and less than 500 people per square mile. So, unlike other parts of the state, you are greeted with wide open spaces and a real New England feel. Perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls, you’ll definitely want to give these rural Connecticut towns a chance. See for yourself:

1. Bolton
Bolton, CT 06043, USA
Joanne CT/Flickr
If you're looking for something to do in this rural area in Connecticut, check out the Ruggles Modern Art Gallery for a relaxing afternoon. And the Fish Family Farm Creamery is nothing short of delightful. Be sure to stop by Munson's Chocolates when you're in Bolton.
2. Old Lyme
Old Lyme, CT, USA
Jay McAnally/Flickr
Host to the Florence Griswold Museum and the Sculpture Grounds, this rural Connecticut town is an art lover's dream land. Learn more about why Old Lyme is such a great area.
3. Middlebury
Middlebury, CT, USA
Jay McAnally/Flickr
Home to Quassy Amusement Park, this rural Connecticut town is perfect for a summer weekend. And with its many dining options, it's also perfect for a date night. Get all the details about visiting Quassy Amusement Park.
4. East Haddam
East Haddam, CT, USA
Jay McAnally/Flickr
Home to the Gillette Castle, this riverfront town is a popular destination in the autumn, as it offers spectacular fall foliage. Discover more about this Connecticut rural area.
5. Burlington
Burlington, CT, USA
Brent Soderberg/Flickr
Burlington is the perfect place for a game of golf, complete with some quaint dining options and plenty of sights. Visit Lamothe's Sugar House if you ever find yourself in Burlington.

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6. Redding
Redding, CT 06896, USA
Terry Ballard/Flickr
In this Connecticut rural area, you should head to Topstone Park for some great trails, swimming, and one of the most scenic explorations ever. And Putnam Memorial State Park is pretty awesome too.
7. Thompson
Thompson, CT, USA
Jay McAnally/Flickr
Home to the great Air Line State Park Rail Trail, this is one of the most charming and beautiful rural Connecticut towns. There's also an awesome mini-golf course in Thompson.
8. Colebrook
Colebrook, CT, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
This place is truly a blast from the past. Stop by for a delicious lunch at the oldest general store in the state. Learn all you need to know about the Colebrook Store.
9. Andover
Andover, CT, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
Not only is this quaint town lovely, but the local Rock 'N' Roll Racing offers giant remote control racetracks. Learn more about Andover and other rural areas in Connecticut.
10. Preston
Preston, CT, USA
Jay McAnally/Flickr
In this area of rural Connecticut, you'll find Buttonwood Farm, along with its sprawling sunflower fields and delicious homemade ice cream. Read up on what Buttonwood Farm has in store for its visitors.
11. Sharon
Sharon, CT, USA
jahansell/Flickr
Between the orchard and the Audubon Center, there's no better place to fall in love with your surroundings. This rural Connecticut town will relax and delight you! Discover more about Sharon.

Rural Connecticut sure is something! Have you been to any of these? What is your favorite Connecticut town? Tell us in the comments!

Now that you’ve learned all about Connecticut rural areas, why not take a look at Connecticut foodie towns?

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More to Explore

Fall in Connecticut

Rachel Raimondi | September 21, 2022

What are the most scenic parks in Connecticut?

There are 53 state parks in Connecticut to take in the scenery. Sleeping Giant State Park is located in Hamden. Among the over 30 miles of hiking trails, you’ll find the three-mile out-and-back Tower Trail, which will bring you to the top of Mount Carmel and its observation tower. You can also fish and picnic here. New Milford’s Lovers Leap State Park is 160 acres and offers views of the 149-mile-long Housatonic River. There are also a few hiking trails here to explore as well as ruins and a truss iron bridge.

What are the scariest haunted houses in Connecticut? 

There are several haunted houses in Connecticut. Legends of Fear is located in Shelton. At this over 20-year-old attraction, you’ll have a haunted hayride, a wooded walk, a mortuary, funhouse, and a parish, all with expert costumes, design, and actors. If you are in or around Norwalk, check out A Haunting at Mill Hill. This is a lantern-led haunted graveyard tour where you’ll hear actual stories about murders, death, and other macabre subjects.

Are there any ghost towns in Connecticut?

While not technically rural areas in Connecticut, if you are looking to explore some abandoned places in the Constitution State, know that there are several ghost towns in Connecticut. In Cornwall, there’s Dudleytown, which dates all the way back to the 16th century. It was built on Native American burial grounds, experienced a plague, and abuts the “Dark Entry Forest”. Oh and famed paranormal investigators, Lorraine and Ed Warren, agree that it’s a haunted hotspot. Unfortunately, it lies on private property and is not open to the public for visiting. If you want a ghost town that you can actually visit, check out Gay City in Hebron. Founded in 1796 by the Gay family, these non-Puritans caused controversy by serving and consuming whiskey and even built a distillery. But after its main mill burned down three times, the area was abandoned. Today, you can visit what is now known as Gay City State Park and its leftover features.

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